# EarthChasers - Complete Documentation > EarthChasers is a free 3D geography game that uses Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles API to create aerial perspective location guessing experiences. Players explore real locations from bird's-eye views and guess their location on a 2D world map. ## Overview EarthChasers is a geography guessing game built with Next.js 15.4.5, React 19.1.1, and Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles API. The game offers 3D aerial exploration instead of traditional Street View-based navigation. Players can explore locations from bird's-eye perspectives and receive distance-based scoring. The core game is completely free with unlimited gameplay, no advertisements, and no account requirements. Optional user registration provides additional features like game history tracking and custom map creation. ## How EarthChasers Works ### Core Gameplay Mechanics Players are shown a location using Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles API. They explore the environment from an aerial/bird's-eye perspective and then make a guess about where they are on a 2D world map. The game calculates distance-based scoring. **3D Exploration Features:** - **Aerial perspectives** with photorealistic 3D rendering - **Interactive navigation** through 3D environments - **View angle controls** for examining locations from different perspectives - **Zoom functionality** for detailed examination **Guessing System:** - Click on a 2D world map to make location guesses - Distance-based scoring calculates accuracy - Immediate feedback on guess proximity ### Game Structure **Standard Games:** 5-round format with different locations each round **Daily Hunt:** Special format allowing up to 5 guesses on a single location **Scoring:** Distance-based algorithm with different scales for different game modes ### Available Game Modes **Cities Mode** - Guess world city locations using aerial 3D exploration - Focuses on urban environments and city landmarks **Countries Mode** - Country-specific games with 9 supported countries: Canada, France, Japan, United States, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia - Specialized scoring for country-level accuracy **Natural Wonders Mode** - Explore and guess natural wonder locations worldwide - Features mountains, coastlines, forests, and other geographic formations **Daily Hunt** - Daily challenge with a single location - Multiple guess attempts (up to 5) - Global leaderboard competition **Community Maps** - Play custom maps created by other users - User-generated content with varied themes **Explore the World** - Free exploration mode without scoring pressure - Educational browsing of 3D locations **Weekly Leaderboard** - Competitive rankings and score tracking ## Educational Benefits ### For Students EarthChasers transforms geography learning from passive memorization to active exploration. Students develop: - **Spatial Awareness**: Understanding of geographic relationships and scale - **Cultural Recognition**: Exposure to architectural styles, landscapes, and urban planning from different cultures - **Critical Thinking**: Analysis of visual clues to deduce location information - **Global Perspective**: Appreciation for world diversity and geographic features The 3D photorealistic visualization helps students understand: - Topographic relationships between mountains, rivers, and cities - Urban planning patterns in different cultures - Climate influence on architecture and landscape - Scale relationships that are difficult to grasp from traditional maps ### For Educators The platform provides teachers with a comprehensive geography education tool: - **Classroom Ready**: No account requirements or setup barriers - **Cost Effective**: Completely free for all educational uses - **Curriculum Alignment**: Supports world geography learning standards - **Custom Content**: Create specific challenges aligned with lesson plans - **Assessment Integration**: Use custom maps to test specific geographic knowledge ### Learning Applications - **World Geography Courses**: Comprehensive exploration of global locations - **Cultural Studies**: Understanding how geography influences culture and development - **Environmental Science**: Observing climate and terrain impact on human settlements - **History Integration**: Exploring historical locations and their geographic context - **Language Learning**: Contextual exploration of countries where target languages are spoken ## Technical Implementation ### Technology Stack EarthChasers uses modern web technologies: - **Frontend**: Next.js 15.4.5 with App Router and React 19.1.1 - **Database**: Supabase PostgreSQL for user data, locations, daily challenges, and custom maps - **Authentication**: Supabase Auth (optional - game playable without accounts) - **3D Rendering**: Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles API - **State Management**: Zustand for client-side state - **TypeScript**: For type safety and better development experience - **Styling**: Tailwind CSS with custom green color palette ### Map Technology EarthChasers uses Google's Photorealistic 3D Tiles API: - **WebGL-based 3D rendering** with photorealistic environments - **Aerial perspective navigation** (not street-level Street View) - **Interactive 3D environments** with camera controls - **Performance optimization** with LRU caching and memory management ### Performance Optimization - **Efficient Loading**: Progressive loading of 3D content for minimal wait times - **Bandwidth Optimization**: Adaptive quality