Google Earth and Geospatial Visualization

And other virtual globes

2

3

Web maps and data visualization

Many Many EyesEyes

GapmindGapmindererWorld World

Freedom Freedom AtlasAtlas

WorldmappWorldmapperer

4

Virtual globes

CelestiaCelestiaWorld WindWorld Wind

ArcGIS ArcGIS ExplorExplorerer

Google Earth for Environmental Managers

5

• Making place marks (points, line, polygons)

• Image overlays• Easy to share files (KML or KMZ)• Easy to use• Cross-platform• No overhead (it’s free!)

What is a GIS?

6

An organised collection of

• computer hardware, • software, • geographic data, • procedures and • personnel

Designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all

forms of geographically referenced information.

Google Earth is NOT…

7

… a true GIS because it cannot…querybufferclipdo quantitative analysisdo cartography

≠≠

Spatial accuracy and precision

8

From OgleEarth blogger: There is no stated accuracy, and accuracy varies. …

Of course, Google Earth is free, and good enough for most uses, and especially in the US and Europe the accuracy is high and errors negligible (< 4m)…

From a Google Earth contact: Check out this Wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Earth#Resolution_and_accuracy

9

Scientific use of Google Earth

10

Do you still need your GIS skills?

11

Spatial accuracyPrecisionMetadataAnalyses across multiple layersCartography

Absolutely

Google Earth demonstration

12

gisatvassar.blogspot.com

13

Questions?

Meg StewartEmail: stewart.meg@gmail.com

Twitter: meg_stewartSkype: megstewart