Environment Archives
March 17, 2010
Searching for gold in Google Earth
If you ever like to pan for gold, a new tool might be able to help you out. Using a U.S. Department of Interior database, Gold Maps Online has created a variety of KML files to help highlight areas where gold is currently being found.

From their site:
This map can be viewed as a near real-time look at America's active gold deposits. It's near real-time because gold mining claim holders are required to pay annual fees to maintain ownership. They wouldn't do that if they weren't finding gold on the property. This is a map of where prospectors are finding gold in 2010.
The maps aren't free, but you have a few good options. You can try a free sample map to see what it looks like. If you'd like another state, simply contact them and mention GEB and they'll give it to you for free!
These maps are quite well done and could be rather valuable if you happen to be planning a search for gold.
Posted by mickmel at 6:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2010
The world's highest mountains
Google Sightseeing has an interesting article about Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador, and how it can make a claim to being the world's highest mountain. While it's not further above sea level than Mount Everest, it's actually further from the center of the earth (and closer to the moon) than Everest because of the equatorial bulge.
Of course, mountains are always measured relative to sea level, so this doesn't really count. However, it gives us a good excuse to check out some of the largest mountains on the planet, all of which look stunning in Google Earth. Here's the five largest mountains, as measured by distance above sea level:
1. Mount Everest - 8,848 meters - KML![]()

2. K2 - 8,611 meters - KML![]()

3. Kangchenjunga - 8,586 meters - KML![]()

4. Lhotse - 8,516 meters - KML![]()

5. Makalu - 8,485 meters - KML![]()

And even though it's not in the official top 5 list, we should also show off Mount Chimborazo, the "tallest" mountain in the world (KML
)

If you enjoy checking out the mountains in Google Earth, here are a few more resources you'll find useful:
• Google Earth Cool Places: Mountains and Volcanoes
• Google Sightseeing: Natural Landmarks
• Google Earth Hacks: Mountains, Volcanoes
Are there any particularly awesome mountains in Google Earth that you're fond of? Let us know in the comments.
Posted by mickmel at 8:19 AM | Comments (4)
February 2, 2010
A Climate Change Tour of Cold Places
Over the past few years, The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) has built some impressive Google Earth files, such as the Wilkins Ice Shelf Collapse.
They've now released a project titled "A Climate Change Tour of Cold Places", which was created as a collaboration with the University of Colorado at Boulder School of Education. The 12 minute tour is narrated, and features a variety of photos and videos along the way. They call it a "tour of the snowy and icy regions of the world covering sea ice, glaciers, ice shelves, and permafrost".

You can download the KML of the tour here
. For details about the data behind the tour, they have a comprehensive data sheet available. For more information, simply visit their site.
Posted by mickmel at 9:18 AM | Comments (0)
January 18, 2010
Resources for Haiti
In the days since the tragic earthquake in Haiti, many geo-related resources have been released. Here are some of the more noteworthy things we've seen:
[UPDATE - Jan 21 -- Even newer imagery from Google, with incredibly high 15cm resolution in some areas]
Recent imagery from GeoEye
We mentioned it before, but felt it worth mentioning again. Google and GeoEye are working together to push out fresh imagery to a special layer in Google Earth and they've made it available a few different ways. You can download the KML file to view the imagery
, and now you can also access it via the "Historical Imagery" slider at the top of your screen. The file is constantly being appended with more data and imagery.
Interactive Imagery Tool from the New York Times
The New York Times has built a slick tool to highlight some of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake. It's a unique and powerful way to compare "before and after" imagery, with various landmarks highlighted and explained.

Massive Imagery Files for Relief Organizations
In addition to the updated imagery being provided for Google Earth, GeoEye is releasing massive high-res imagery files for relief organizations. These files are hundreds of MB in size, and intended for mapping professionals to assist in responding to the earthquake.
Staying Connected
Google is doing a lot of things to try to help people stay connected with loved ones in Haiti, such as offering a "People Finder" gadget to get people together, and offering free phone calls via Google Voice from the United States to Haiti. All of the details can be found here.
Bing Maps and Photosynth
Microsoft has built a Photosynth of some of the damaged areas of Port-Au-Prince. Photosynth is a neat way to view collections of photographs, though this imagery was collected from video footage and isn't of the highest quality.

However, they've also added updated imagery to Bing Maps. Unlike Google, this imagery is part of the standard layer now, so you can simply fly there to see it. This makes it more easily accessible to people, but it eliminates the ability to compare before/after shots.
Open Route Service via Open Street Map
OpenRouteService is keeping an updated map of available street routes in Haiti. Due to the extensive damage, many streets are closed. This map can help authorities and rescuers to reach their destination as quickly as possible. Open Street Map is helping with the project. (link via Mapperz)

Do you know of any other great resources? Let us know in the comments.
Posted by mickmel at 7:55 AM | Comments (5)
January 13, 2010
Imagery Layer for Haiti Earthquake has been released
Google has been working with GeoEye over the last 24 hours to get fresh imagery from Haiti to help aid relief efforts. They've just released a KML file
for it, which you're encouraged to download. The file is actually a network link, so Google can push additional imagery to you without having to release another KML.

