README-kmlcam-QandA.md

LiveCam Q & A

These notes are aimed at answering the most frequent questions arising for new users of PilotPathRecorder's "LiveCam" support.

Please let us know if your question isn't answered below!

What does it do? Can I have a demo?

Yes! Check out this YouTube video:

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Also check out a script that was developed to help demonstrate these features.

What are the prerequisites?

MSFS2020-PilotPathRecorder has been successfully installed on Windows 10 with a standard installation of the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 (runtime framework); the desktop version of Google Earth (e.g., try version 7.3 if you're unsure), and relies on its normal association with the .kml file extension.

So, basically it's:

• Windows 10
• .NET Framework 4.7.2
• desktop version of Google Earth

How do I install and run it?

See the base installation instructions.

Basically, it's:

1. Download the PilotPathRecorder*.zip deliverable from releases. Unless you have a specific reason not to, please choose the latest release.
2. Unzip the release into a new application folder, from where you will run it. Note that the application will need write access to this folder (e.g., in order to store its state) when it runs.
3. To run the application, double-click or otherwise invoke the file named PilotPathRecorder.exe, which you'll find within the unzipped folder. It can be helpful to create a link to this location (e.g., on your desktop) for easier access.

NOTE: as of this writing, the releases are not "signed", meaning you will likely receive a message from Windows advising you to refrain from unzipping and/or running the application, as it doesn't come from a "trusted" source. Rest assured, there is no malware included; you can override the warning and continue to install and run the application, taking comfort that the full source code, automated build script and build logs are provided for each release.

How can I create my own LiveCams?

Another YouTube video covers the subject of how to customize and/or create your own LiveCams:

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Time to crack open the KML Documentation!

What was your inspiration?

I'm glad you asked 🤭

In addition to being inspired by SA Horiwitz's original project, and being a fan of moving map technology (i.e., I put 2+2 together), I found the following video of a very relevant presentation (given at Google I/O way back in 2011), which convinced me this could be done for simulated flights as well. The relevant presentation starts at offset 16 minutes 17 seconds into the video:

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