Im not a driver yet and want to know if anyone has uses google earth(provided they have a lap top).I thought it might help when Im putting my trip together and I see some hairy driving areas on the map(like at my final destination)That way,I could actually zoom in on that spot and have a closer look at what I might be up against.

My experience with Google earth is it is not always a correct location number 1. To try to use it to zoom down and see obstacles is not going to happen. Why? You can't zoom close enough, and most pictures are out of date. Obstacles in parking lots (some) change daily. Roads leading in can have construction. Too many variables.
I would not trust it. As for directions, to the best of my knowledge, mapquest, google, yahoo, rand mcnally, none list trucking routes. They dont show low overpasses, weight limits, and a list of other things that could cause you a problem.
Basic info,, ok,,, truck route.. no way.
That is just my .02

But, who was that waving at me then?

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Thanks,I understand that the maps are not current and do not focus too closely,Vehicles in the way etc...what I meant was,for a new driver and inexperienced,it may be a great addition to your maps to have a look at areas where,say,turning around might be a problem.With an"aerial"view,you might be able to spot trouble spots and avoid them ahead of time.heres a question...where do you get your maps?Do ya just buy a big ol book from rand macnally?This would be helpful. Thanks.

And just what was being waved? If ya was lookin in GA.. that be me..

Well I'm sorta new too. I just started driving back in October. I was lucky and found a job that gets me home "most" every night. M-F. Most of our routes are planned out by dispatch and given to us. Were paid hourly so I don't mind if it is not the fastest route.
Before I got this gig, I was within days of heading to Roehl. I purchased a Rand Mcnally Motor Carrier Road Atlas. It has plenty of information in it, and after using it for awhile it does get easier to use. (at first, it was a pain) yes I still use it. I double check the route dispatch gives to me as it is my butt on the line with a citation. I tried using the earth google on a couple of stops that other drivers had told me were a pain. I could not get a good enough view of the area to understand till I seen it with my own eyes. If you are using a laptop, why not get a copilot 9 for truck. If you go to the gizmo (cant think of the name) on this forum for electronics, there is a bit of information on it. The reports I read online have been good. You can get the GPS attachment and get door to door legal directions. "IF" I was going OTR, that would be my choice. I'm lucky in my job, we only travel in GA, TN, NC, SC, AL, and the panhandle of FL. Most are lumber yards, and commercial window customers. There is a few hardware stores. But even those for the most part are fairly easy to get into and find. I don't know about running the 48 and delivering? If I was going to run the 48, with my research I would go with the GPS version of the copilot 9. I would also use my cb to get local info on deliveries, and might get lucky and get a driver that has dropped there before and might be able to get a heads up on any problems getting in.
Hope that helps..
Good luck and safe travels
gagoon

Thanks for all the input everyone.I will look at the extra gizmos and see if I like them.

Then there are the really useful things about Google Earth, as seen here
[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

Maybe they should call it something different.Like"peeping Toms planet" ha!

Google Earth can be a useful tool for identifying possible tight spots etc. HOWEVER, as others have mentioned, it is only as good as it's updates......which I believe are very old.

For example, when I zoom into my house, it shows it as still under construction........my home was FINISHED a little over 3 years ago!!