Mapping Stations with Google Earth

 

 

Description

Google Earth combines the power of Google Search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. Using the IRIS Google Map Service, you can create custom maps based on IRIS DMC metadata.


Purpose

IRIS Google Map Service generates a KML file that is used by Google Earth to display station locations and related information based on IRIS DMC metadata holdings.


Getting Started

You can generate KML files using the IRIS Google Map Service with these basic steps:

  • Download and install Google Earth
  • Go the the IRIS Google Map Service and read the instructions
  • Enter a network Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) in your web browser   (see Parameters below)
  • Click the Google Earth icon Google Earth in the upper right corner of the webpage
  • Open the KML file in Google Earth. Or save the KML file to disk, then click on the KML file to view stations in Google Earth.
  • The KML file is a Network Link that will get the most current information from IRIS.

Advanced users: Try the IRIS DMC Station KML Service


Parameters

Network and station parameters can be specified directly in the URI path:

     http://www.iris.edu/gmap/[network]/[station] 

    

Basic example to list the IRIS/IDA network:
     http://www.iris.edu/gmap/II

 

Example for _GSN virtual network list:
     http://www.iris.edu/gmap/_GSN

 

     To see a current list of virtual networks, go here.

     For details see: IRIS DMC Google Map Service Usage

 

Example - TA Network Stations

For example, to request a map of the current TA network stations try: /gmap/TA
and you get this:

TA network map

Click the Google Earth icon Google Earth in the upper right corner of the webpage, then open the KML file in Google Earth.
You should see a map like this:

Google Earth with TA stations

Google Earth displaying the location of USArray TA network stations.

 

Zoom into the state of Washington to view the location of stations.

Google Earth with TA stations

Google Earth displaying the location of USArray TA network stations in Washington.

 

Click on a station icon to get more information.

Google Earth with TA stations

Google Earth displaying information about the TA.B05A station in Washington.

 

 

More Information

New Web Interfaces: the MetaData Aggregator (MDA) and Google Map Service

IRIS DMC Google Map Service - Help page

IRIS DMC Station KML Service

Download Google Earth

Google Earth User Guide v4

 

 

revised: 2009.04.23