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EarthNC Inchttp://earthnc.comCheck out current sea conditions reported by ships navigating the oceans.At any one time there are thousands of ships navigating the blue planet. A project by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), called the Voluntary Observation Ship (VOS) encourages commercial vessels to give weather reports as they cross the globe. Here you can view a dynamic KML showing weather reports in the placemark description balloons for the past 24 hours. Use the time slider at the top to scroll through to find those of interest.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/destin_noaa_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/destin_noaa_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Trimble Outdoorshttp://www.trimbleoutdoors.comTake a trip on the wild side with Trimble Outdoors Trips.Enjoy guided tours of locations across the United States. View photos and information inside the description balloons and turn on the "Terrain" in your "Layers" section for maximum effect. Based around information collected by GPS systems, there is also the option to submit your own expedition.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/trimble_outdoors_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/trimble_outdoors_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Global Heritage Fundhttp://www.globalheritagefund.org/globalheritagenetwork.htmlSee the Earth's archaeological and cultural glory.For thousands of years, different cultures have shaped the world we live in today. The Global Heritage Fund layer explores the 13 cultural heritage sites that GHF is attempting to preserve for future generations. From ancient Mayan Mirador pyramids buried in a Guatemalan forest threatened by clear cutting to the crumbling Lijiang Ancient Town in China, which represents 1,000 years in the lives of the Naxi people, GHF introduces you to these threatened archaeological treasures, and the work it's doing, in partnership with local governments and resources, to save them.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/global_heritage_fund_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/global_heritage_fund_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
WWFhttp://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/project/google_earth/index.cfmWWF conservation work around the world.The World Wildlife Fund is active in over 100 countries around the world. This layer lets you view research descriptions and see photographs from more than 150 WWF projects, from rhino conservation in Namibia to encouraging responsible forest management in the expanse of Siberia. Learn how WWF is helping local peoples balance natural resource protection with sustainable economic development.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/wwf_conservation_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/wwf_conservation_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
The Jane Goodall Institutehttp://www.gombechimpanzee.blogspot.comMeet Frodo and his friends in the Gombe Chimpanzee ReserveTake a tour of the Gombe Chimpanzee Reserve in Tanzania with Frodo the chimp and his friends. You can follow the regular blog about the chimps' activities, explore features like the park boundary, watersheds and landmarks by clicking on links within description balloons and even turn on "Terrain" in your "Layers" section to fly around the park, getting a "chimps' eye" view of their habitat.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jane_goodall_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jane_goodall_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Appalachian Voiceshttp://www.ilovemountains.org/multimedia#geMountaintop removal coal mining in the Appalachians.Take a geographical trip to the Appalachian Mountains to see the problems caused by mountaintop removal coal mining. Historical overlays highlight the magnitude of earth loss as you virtually visit hundreds of mountains and take an extended guided tour of one of them, learning how it is being mined, and the devastating consequences for the natural habitat and the people who depend on it.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/appalachian_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/appalachian_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Jeremy Jacksonhttp://jeremyjac.googlepages.comView an interesting animation showing world population increases.In this file, use the time slider at the top of the Google Earth client to visualize how world population has changed over time. This information is displayed using polygons which show population data from 1950 through to the predicted population in 2010.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/world_population_animation_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/world_population_animation_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Andrew W. Hillhttp://systbio.org/?q=node/184View the evolutionary changes that have occured in avian influenza.One of the major concerns for scientists studying avian influenza, or bird flu, is that the virus will mutate into a form that can be passed easily from human to human. Phylogeny is the study of the evolution amongst the related organisms. Andrew Hill has put together an animation showing the changes that have occured already in bird flu allowing you to visualize when and where these changes took place.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/bird_flu_phylogeny_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/bird_flu_phylogeny_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Malaria Atlas Projecthttp://www.map.ox.ac.ukIn this file, you can view information put together by the Malaria Atlas Project, a research project at Oxford University. Information dating back to the 1980's can be viewed, allowing a better geographical understanding of the places where Malaria is found.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/malaria_atlas_project_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/malaria_atlas_project_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
