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 displays satellite images of varying resolution of the Earth's surface, allowing users to visually see things like cities and houses looking perpendicularly down or at an oblique angle, with perspective (see also bird's eye view). The degree of resolution available is based somewhat on the points of interest and popularity, but most land (except for some islands) is covered in at least 15 meters of resolution. Melbourne, Victoria, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Cambridge, Cambridgeshire include examples of the highest resolution, at 15 cm (6 inches). Google Earth allows users to search for addresses for some countries, enter coordinates, or simply use the mouse to browse to a location.

For large parts of the surface of the Earth only 2D images are available, from almost vertical photography. Viewing this from an oblique angle, there is perspective in the sense that objects which are horizontally far away are seen smaller, but of course it is like viewing a large photograph, not quite like a 3D view.

For other parts of the surface of the Earth 3D images of terrain and buildings are available. Google Earth uses digital elevation model (DEM) data collected by NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). This means one can view the Grand Canyon or Mount Everest in three dimensions, instead of 2D like other areas. Since 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.

Many people use the applications to add their own data, making them available through various sources, such as the Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) or blogs mentioned in the link section below. Google Earth is able to show all kinds of images overlaid on the surface of the earth and is also a Web Map Service client. Google Earth supports managing three-dimensional Geospatial data through Keyhole Markup Language (KML).

Google Earth has the capability to show 3D buildings and structures (such as bridges), which consist of users' submissions using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program. In prior versions of Google Earth (before Version 4), 3D buildings were limited to a few cities, and had poorer rendering with no textures. Many buildings and structures from around the world now have detailed 3D structures; including (but not limited to) those in the United States, Canada, Ireland, India, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Pakistan and the cities, Amsterdam and Alexandria. In August 2007, Hamburg became the first city entirely shown in 3D, including textures such as façades. The Irish town of Westport was added to Google Earth in 3D on January 16, 2008. The 'Westport3D' model was created by 3D imaging firm AM3TD using long-distance laser scanning technology and digital photography and is the first such model of an Irish town to be created. As it was developed initially to aid Local Government in carrying out their town planning functions it includes the highest resolution photo-realistic textures to be found anywhere in Google Earth. Three-dimensional renderings are available for certain buildings and structures around the world via Google's 3D Warehouse and other websites.

Recently, Google added a feature that allows users to monitor traffic speeds at loops located every 200 yards in real-time. In version 4.3 released on April 15, 2008, Google Street View was fully integrated into the program allowing the program to provide an on the street level view in many locations.

On January 17, 2009, the entirety of Google Earth's ocean floor imagery was updated to new images by SIO, NOAA, US Navy, NGA, and GEBCO. The new images have caused smaller islands, such as some atolls in the Maldives, to be rendered invisible despite their shores being completely outlined.

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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
Hurricane Reconnaissance
Virtual Recon Flights
Forecast Models
Historical Storm Tracks and formation points
Wind Probability Report
Surge Probability Reports
Impact Summary Reports
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.