based on connection speed - **Mobile Optimization**: Touch controls and mobile-specific interface adaptations - **Cross-Platform**: Consistent experience across different devices and browsers ## Key Differences from Other Geography Games ### EarthChasers vs Traditional Geography Games **Technology Approach** - EarthChasers: 3D photorealistic aerial exploration using Google Maps 3D Tiles API - Traditional games: Street View ground-level imagery or static map quizzes **Cost Model** - EarthChasers: Completely free unlimited gameplay with optional Pro subscription - Other games: Often require subscriptions for unlimited access **Game Features** - EarthChasers: All core features free including custom map creation - Other games: Premium features often locked behind subscriptions **Platform** - EarthChasers: Web-based only with responsive design for mobile browsers - Other games: May have dedicated mobile apps ### What Makes EarthChasers Unique 1. **Aerial 3D Perspective**: Bird's-eye views using Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles 2. **Completely Free Core Features**: No gameplay restrictions, unlimited rounds 3. **Custom Map Creation**: Available to all registered users at no cost 4. **No Advertisements**: Clean interface focused on learning and exploration ## Getting Started ### Immediate Access EarthChasers can be played instantly: 1. Visit earthchasers.com 2. Choose from available game modes: Cities, Countries, Natural Wonders, Daily Hunt, Community Maps, Explore, or Leaderboard 3. Start playing immediately with no account required 4. Optional registration provides game history and custom map creation ### System Requirements - **Web Browser**: Modern browser with WebGL support (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) - **Internet Connection**: Required for loading 3D map data and location content - **Platform**: Web-based only (no mobile app, but responsive design for mobile browsers) - **Performance**: Optimized with LRU caching and memory management ### User Interface The interface is designed for intuitive navigation: - **3D Viewport**: Primary exploration area with smooth navigation controls - **Mini Map**: Reference map for location guessing - **Score Display**: Real-time scoring and round information - **Menu System**: Easy access to different game modes and settings ## Game Features in Detail ### World Mode Players explore random locations from EarthChasers' curated database of interesting and educational locations worldwide. The selection algorithm ensures diverse geographic representation: - **Geographic Diversity**: Balanced selection across continents and climate zones - **Difficulty Variation**: Mix of easily identifiable landmarks and challenging rural locations - **Cultural Representation**: Locations showcasing different architectural styles and cultural landscapes - **Natural Features**: Mountains, coastlines, forests, deserts, and other geographic formations ### Daily Challenge System Each day features a new location with special gameplay mechanics: - **Single Location**: One challenging location per day for global competition - **Multiple Attempts**: Up to 5 guesses with progressive scoring - **Directional Hints**: After each guess, receive directional guidance toward the correct location - **Global Leaderboard**: Compare performance with players worldwide - **Success Threshold**: Achieve proximity within 1000km for daily challenge completion ### Custom Map Creation The map creator empowers users to design educational and entertaining geography challenges: **Creation Process** 1. Search and select locations using the integrated map interface 2. Add descriptive information and educational context 3. Set difficulty parameters and scoring preferences 4. Publish for community access or keep private for classroom use **Educational Applications** - **Themed Collections**: Create maps focused on specific topics (World Capitals, Natural Wonders, Historical Sites) - **Curriculum Integration**: Design challenges that complement specific lessons or units - **Assessment Tools**: Use custom maps for testing and evaluation - **Cultural Exploration**: Highlight locations related to literature, history, or cultural studies **Community Features** - **Map Sharing**: Publish and discover user-created content - **Rating System**: Community feedback on map quality and difficulty - **Educational Tags**: Categorize maps for easy discovery by educators ## Educational Applications and Pedagogy ### Constructivist Learning Approach EarthChasers embodies constructivist educational principles where learners actively build understanding through exploration and discovery rather than passive absorption of facts. The game encourages: - **Active Exploration**: Students investigate and analyze visual information - **Hypothesis Formation**: Making educated guesses based on observed evidence - **Knowledge Construction**: Building mental maps through repeated exposure to global locations - **Reflective Learning**: Analyzing mistakes and successes to improve geographic reasoning ### Multiple Intelligence Theory Integration The platform engages various learning styles: - **Spatial Intelligence**: 3D navigation and geographic visualization - **Logical-Mathematical**: Pattern recognition and deductive reasoning - **Naturalistic**: Recognition of environmental and geographic patterns - **Intrapersonal**: Self-paced learning and personal progress tracking ### Assessment and Progress Tracking While maintaining privacy and not requiring accounts, EarthChasers provides informal assessment