The use of GIS for the geostatistical interpolation of radioelement data is well documented throughout scientific literature (Kemski et al. In addition, KML files can be viewed in Google Maps™ in 2D. KML, PNG, DAE) to be merged into one KMZ file, allowing for efficient distribution of KML content via email, Intranet, or served on the World Wide Web. This compression functionality allows multiple file-formats (e.g. 3D modelling software applications such as SketchUp™ and GIS software with KML export functionalities provide additional methods in generating content for Google Earth. KML files containing text, imagery and 3D models can be compressed to KMZ (zipped KML) files. KML files can be created ‘internally’ using the Google Earth application, or ‘externally’ using any standard XML or text editor. KML is an Extensible Markup Language (XML) dialect (World Wide Web Consortium 2008). The use of Google Earth for scientific visualization outside of the Earth science domain is widely appreciated and equally well documented (see Boulos 2005 Duindam 2006 Stanger 2006 Butler 2006b).Ī principal advantage of using Google Earth for geoscientific visualization is the ability to add customized geospatial content to the application using KML. The potential of Google Earth for geoscientific visualization is notable from the emergence of dedicated geological conference sessions dedicated to the use of Google Earth and other 3D earth viewers. Beck (2006), Allen (2007) and Patterson (2007) examine the application of Google Earth for student instruction and geoscience education. Dunne and Sutton (2006) demonstrate how large-scale multi-beam imagery datasets can be integrated into Google Earth using a combination of KML and OpenGIS WMS (Web Map Service) technologies. Lisle (2006) provides a comprehensive insight into the use of Google Earth as a geological visualization tool. The use of Google Earth for scientific visualization has been widely documented in recent literature (Biever 2005 Lubick 2005 Brodersen 2006 Dunne and Sutton 2006 Gramling 2007). Mike Goodchild of the University of California, Santa Barbara remarked, "Just as the PC democratized computing, so systems like Google Earth will democratize GIS" (Butler 2006a). Similar to GIS applications, 3D Earth viewers have become a standard feature on the desktops of geologists throughout the globe. Geo-browsers such as Google Earth serve as excellent Earth observation applications and resources, providing free access to satellite imagery and 3D topographic data of the entire planet. The ability to access a spectrum of geological information for specific locations at a range of scales and perspectives represents a potential paradigm shift in accessing geological information. Geologists operate in a scientific realm that requires an appreciation of the 3D geometry of the Earth, as well as the temporal component associated with geological processes. The value of a geospatially-enabled Web to the geoscience community is immense. The development of geo-browsers and 3D Earth viewers in recent years is evidence of how our inherent spatial awareness can be harnessed to provide improved modes of information retrieval and communication. The unattributed claim that 80% of all information has a geographical component (Hart and Dolbear 2007) can only encourage the emergence of a geospatial web.
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