The imagery is remarkably sharp, and shows some amazing scenes such a a soccer field turned into a make-shift camp (shown above), and smoke continuing to billow out of some buildings.
Google has done similar things in the past, with events such as the Myanmar Cyclone or Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to the KML file, Google has set up a crisis response page for the earthquake with lots of information. Specifically, those that are able are encouraged to give donations to help rebuild lives and communities.
Posted by mickmel at 11:06 PM | Comments (3)
More entries for this category:
- Links: Burj Dubai, Historical Imagery Updates, Updated EveryTrail App - January 5, 2010
- Deforestation of the Amazon is uncovering Geoglyphs - January 4, 2010
- The year 2009 in Google Earth - December 30, 2009
- Links: GeoVation, Greenhouse gas world graph, Tiger Woods home - December 18, 2009
- Links: Audi A8 with Google Earth, Liquid Galaxy, Deer Hunting, StreetView in the snow - December 10, 2009
- Climate change with Gov. Schwarzenegger - December 3, 2009
- Tracking the migration of Osprey - November 30, 2009
- Links: Trikes in South Africa, 10K museums, 10 things to know - November 24, 2009
- A closer look at Africa - October 28, 2009
- Outreach and the heroes of Google Earth - October 27, 2009
- Links: New Panaramio app, Thematic Mapping, ARsights, Disaster Relief, First Pics from WorldView-2 - October 21, 2009
- Links: Race My Race, Random Hacks of Kindness, WorldView-2 - October 13, 2009
- Better Parks Layer Info, Rio 3D Terrain Enhancements - October 12, 2009
- Google releases more tours to highlight climate change - October 6, 2009
- Data visualizations in Google Earth - October 5, 2009
- Find ways to help those affected by Tropical Storm Ketsana - October 3, 2009
- Loop Links, Biodiversity and the Law of the Sea - September 30, 2009
- Climate change tools for Google Earth - September 22, 2009
- Station Fire in California in Google Earth - August 31, 2009
- Links: Alphabet Soup, 3D Models movie, Fire tracking - August 24, 2009
- Non-profit's Guide to Using Google Earth/Maps - August 20, 2009
- Kaisei Project - Researching the Plastic Vortex - August 5, 2009
- NASA/Japan Release Terrain Data - Google Earth's is Better - July 1, 2009
- Links: Muggers Caught, Tehran Imagery, Ocean Celebration, UNHCR Donation - June 24, 2009
- Gimme Shelter Campaign via Google Earth - June 18, 2009
- World Oceans Day, 3D Design Competition, Britain Archeological Site, New Imagery Tour Idea - June 8, 2009
- US Drought Conditions in Google Earth by NOAA - June 5, 2009
- Huge Waste of Energy Visible in Google Earth - June 2, 2009
- Links: Geography Bee, Developer Marketplace, Monetize your Maps - May 21, 2009
- Google Earth Outreach Upgrade - May 20, 2009
- Links: Non-Profit Resources, Featured Modelers, Poet Recognized, 3D/4D Quake Analysis - May 7, 2009
- Two Collections: US Coast Guard and Right Whales - April 28, 2009
- Largest Proposed Urban Solar Power Plant in the US - April 23, 2009
- Use Google Earth on Earth Day - April 22, 2009
- Links: Ocean Now, Michigan Earth Day, Goldman Prize, Convention Center, Queen Mary - April 21, 2009
- Wilkins Ice Shelf Collapse in Google Earth - April 17, 2009
- L'Aquila, Italy Earthquake in Google Earth - April 8, 2009
- Glacier Melt Survey in Google Earth - March 24, 2009
- Google Earth Layers - March 22, 2009
- Google Earth Historical Imagery Update - 16-March-2009 - March 16, 2009
- US Solar Jobs Map - March 11, 2009
- Upside Down Earthquakes - March 9, 2009
- Satellite Collision Debris Tracking in Google Earth - February 23, 2009
- Google Earth 5 Released - 3D Ocean and More! - February 2, 2009
- Big Google Earth Announcement with Al Gore and More - January 26, 2009
- New View of Ocean Floor in Google Earth - January 17, 2009
- Urban Tick - Research Results in Google Earth - January 8, 2009
- Ocean Biogeographic Maps in Google Earth - November 25, 2008
- Carolina Beach Inlet in Google Earth - November 4, 2008
- Links: Bioneers, Science Apps, Ogle Catchup, Google Ocean, GreenPeace, Geocoding - October 24, 2008
- Fires in California - 2008-October - Google Earth/Maps - October 14, 2008
