-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Use of Google Earth to visualize data Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:52:42 -0000 From: Fleet, Christopher <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> References: <[log in to unmask]> A<[log in to unmask]> Hi Chris, I was interested to read your post, as we also have been using ArcIMS/ArcSDE with SQLServer for the last four years (our main applications are at: http://geo.nls.uk/ ), and recently we have also wanted to explore alternatives with Google Maps and other open source applications. Sadly, we haven't got very far, however, so would be keen to hear any other responses, and I have only a few ideas below that partly address your question. We initially tried developing Google mashups still using ArcIMS/ArcGIS Server, for example, by using the ArcGIS Web Mapping Service (WMS) connector. The application at: http://geo.nls.uk/os6inch/google.html displays a set of maps from 1:1 million to 1:10,560 scales as a Google maps overlay, with the maps delivered through the ArcGIS WMS. This, however, is not very fast, and more recently we have had much better results not using the WMS or ArcGIS, but using pre-created tiles from the original geo-referenced raster mapping (using the beta version of MapTiler ( http://www.maptiler.org/ ) and with some initial results at: http://geo.nls.uk/maps These tiled maps would also work well in Google Earth, as well as Openlayers (also allowing possibilities of using non-Google maps and satellite backdrops). With regards to the vector mapping in your Arizona Electronic Atlas, the ability to export layers and shapefiles to KML files steadily grows, and I was pleased to discover recently with ArcGIS 9.3, ArcToolbox has embedded tools that do this very well. You may know too of the GMapCreator free software that CASA at the University of London created (http://www.casa.ucl.ac.uk/software/gmapcreator.asp ) for putting choropleth mapping into Google Maps. I realise this is just the first stage of preparing the maps, but it's a start. Sorry that this only partly addresses your question, but best of luck, and I'd be interested to hear how you progress with the next phase of the Atlas. Chris Fleet Deputy Map Curator National Library of Scotland 33 Salisbury Place EDINBURGH EH9 1SL United Kingdom. Tel. 0131 623 3973 Fax. 0131 623 3971 E-mail: [log in to unmask] View maps website: http://www.nls.uk/maps -----Original Message----- From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angie Cope Sent: 26 November 2008 00:17 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Use of Google Earth to visualize data ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Chris Kollen" <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 5:35:22 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central Subject: Use of Google Earth to visualize data Hi: The University of Arizona Library created the Arizona Electronic Atlas ( http://atlas.library.arizona.edu ) almost four years ago. It uses ArcIMS and ArcSDE with the data in SQL Server. Due to staffing changing and other factors, we've had a difficult time making enhancements and adding new data with our existing staff (without hiring an outside contractor). It's time to plan a new phase for the Atlas. Last spring semester, we conducted focus group sessions with UA faculty and students to find out what their needs are. Some of the key findings include a need to easily find Arizona geospatial data, a way to easily download data and visualize what it will look like (in relations to other geospatial data). One possibility we've been looking at is to provide the ability to view the data using Google Earth or Google Maps. We are looking for any institutions that have implemented something similar. I've looked at the GeoBC and the City of Portland. Are there any other examples especially at a college or university? Anyone have any recommendations of people to talk to? Are there issues we need to consider, any pitfalls, other things to consider? Also have any articles been written about using Google Earth that people are aware of? Thanks Chris Chris Kollen Librarian Research Support Services Team University of Arizona Main Library P.O. Box 210055 Tucson, AZ 85721-0055 [log in to unmask] 520-621-4869 *********************************************************************** Visit the National Library of Scotland online at www.nls.uk CELEBRATING 500 YEARS OF SCOTTISH PRINTING 1508-2008 http://www.500yearsofprinting.org *********************************************************************** Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. This communication is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the ICT Helpdesk on +44 131 623 3700 or [log in to unmask] and delete this e-mail. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Library of Scotland. The National Library of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity. Scottish Charity No. SC011086. 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