Guide to enhancing data management and sharing using Google Earth

Sharron, Ed; Kozlowski, Adam

This guidance document outlines the methods and standards used by Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) staff when building KMZ modules in Google Earth. Step-by-step instructions are included on how to create, modify, and post dynamic Google Earth content to the web with or without using ArcGIS. The free and user friendly Google Earth interface provides a quick and easy way to distribute and browse spatial data without relying on the costly and complicated ArcGIS platform. Google Earth allows the overlaying of park data sets onto the latest color imagery and the ability to turn-back-the-clock to view historical imagery. User can quickly zoom to numerous areas of interest or parks, view multiple data layers at once, view attributes, take measurements, capture screen shots, post pictures, and provide maps for citizen scientists all on the web. This procedure walks through the basic steps for creating, modifying, saving, and sharing KMZ files. It also acts as a clearinghouse for cool tips and tricks our program has learned over time to help to help you broaden your skills. Although this procedure focuses mostly on natural resource data, it is equally applicable to any spatial data (cultural resources, trails, management areas, partners, law enforcement, etc.). This help document is considered a work in progress because as new tips and tricks are learned they will be added. The goal is not to be exhaustive, but to provide a good basis for someone to get off to a solid start building and editing KMLs.