- Worldwide Marine Protected Areas in Google Earth - October 7, 2008
- Modified Mars Add-on for Google Earth - September 22, 2008
- More Detailed Arctic Ice Melting Animation in Google Earth - September 19, 2008
- Google Earth News Roundup - September 5, 2008
- Links: Panoramio Contest, Lunar Challenge, Fire Detection - August 28, 2008
- Google.org Visualizes US Geothermal Data in Google Earth - August 21, 2008
- Watch Arctic Ice Melting in Google Earth - August 11, 2008
- Google Goes to the Amazon - July 27, 2008
- More Bad News on Coral Reefs - NOAA's Google Earth Data - July 10, 2008
- Nice Range Map for Important Animals in Google Earth - July 4, 2008
- Links: Outreach Birthday, Bullit Chase Scene, NIN Downloads, KMLWiki - June 30, 2008
- California Fires - June 2008 - June 29, 2008
- Popular Science Highlights Scientific Applications of Google Earth - June 20, 2008
- Disappearing Forests Google Earth Visualizations - June 12, 2008
- Climate Change Data for Google Earth - May 20, 2008
- Links: Science Uses, Compass, GM vs VE, Healthy Planet, and more - April 28, 2008
- Google Earth For Earth Day - April 22, 2008
- Links: GE Lesson, GETools, Microsoft KML, 3D Bridges, Royal Australian 3D, EPA Award - April 18, 2008
- Links: GE/SketchUp Classes, Sea Ice Update, Bergen Terrain, Waldo - April 11, 2008
- More Global Awareness Layers: ARKive and WaterAid - April 10, 2008
- New Greenpeace Layer in Google Earth - April 3, 2008
- Wilkins Ice Shelf, Sea Ice Extent Animation - March 28, 2008
- Global Temperature Trends for Google Earth - March 24, 2008
- Buy a Tree for the Rainforest - Get a KML - March 21, 2008
- Links: Outreach Showcase, Spreadsheet mapping, Geo Test, KML Lesson Talk - February 26, 2008
- Big Update to Google Earth Outreach - February 13, 2008
- Links: Star Viewer, Green Screen, World Hockey, European Pollution, Golden Shadow - January 29, 2008
- Water Bodies in Google Earth - See Australia's! - January 28, 2008
- Links: KML Wrap-up, New Orrery, Zip Scribble, South China Sea - January 23, 2008
- Top 25 Stories of Google Earth 2007 - December 27, 2007
- Montserrat Volcanic Island in Google Earth - December 17, 2007
- Outreach Showcase - December 14, 2007
- Google Earth and Santa Claus - December 7, 2007
- Population Maps for Google Earth - December 5, 2007
- Links: EPA Air Quality, DigitalGlobe, Bolivia Protected Areas - November 27, 2007
- Arctic Ice Melting Animation in Google Earth - November 26, 2007
- Links: WSJ Article, Tornado History, Google Sky Exoplanets - November 15, 2007
- Links: Russian Oil Spill, KML Screen Overlay Maker, Android Demo - November 13, 2007
- San Francisco Oil Spill in Google Earth - November 12, 2007
- DOE Energy Efficient Buildings in 3D Google Earth - November 9, 2007
- Google California Fires Master Layer - October 26, 2007
- California Fires - Satellite photos, Fire Data in Google Earth - October 23, 2007
- San Diego, California Fires - See Smoke in Google Earth - October 22, 2007
- Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails in Google Earth - October 15, 2007
- Hurricane Followspot Animations in Google Earth - October 4, 2007
- Links: GE for scientists, Human body, Burma, Census Explorer, Virtual Earth, Cleanup Weekend - October 2, 2007
- Sierra Club Wants to Protect 52 Places in the US - See in Google Earth - September 28, 2007
- Google Earth Outreach Enhancements - September 16, 2007
- Back to School - Educational Uses with Google Earth - September 11, 2007
- News Roundup: Flight Sim Tips, Clouds and Weather, KML 2.2, Google Solar Panels, Pollution - September 10, 2007
- Greece Fires in Google Earth - August 28, 2007
- News Roundup: Peru Earthquake, Virtual Earth Update, Stefan's Alps Hike - August 16, 2007
- Scientific Ocean Drilling Database in Google Earth - August 14, 2007
- Virtual Globes at AGU 2007 - Call for Papers - August 8, 2007
- Rising Water Effects for Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro - July 31, 2007
- Energy Production Information for Western US - July 17, 2007
- Live Earth Concerts in Google Earth - July 6, 2007
- Quasi-global Near real-time Rainfall in Google Earth - July 3, 2007
- June Layers Additions/Updates for Google Earth - June 29, 2007
