Example of GIS data display in Google Earth
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Transcript/Description: Illustration of the potential usage of Google Earth3 to display imagery and GIS4 vector data exported from ArcGIS5.
This video clip shows how Google Earth can be used to display aerial imagery, GIS line, polygon and point shapefile6 data. First the video shows a zoom-in on the State of Victoria and then on the Corangamite CMA, where a shapefile of the geomorphological units is shown. We click on one of the unit polygons and a window providing more information on that unit is displayed. We then turn off the shapefile and fly towards a point in the middle of the Corangamite CMA. As the camera stops, a layer of higher resolution aerial image is displayed. We then click on a point and an interactive window opens, providing information on the type of soil profile found at that site and a hotlink to further information is displayed.
Technote:
3. 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.
4. GIS: A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system for capturing, storing, analysing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the earth. It's a tool that allows users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyse the spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all these operations.
5. ArcGIS: is an integrated collection of GIS software products for building a complete GIS. ArcGIS enables users to deploy GIS functionality wherever it is needed in desktops, servers, or custom applications; over the Web; or in the field.
6. Shapefile: is a set of files that contain a set of points, arcs, or polygons (or features) that hold tabular data and a spatial location.
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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was last reviewed on 28/11/2008