Is there a way to get google earth to work without an internet signal?

Actually, Google earth will work off-line but with limited viewing. Here's some tips. If you plan on taking your laptop somewhere where you won't have an internet connection, say for a demonstration first increase the size of your cache under tools -> then options, and increase to max. Then, while connected to the internet zoom into the area that you will need when not connected to the internet and that will be stored in your cache. Before you start, I recommend clearing your history and then go directly to goole earth, zoom to what you want stored on your computer, then disconnect from the internet and let your computer be until you go make your display or presentation. The only way it would work on top of a mountain is if you were lucky enough to pick up an unsecure wireless internet connection. You have to go there and test it.