Google Earth / Multimap
I have just driven to a landing site to double check accessibility which as seen on google earth/multimap looks a reasonable site to get in/out from. However, the nice looking green field (on google earth) just south of an industrial unit turns out to be a local council estate dumping ground (fridges, mattresses, druggies!, etc) with an 30ft wall on one side and buidlings on another! As it's not always pactical to drive to private sites first - I have a fewof q's:
1) Is the use of google earth etc for determining landing sites legally acceptable as the only means of survey for commercial ops ?
2) What other means of site survey other than driving there/flying over can be used ?
3) Did operators always go and visit private sites before the days of online aerial mapping ?
One funny thing is - I am now trawling through google earth to find golf courses, cricket grounds etc as an alternative site!