GIScience Operations with Virtual Globes

GIScience operations with 3D and 4D user-defined information is demonstrated for virtual globes using a light client on Google Earth. Shown are interactive “point and click” operations on 3D/4D objects suspended in the virtual globe environment. Such interactive operations include extraction of information from, and modification of KML/COLLADA models of displayed virtual objects. A Transparent Interface is introduced for Google Earth which enhances utilization of the massive datasets available from public and private sources in the KML/COLLADA (KMZ) format. This Transparent Interface also supports just-in-time conversion of common formats such as netCDF into KML/COLLADA for virtual globe visualizations. Developed under the NASA SBIR Program, such GIScience tools and techniques for virtual globes are becoming available to NASA projects and data assets including Giovanni (GSFC), Cloudsat and AIRS (JPL), CALIPSO (LaRC), the Real Time Mission Manager or RTMM (MSFC) for field mission support, and NASA World Wind (ARC). Such techniques also apply to data and information in the underwater and subsurface environment where supported. A cross-comparison of satellite-borne radar with the ground-based NOAA/NWS NEXRAD system is featured to demonstrate the innovation.