- Google Earth Outreach Announcement Video - June 28, 2007
- Notes from the Google Earth Outreach Announcement in NYC - June 27, 2007
- Introducing Google Earth Outreach - New Global Awareness Layers - June 26, 2007
- News Roundup: Google Earth Nonproifts Initiative, Giant Earth Screen, Pollmapr, Conferences, - June 22, 2007
- Google Earth Helping Amazon Indians - June 19, 2007
- ISDE Day 3 Summary - June 8, 2007
- Google Earth More Realistic with Better Terrain - June 6, 2007
- International Symposium on Digital Earth - Day 1, Part 1 - June 5, 2007
- Google Releases High Resolution Terrain - Western US and Canaries - June 2, 2007
- Rising Water Effects for NYC in Google Earth - Part III - May 25, 2007
- Rising Water Effects for NYC in Google Earth - Part II - May 18, 2007
- New Google Earth Layers Update: Amsterdam 3D, Forest Service, Taiwan Roads - May 17, 2007
- News Roundup 1 - Education, Clean Cruising, Magnalox, NASA UAVSAR - May 6, 2007
- See the Googleplex Solar Panel Plan in 3D - May 1, 2007
- News Roundup - Chile Border Crisis, Caribou, Gumball Rally, Emotions - April 30, 2007
- Maverick Waves Explained - Illustration in Google Earth - April 23, 2007
- New California Marine Protected Areas in Google Earth - April 20, 2007
- New Google Earth Layers for April: Darfur, Trimble, and more - April 9, 2007
- Animation Roundup: Rising Sea Levels, Filling Grand Canyon, Global Clouds - April 6, 2007
- Utah Geo Sightseeing in Google Earth - April 4, 2007
- Historical Maps of Tornado Paths in the US - April 3, 2007
- The Awesome Victoria Falls in Google Earth - March 24, 2007
- Super High Resolution Photos in Google Earth - March 18, 2007
- Google Highlights New Layers - March 13, 2007
- Major Layer Update for Google Earth - March 10th - March 10, 2007
- New Snow and Ice Data for Google Earth - March 5, 2007
- Happy International Polar Year! Google Earth Presentation - March 2, 2007
- World Oil Consumption - 3D Charts in Google Earth - February 27, 2007
- NASA Releases More Earth Data for Google Earth - February 22, 2007
- National Geographic on Elephant Poaching - Google Earth Presentation - February 20, 2007
- News Roundup - FreeGeoTools, Sprol, Subsurface, conferences, Magnalox - February 12, 2007
- Google Earth Critical Tool in Fight Against Logging Plan - February 6, 2007
- Discovery Sunrise on Google Earth - January 29, 2007
- Daily NASA MODIS Satellite Imagery for Google Earth - January 20, 2007
- NOAA Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Weather Feed for Google Earth - January 13, 2007
- NOAA Releases Estuarine Bathymetric Data for Google Earth - January 12, 2007
- Upper Green Valley Environmental Issues Illustrated with Google Earth - January 10, 2007
- New Imagery Update for the Holidays - Awesome! - December 17, 2006
- Virtual Globes Sessions at AGU - Day 1 - December 13, 2006
- NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab Publishes Google Earth Content - December 8, 2006
- View Melting Glaciers in Google Earth - December 3, 2006
- Maplecroft Risk Analsysis Global Maps in Google Earth - November 22, 2006
- Protecting Rainforests in Victoria, Australia Using Google Earth - November 21, 2006
- Amazon Indians Using Google Earth to Protect Tropical Forests - November 15, 2006
- Earth on Fire - November 4, 2006
- End Mountain Top Removal Campaign with Google Earth - October 15, 2006
- UNEP's New Environment Layer in Google Earth - September 21, 2006
- Back to School - Educational Uses with Google Earth - August 29, 2006
- New Environment and Conservation Forum for Google Earth Community - July 17, 2006
- Map of Projected Sea Level Rise Effects on Vancouver - May 8, 2006
- USGS Releases Geologic Maps for Google Earth - April 25, 2006
- Earth Day - Google Earth Style - April 22, 2006
- NOAA's Coral Reef Watch Adds Google Earth Data - April 13, 2006
- State of Our Ecology in Google Earth - April 12, 2006
- Sierra Club Shows Public Land Sale Proposal in Google Earth - March 17, 2006
- More Satellite Environmental Data in Google Earth - January 31, 2006
- Global Fire Data in Google Earth - January 26, 2006
- Arctic and Antarctic Ice Floes in Google Earth - January 25, 2006
- Environmental Groups Leveraging Google Earth - January 16, 2006
