Go to earth.google.com to download the software. This function will not work without Google Earth being installed. We strongly suggest you learn how to use Google Earth and understand all of its capabilities. We will not be able to support your questions about Google Earth.

From Wikipedia….

Google Earth is a virtual globe program that was originally called Earth Viewer and was created by Keyhole, Inc. It maps the earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS over a 3D globe. It is available under three different licenses: Google Earth, a free version with limited functionality; Google Earth Plus, which includes a few more features; and Google Earth Professional, intended for commercial use.

Formerly known as Earth Viewer, Google Earth was developed by Keyhole, Inc., a company acquired by Google in 2004. The product was renamed Google Earth in 2005 and is currently available for use on personal computers running Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, or Vista; Mac OS X 10.3.9 and above; Linux (released on June 12, 2006); and FreeBSD. In addition to releasing an updated Keyhole based client, Google also added the imagery from the Earth database to their web based mapping software. 

The resolution is high enough in many large cities, such as Melbourne, London, Washington, D.C., and Seattle, that it is possible to clearly discern individual buildings, houses, the color of cars, and even the shadows of people and street signs. 

The degree of resolution available is based somewhat on the points of interest, but most land (except for some islands) is covered in at least 15 meters of resolution[3]. Las Vegas, Nevada and Cambridge, Massachusetts include examples of the highest resolution, at 15 cm (6 inches). Google Earth allows users to search for addresses (for some countries only), enter coordinates, or simply use the mouse to browse to a location. 

Google Earth also has digital elevation model (DEM) data collected by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. This means one can view the Grand Canyon or Mount Everest in three dimensions, instead of 2D like other map programs/sites. Since 23 November 2006, the 3D views of many mountains, including Mount Everest, have been improved by the use of supplementary DEM data to fill the gaps in SRTM coverage[4]. In addition, Google has provided a layer allowing one to see 3D buildings for many major cities in the US and Japan. 

Many people using the applications are adding their own data and making them available through various sources, such as the BBS or blogs mentioned in the link section below. 

Google Earth supports managing three-dimensional geospatial data through Keyhole Markup Language (KML). It is available in a free version, and in licensed versions for commercial use.

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There are 2 methods in which HURRTRAK interfaces with Google Earth (GE).

-          Graphic Export

-          KML language interface

Each method is described in more detail below.

Graphic Export: 

The Hurrtrak system has the ability to export “ANY” graphic image that is currently being viewed within the system to a format that can then be viewed using Google Earth. When selected, Hurrtrak will automatically display the image on Google Earth without any other user key/mouse strokes needed. Depending on the image, land and sea areas are set to transparent, allowing the Google Earth maps to show through. Please keep in mind that the graphics will enlarge as you zoom in with Google Earth... i.e. the detail will remain constant.

An example of an exported image is shown below.

Export of wind pattern around Wilma

KML Export:

Definitely more powerful than Graphic Export is the KML method… In this case, the Hurrtrak system has the ability to export key hurricane tracking and analysis data to Google Earth via it’s native interface language called KML. Somewhat similar to a GIS type language, KML allows data to be presented many different ways including a three dimensional manner. The data types that are available for export from HURRTRAK to Google Earth are:

Current Storm Track & Observations
Current Wind Radii (poly)
Current Wind Field (points)
Current Wind Pattern Polygon (poly)
Current Watch and Warning area
Official Forecast path (track and points)
Official Forecast Average Error
Official Forecast Wind Radii
Official Forecast Wind Field Grid
Official Forecast Wind Pattern Polygon (poly)
Climate Forecast (latest)
Forecast Model Plots
Rainfall Forecast (latest)
Storm Animation
Wind Band
Report (Impact Summary)
SLOSH Storm Surge data (from SLOSHVIEW program)
ALL Selected (general options) outputs *
External (Non Hurrtrak) Google Earth Data **

* This is a special option that will generate multiple GE KML outputs as defined by General - Google Earth options. This is an easy way to create the same set of output every time in addition to saving time and keystrokes.

** This imports data from various National Weather Service and other sources for viewing on Google Earth. See Using Google Earth external data for more information on this option.

All of these are available from the Google Earth (GE) menu drop down except the additional option of exporting an impact summary report from that tab menu and the SLOSH export which is found in the SLOSHVIEW program.

When one of these is selected,, the system will create the KML If GE is installed, GE will start up and display the data requested on the GE interface. There are several considerations when using the KML Export method. 

1. Make sure you are running the latest version of Google Earth.
2. Within the tracking system, the user has the ability to generate multiple KML files/layers with a single selection of “ALL SELECTED OUTPUT”. The outputs that will be created is controlled within the General Options of User Preferences. Most users will select a subset of all of the possible outputs.
3. When exporting multiple layers at once, we suggest you deselect all of them initially in GE and then select the data you want to view. If you don’t do this you may be presented with something that looks like the image on the next page.
4. GE has animation controls which will allow you to control the animation characteristics.
5. When viewing SLOSH storm surge polygons on GE, make sure you do the following
1. have the “Terrain” layer on (checked) in GE
2. In GE options, set the terrain quality to its max value
3. In GE options, set the terrain exaggeration to a value of 1
4. Zoom in as far as you can in order to analyze the data as the terrain data is not reflected at a low to medium zoom level. You may have to experiment with this.
5. Turning 3D Buildings on in GE will create some interesting affects.
6. Learn Google Earth (it’s not that hard)

The following is an example of multiple (TOO MANY) KML layers on one image.

It is best to deselect all of the layers within GE first and then display only the ones you want to see together at the same time. See image below.