SinGeohttp://www.singeo.com.sgSinGeo has put together a very interesting geographical representation of Dengue Fever in Singapore. Through an animation, you can see where and when Dengue Fever has occured. Use the time slider at the top to control the animation settings from different days found in your Places panel. Please allow several moments for this file to load.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/singapore_dengue_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/singapore_dengue_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Declan Butlerhttp://declanbutler.info/blog/?p=58Declan Butler, a senior reporter at Nature magazine has created an animated KML showing cases of avian influenza. Watch the spread from Asia to Europe and check out for example when the virus follows the border between Russia and Kazakhstan. Both human and animal cases can be viewed with each placemark in the animation, which provides information about the case.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/declan_avian_influenza_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/declan_avian_influenza_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Gerardo64http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/221440In this example using overlays, Gerardo64 from the Google Earth Community has shown world population distribution. From small pockets of population in the Australian Outback to the large metro areas along the Eastern seaboard of America, learn where humans are making their mark on the world.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/population_density_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/population_density_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Losing Georgiahttp://www.losinggeorgia.comView the pressures associated with urbanization in Douglas County, Georgia.Losing Georgia is a project which provides a geographic and historical documentation of the losses associated with urban sprawl. Using photos, descriptions and historical overlays, this file allows you to explore Douglas County's past and present. Tick the network link box to view the data.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/losing_georgia_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/losing_georgia_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Juice Analyticshttp://www.juiceanalytics.com/writing/2006/03/census-data-in-google-earthIn this KML, polygons are used to represent United States Census data, allowing you to observe the median age for each county in California.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/california_median_ages_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/california_median_ages_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
James Staffordhttp://www.barnabu.co.ukView an animation of Jupiter captured by the Cassini spacecraft.In this animation, James Stafford has used image overlays from the Cassini spacecraft to show the flyby of the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter. To obtain maximum effect, turn "Borders" off in your "Layers" section and in the menu bar at the top, click on "View" and ensure "Atmosphere" is unchecked to enjoy a truely spatial experience. Note that the file may take a few minutes to load.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jupiter_cassini_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jupiter_cassini_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Marine Conservation Biology Institutehttp://www.mcbi.org/shining_sea/s2ss_globe.htmWe all know that the United States is a vast country with a huge variety of terrain, climate and geological features, but few of us may take time to consider the 4.4 million square miles of ocean under U.S. jurisdiction. Explore America's oceans from the comfort of your home without even having to get your feet wet.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/shining_sea_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/shining_sea_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
National Geophysical Data Centerhttp://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/dmspUsing overlays from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, researchers at the National Geophysical Data Center in the United States have created a Google Earth file showing how the planet looks at night. From 1992 to 2003, these overlays allow you to see the increase in light pollution as population expands and the accessibility to electricity increases. For example, zoom into Dubai and check out the differences between 1992 and 2003.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/night_lights_dmsp_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/night_lights_dmsp_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Ocean Conservancy/GreenInfohttp://www.greeninfo.orgExplore the coastline of CaliforniaThe coastline of California is known for its spectacular scenery and diverse marine life. In this file, explore California's landmark, ocean conservation legacy, a newly-created network of marine protected areas. View this network of 29 marine protected areas, covering 200 square miles between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. View fact sheets for each protected area that describes the unique ecological value of the site, including aerial and underwater photos and video of vibrant but fragile wildlife and ecosystems.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/ca_marine_protected_areas_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/ca_marine_protected_areas_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Sierra Clubhttp://www.sierraclub.org/arctic/mapsEnvironmental concerns in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.This file enables you to explore a controversial geographic area - the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. You can learn more about the potential consequences of drilling for oil in the wilderness of Northern Alaska, most notably the impact on the environment and wildlife.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/sierra_club_arctic_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/sierra_club_arctic_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Earthwatch Institutehttp://www.earthwatch.orgLearn about Earthwatch expeditions around the world.You can explore volunteer Earthwatch expeditions virtually in Google Earth, from this Sweetwater's rhinos expedition to recording lemur activity in Madagascar to studying the impact of climate change on grey whale populations in Mexico and Canada. You can learn here where the expeditions are happening, what the volunteers are doing and -- most important -- how you can get involved. This KML is also available for viewing in "Global Awareness" layer.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/earthwatch_expeditions_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/earthwatch_expeditions_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
