View Full Version : Google Earth Overlays
Was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good Geological Survey overlay for google earth?
Alligator
09-05-2007, 08:38
I haven't played with Google Earth yet, but what type of overlays are you looking for, elevation?
Ah should have been a bit more specific. Looking for something with a break down of rock types. Diabase, quartzite, granite etc...
Alligator
09-05-2007, 09:53
Are you familiar with GIS downloads? There are some here (http://tin.er.usgs.gov/) under the Geological data heading.
CoyoteWhips
09-05-2007, 09:59
I didn't know there was a service for that! I'll often get a map of local trails from the state parks website and overlay it in Google Earth. Trails.com offers a premium service with access to usgs maps that can be saved and imported into Earth.
For example, here's a Google Earth overlay of Harold Parker State Forest (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/download.php?Number=993025). I might be heading out that way later this week.
Are you familiar with GIS downloads? There are some here (http://tin.er.usgs.gov/) under the Geological data heading.
When you mean "here" do you mean on this site or was that a broken link?
Alligator
09-05-2007, 10:07
When you mean "here" do you mean on this site or was that a broken link?Sorry, I have added the link.
Wow, that is nice. Maybe an overlay of the AT some day?
Alligator
09-05-2007, 15:27
Wow, that is nice. Maybe an overlay of the AT some day?It's seems pretty easy to do, but you need Google Earth PRO. The ATC has the centerline data .shp file and the user guide for Google Earth says to drag and drop the .shp file with its .shx file into the Google Earth window.
Alligator
09-05-2007, 15:31
Well, somebody did it the opposite way and took the centerline into ArcMap and exported it as .kmz Google Earth file. Here (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/888578/page//vc/1)it is. Enjoy!
Midway Sam
09-05-2007, 15:39
Well, somebody did it the opposite way and took the centerline into ArcMap and exported it as .kmz Google Earth file. Here (http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/888578/page//vc/1)it is. Enjoy!
On one of my section hikes I took the centrline data of the section and converted it into a Garmin "track" and loaded it into my GPSr. Even though it was handy to be able to pick out basically where I was on the trail, it still didn't make the GPSr any more useful than the trail map, and was a heck of a lot heavier.
sherrill
09-05-2007, 16:01
I imported the .kmz into my Google earth for the trail, as well as another file that lists all of the shelters.
sherrill
09-05-2007, 16:05
Sorry, meant to add this link:
http://www.gearthhacks.com/downloads/advancedresults.php
Nightwalker
09-07-2007, 14:29
If you go to http://seamless.usgs.gov/, you will find more layers than you can imagine, most of them downloadable. They are also all loadable into a GIS app once downloaded.
Tennessee Viking
09-08-2007, 00:56
Was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good Geological Survey overlay for google earth?
I can tell you do not trust Google Maps or Earth on their AT layout. Currently Google has the AT laid out about 10 years ago. I guess when the last USGS topographical maps were published.
I am in the works of getting Spivey Gap-Damascus laid out. Marking it by trail guide description and locations. Trying to get all major trailheads, shelters, gaps, summits, and springs for waypoints, then tracing out a profile.
Contact the maintenance groups to see if their sections have been waypointed for GPS.
Tennessee Viking
09-08-2007, 00:59
This is the link to the entire shelter listing with coordinates.
http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/