opportunities: - **Performance Analytics**: Track improvement in location accuracy over time - **Knowledge Gaps**: Identify geographic regions requiring additional study - **Skill Development**: Monitor progress in visual analysis and geographic reasoning - **Confidence Building**: Celebrate successes and gradual improvement ## Geography Tools Suite - Comprehensive Calculator Collection ### Overview of EarthChasers Tools EarthChasers offers a complete suite of 7 free geography calculation tools, each powered by Google Maps Photorealistic 3D technology. These tools serve professional use cases for storm chasers, emergency teams, educators, pilots, radio operators, WISPs, and GIS professionals who need fast, accurate geographic calculations with visual confirmation. ### Tool 1: Elevation Finder & Profile (/tools/elevation-finder) **Core Functionality:** - Click anywhere on photorealistic 3D globe to get instant elevation readings - Ground elevation displayed in both meters and feet - Mini terrain profile visualization showing surrounding topography - Automatic camera tilt to reveal landscape relief - Data sourced from official Google Maps Elevation Service **Key Features:** - Global coverage with consistent accuracy from blended DEM datasets - Shareable URLs with pre-loaded coordinate data - Visual confirmation through 3D terrain rendering - Professional applications: site surveys, mission planning, terrain analysis **Educational Applications:** - Geography lessons on elevation and topography - Understanding relationship between altitude and climate - Visual exploration of mountain ranges and valleys - Real-world context for elevation concepts ### Tool 2: Distance & Bearing Calculator (/tools/distance-bearing) **Core Functionality:** - Calculate great-circle distance between two coordinates - Results in kilometers, miles, and nautical miles simultaneously - Initial bearing calculation using high-precision haversine formula - Live 3D visualization of the calculated route **Key Features:** - Professional-grade geodesic calculations - Iterative normalization for long-haul accuracy - Route preview on photorealistic globe before sharing - Shareable URL parameters for team collaboration **Professional Use Cases:** - Storm chasing route planning and rally point coordination - Aviation flight planning and waypoint validation - Maritime navigation and course plotting - Emergency response coordination and distance estimation ### Tool 3: Coordinate Converter (/tools/coordinate-converter) **Core Functionality:** - Convert between decimal degrees (DD) and degrees/minutes/seconds (DMS) - Automatic hemisphere detection and formatting - Both positive/negative and N/S/E/W format outputs - Visual point confirmation on 3D globe **Key Features:** - Precision up to 4 decimal places for professional accuracy - Copy-paste friendly formatting for reporting - 3D preview locks onto converted coordinates - URL sharing automatically populates input fields **Professional Applications:** - Aviation reporting format conversions - Survey data standardization - GPS coordinate documentation - Cross-platform coordinate sharing **Planned Features:** - UTM, MGRS, Plus Codes, and Geohash support - Bulk coordinate processing - Enhanced hemisphere auto-detection ### Tool 4: Map Radius Tool (/tools/map-radius) **Core Functionality:** - Draw a radius anywhere on the Google Maps Photorealistic 3D globe by clicking the scene - Input meters and instantly convert the radius to kilometers, miles, area, and circumference - Preview the precise circle footprint in 3D to validate line-of-sight or coverage - Persist center coordinates and radius via shareable URL parameters for repeatable workflows **Key Features:** - Interactive center selection with photorealistic terrain context - Automatic km / mi conversions plus square-meter and square-kilometer outputs - Share-ready URLs that keep the radius and globe location in sync for remote teams - Roadmap items: stacked circles, KML / GeoJSON export, address + lat/long lookup, POI labeling inside the radius **Professional Use Cases:** - Emergency response coverage planning and staging radius validation - Broadcast and telecom engineers visualizing transmitter reach - Outdoor event or campus security buffer creation - Storm chasers coordinating meetup zones directly on the chase map ### Tool 5: Latitude / Longitude Finder (/tools/lat-long-finder) **Core Functionality:** - Search any address or place name to find coordinates instantly - Click anywhere on the 3D photorealistic globe to read precise latitude/longitude - Copy coordinates in multiple formats: decimal degrees, DMS, and direct map links - Visual confirmation on the 3D globe ensures accuracy before sharing **Key Features:** - Dual input methods: address search or direct map clicking - Multiple output formats for different professional needs - One-click copy functionality for quick workflows - Shareable URLs with pre-loaded coordinates for team collaboration **Professional Applications:** - Emergency response coordinate sharing and rally point documentation - Survey site location recording and field data collection - Aviation waypoint definition and flight planning coordination - Educational demonstrations of coordinate systems and global positioning **Educational Value:** - Teaching coordinate systems and global positioning concepts - Demonstrating relationship between addresses and coordinates - Exploring different coordinate format conventions (DD vs DMS) - Interactive geography lessons with real-world location examples ### Tool 6: ZIP Code