Over the past few weeks, a small round UFO-like object emitting a blue glow has sat on my desk. Coincidently that’s the same amount of time that I haven’t been using a mouse to interact with Google Earth.
The SpaceNavigator from 3Dconnexion
The SpaceNavigator is a 3d input device that provides a delightful way of interfacing with Google Earth. A gentle press on the top results in a smooth gliding descent towards the ground. Equally intuitive hand motions allow the user to navigate within the virtual globe, and after a couple of sessions my mouse was confined entirely to essential clicking operations.
It’s a lovely object, comprising a heavy stainless steel base and a stumpy joystick surounded by a blue LED. The SpaceNavigator experience is somewhat addictive, and on reflection, I’ve spent a lot more time in the past few weeks exploring the earth purely out of interest, rather than an urgent desire to find a crucial placemark in time for a lesson the following day. Certain operations, for example flying around a mountain or valley feature, or following a route through a 3D city are considerably enhanced with the SpaceNavigator, since you just keep watching the screen as your hand does the navigating. By comparison, a mouse now feels clunky, especially when tilting the view.
Setting up the SpaceNavigator for initial use was straightforward, with a well constructed tutorial part of the software. It plugs in to the PC via a USB port and the driver installed with ease. The joystick and two buttons can be customized via a control button and preferences saved for different applications. (I found that I was happier with most of the controls reversed.)
I’d love one of these in my classroom, in fact now the device has officially launched, that’s where it will be heading, albeit somewhat reluctantly, since I’m extremely attached to it! Younger test subjects (i.e. my 12 year old daughter and friends) have responded with huge enthusiasm. A particular benefit of the device is that navigation is generally a lot smoother than with a mouse, and video captures are therefore improved. I envisage students recording in-flight commentaries for Google Earth videos as part of future lessons. The SpaceNavigator works with many other 3D applications including SketchUp.
I’m very happy to recommend the SpaceNavigator to teachers and students alike. The Personal Edition will cost £39.00 inclusive of VAT in the UK. This version is licensed for non-commercial and educational use, and is functionally identical to the Standard Edition (£69.00) The 3Dconnexion web site has more information on the device, and a list of re-sellers.
I turned down an initial invitation to travel to London for an early preview, because cynicism and inertia outweighed my interest in the product when it was first described to me. 3Dconnexion sent me a device to try, with no obligations to write a review. I wouldn’t part with it now!
Update:
Ogle Earth and Google Earth Blog have detailed Space Navigator reviews out today. Ogle Earth also has a short interview with Rory Dooley from 3d connexion and Frank Taylor has posted a great video on You Tube. I’ll be updating my review once I’ve trialled the device in the classroom.
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