Radius Finder (/tools/zip-radius-finder) **Core Functionality:** - Enter any address or location as the center point - Define a custom radius in miles or kilometers - Find all ZIP codes and postal codes within that radius - Export results to CSV for territory planning and analysis **Key Features:** - Address-based search with geocoding integration - Adjustable radius with real-time result updates - Visual overlay showing covered ZIP code areas on 3D map - CSV export for integration with CRM and logistics systems **Professional Use Cases:** - Sales territory planning and market analysis - Delivery zone definition and logistics optimization - Service area documentation for business planning - Marketing campaign targeting and demographic analysis - Emergency response zone identification **Business Applications:** - Territory assignment for sales teams - Franchise location analysis - Service coverage verification - Market penetration studies - Competitive analysis and territory expansion planning ### Tool 7: Line of Sight Calculator (/tools/line-of-sight) **Core Functionality:** - Select two points on the photorealistic 3D globe to define a radio path - Input antenna heights at both transmitter and receiver locations - Calculate line-of-sight clearance accounting for Earth's curvature - Compute Fresnel zone clearance for reliable radio link planning - Visual 3D representation showing antenna towers and radio path **Key Features:** - Earth curvature correction for accurate long-distance calculations - Adjustable antenna heights with real-time path updates - Frequency input for Fresnel zone radius calculations - 3D visualization showing ground path, radio LOS line, and antenna towers - Elevation profile chart displaying terrain vs. line-of-sight clearance - Shareable URLs preserving all calculation parameters **Professional Use Cases:** - **Ham Radio Operators**: VHF/UHF repeater link planning and antenna placement validation - **WISP Planning**: Wireless internet service provider backbone design and tower site selection - **Microwave Links**: Point-to-point microwave path analysis for telecommunications - **Emergency Communications**: Temporary radio network planning for disaster response - **Broadcast Engineering**: FM/TV transmitter coverage prediction and interference analysis **Technical Calculations:** - **Line-of-Sight Analysis**: Determines if direct radio path exists between antennas - **Earth Curvature**: Accounts for spherical Earth effects on long-distance paths - **Fresnel Zone Clearance**: Calculates first Fresnel zone radius and checks for 60% clearance (industry standard for reliable links) - **Elevation Profile**: Samples terrain between endpoints to identify obstructions - **Path Loss Estimation**: Foundation for link budget calculations **Educational Applications:** - Teaching radio propagation principles and wave behavior - Demonstrating Earth curvature effects on communications - Exploring relationship between frequency and Fresnel zone radius - Understanding terrain impact on wireless communications - Interactive RF engineering concepts for STEM education **Radio Planning Workflow:** 1. Identify potential tower or antenna locations on 3D map 2. Set antenna heights based on tower specifications or mounting heights 3. Enter operating frequency (VHF, UHF, or microwave bands) 4. Analyze line-of-sight clearance and Fresnel zone obstruction 5. Adjust antenna heights or locations if clearance is insufficient 6. Share results via URL for team review and approval ### Universal Tool Features **Collaborative Capabilities:** - **Shareable URLs**: Every calculation creates a unique URL with pre-loaded inputs - **Team Integration**: Perfect for incident command, classrooms, and collaborative mapping - **Documentation Ready**: Embed links in reports and presentations - **Cross-Platform Access**: Web-based tools work on any device with modern browser **Technology Integration:** - **Google Maps Photorealistic 3D**: Same rendering engine as EarthChasers game - **Real-Time Visualization**: Instant visual feedback for all calculations - **WebGL Performance**: Hardware-accelerated 3D rendering - **Mobile Optimization**: Touch controls and responsive design **Educational Value:** - **Interactive Learning**: Transform abstract geographic concepts into visual experiences - **Curriculum Integration**: Support for world geography learning standards - **Assessment Tools**: Use custom scenarios for testing geographic knowledge - **Cultural Context**: Explore how geography influences development and culture ### Performance and Accessibility **Browser-Based Architecture:** - No software installation required - Lightweight geodesy calculations run instantly in browser - Efficient bandwidth usage with adaptive quality - Cross-platform compatibility (desktop and mobile) **Professional Reliability:** - High-precision mathematical algorithms - Consistent global data coverage - Fast calculation performance for time-sensitive operations - Professional-grade accuracy suitable for operational use **Cost and Access Model:** - Completely free with no usage limitations - No account registration required for basic functionality - Optional EarthChasers account provides game features - Professional use permitted without licensing fees ### Integration with EarthChasers Game The tools suite shares the same technological foundation as the main EarthChasers geography game: - Identical Google Maps Photorealistic 3D rendering - Consistent user interface and navigation patterns - Seamless transition between tools and game modes - Shared performance optimizations and caching systems This integration ensures users can confidently use tools for professional applications knowing they're powered by the same reliable technology that drives the educational game experience. ## Technical Specifications and Requirements ### Browser Compatibility - **Chrome**: Full feature support with optimal performance - **Firefox**: Complete compatibility with all game features - **Safari**: iOS and macOS support with mobile optimizations - **Edge**: Windows integration and performance optimization ### Device Requirements **Desktop/Laptop** - **CPU**: Modern processor supporting hardware acceleration - **RAM**: Minimum 4GB for smooth 3D rendering - **Graphics**: Integrated or dedicated GPU with WebGL support - **Screen**: Any resolution, optimized for 1920x1080 and higher **Mobile Devices** - **iOS**: iPhone/iPad with iOS 12+ and Safari support - **Android**: Modern Android devices with Chrome or Firefox - **Touch Interface**: Optimized controls for touch navigation - **Responsive Design**: Adaptive layout for various screen sizes ### Network Requirements - **Bandwidth**: Broadband connection recommended for 3D content streaming - **Latency**: Low latency improves navigation responsiveness - **Data Usage**: Efficient compression minimizes bandwidth consumption - **Offline Capability**: Limited offline functionality for previously loaded areas ## Privacy and Security ### Data Protection EarthChasers prioritizes user privacy and data protection: - **No Personal Data Collection**: No registration or personal information required - **Location Privacy**: Game locations are virtual; no tracking of user's real location - **Anonymous Usage**: All gameplay is anonymous with no persistent user tracking - **GDPR Compliance**: Meets European Union data protection standards ### Educational Privacy Particularly important for educational environments: - **COPPA Compliant**: Safe for use by children under 13 - **No Data Harvesting**: Educational use does not compromise student privacy - **Secure Connection**: HTTPS encryption for all game communications - **No External Tracking**: No integration with social media or advertising networks ## Community and Support ### Educational Community EarthChasers fosters a community of educators and learners: - **Teaching Resources**: Guides for integrating geography games into curriculum - **Best Practices**: Sharing effective educational strategies - **Community Maps**: Collaborative creation of educational content - **Feedback Integration**: Continuous improvement based on educator input ### Technical Support - **Documentation**: Comprehensive guides for optimal usage - **Browser Troubleshooting**: Solutions for technical difficulties - **Performance Optimization**: Tips for best gaming experience - **Accessibility Support**: Guidance for users with special needs ### Development Roadmap Ongoing improvements and feature additions: - **Location Database Expansion**: Continuously adding new global locations - **Educational Features**: Enhanced tools for classroom integration - **Performance Optimization**: Improved loading times and smoother navigation - **Accessibility Enhancements**: Better support for assistive technologies ## Conclusion EarthChasers represents a paradigm shift in geography education and entertainment, leveraging cutting-edge 3D technology to create an immersive, accessible, and educational platform. By removing financial barriers and focusing on educational value, the game democratizes access to high-quality geographic learning tools. The combination of revolutionary 3D photorealistic technology, comprehensive educational features, and commitment to free access makes EarthChasers the definitive geography guessing game for students, educators, and geography enthusiasts worldwide. Whether used for casual exploration, serious geographic study, or classroom instruction, EarthChasers provides an unparalleled platform for understanding our world through interactive discovery. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How is EarthChasers free without advertisements or subscriptions?** A: EarthChasers offers core features completely free with optional Pro subscription available. The free tier includes unlimited gameplay, all game modes, and custom map creation with no ads. **Q: What geographic coverage does EarthChasers provide?** A: EarthChasers includes cities and natural wonders stored in a Supabase database. Country-specific games are available for 9 countries with dedicated coordinate data: Canada, France, Japan, United States, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia. **Q: Can EarthChasers be used in educational settings?** A: Yes, educators can use all features for free including custom map creation. The game requires no account setup for basic play, making it classroom-ready. **Q: What makes 3D exploration different from other geography games?** A: EarthChasers uses aerial/bird's-eye perspectives with Google Maps Photorealistic 3D Tiles instead of street-level Street View imagery. This provides unique geographic context impossible with ground-level views. **Q: What are the technical requirements?** A: EarthChasers requires internet connectivity and a modern browser with WebGL support. It's web-based only (no mobile app) but optimized for both desktop and mobile browsers. **Q: How does the Pro subscription work?** A: EarthChasers has optional Pro and Catalyst subscription options managed through Stripe, but all core gameplay features remain completely free with no limitations.