NorthTree Fire Internationalhttp://www.northtreefire.com/gisNorthTree Fire International has created a Google Earth file showing information about the Almanor Basin in Northern California. Many different geographical features are examined here from water quality to the transportation infrastructure.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/almanor_basin_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/almanor_basin_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Cornwall Wildlife Trusthttp://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.ukTake a nature tour of the county of Cornwall in England with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.In this example put together by a volunteer at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust in South West England, you can explore the many nature reserves and find out about the features of each reserve. Plans of the reserves are also included as overlays to show the layout of the reserve.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/cornwall_wildlife_trust_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/cornwall_wildlife_trust_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
SkyTruthhttp://www.skytruth.orgLearn about the challenges facing the fragile ecosystem of the Upper Green River Valley, Wyoming.Visualize a serious concern in the Upper Green River Valley of Wyoming and see for yourself the impact on the ecosystem in this beautiful landscape when drilling for gas takes place. The balance between obtaining energy resources needed for every day use against the concerns of wildlife habitat is explained here in a rich geospatial context using photographic and textual information along with time animations and polygons to show affected areas. Please allow a few moments for this file to load.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/skytruth_green_valley_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/skytruth_green_valley_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
WorldFish Center ReefBase Projecthttp://www.reefbase.orgLearn about the state of coral reefs around the world.It is estimated that coral reefs cover around 284,000 square kilometers providing a habitat for thousands of species to live. Global warming poses a major threat to these massive living structures and in this file you can explore the state of coral reefs around the world, seeing their distribution and concerns facing their future existance.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/reef_base_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/reef_base_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
National Snow and Ice Data Centerhttp://nsidc.orgThe National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado have put together a collection of their data. This KML compares glaciers over the last 100 years, and includes an interesting time animation of the sea-ice extent in the Arctic circle as well as a fascinating animation of the actual break up of the Larsen B ice shelf in Antarctica.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/nsidc_collection_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/nsidc_collection_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Sierra Club BChttp://www.sierraclub.ca/bc/media/item.shtml?x=798View a highly visually impacting file which illustrates the destruction that would result in Vancouver if sea levels rose by six meters. Polygons represent a vast area of suburbs, including the international airport, that would be completely destroyed.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/vancouver_sea_levels_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/vancouver_sea_levels_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Gerardo Pazhttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/410988View a geographical representation of world energy consumptionGerardo Paz, a member on the Google Earth Community, has put together a geographical representation of energy consumption in 2004. Each of the countries shown has four polygons which show the comparisons between oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and hydro-electric. It's very interesting to see which countries are taking the initiative to move towards greener energy and which still have ways to go.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/energy_consumption_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/energy_consumption_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
National Geographic Societyhttp://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0703/feature1/google.htmlVisit the Zakouma National Park in Chad and see the threat facing the elephant population.Take a trip with National Geographic to visit the Zakouma National Park in Chad. See the ongoing threat to the elephant population in the park. Learn about the other animals and landscape of the park in this fascinating but sometimes dangerous region of the world. Turn on each of the folders to view each part of the journey and check out the stories in the placemark description balloonshttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/zakouma_ivory_wars_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/zakouma_ivory_wars_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Valery Hronusovhttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/206933Valery Hronusov, a member on the Google Earth Community created this Google Earth file showing the migratory patterns of different bird species across Europe and Asia. Files such as this can be particularly useful for monitoring animal welfare of species which may carry communicable diseases such as avian influenza.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/birds_movement_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/birds_movement_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
AntWebhttp://www.antweb.orgBecome a myrmecologist and study ants, through AntWebQuestion. How many internet search engines have an ant name after them? At least one. AntWeb, based at The California Academy of Sciences has put together a KML file giving an overview of different ant species around the globe with each placemark showing a photo and link to further information. Approxmiately one thousand trillion ants are running around at any one time - one such ant, Proceratium google can be found in Madagascar.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/ant_web_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/ant_web_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Sierra Clubhttp://www.sierraclub.org/muirLearn about the life of one of history's most influential conservationists.John Muir born April 21, 1838 was the founder of the Sierra Club, one of the largest conservation organizations in the United States. This file, created by the organization he founded, pays homage to the life of John Muir. Viewing tip: Turn on Terrain in your "Layers" section and re-live John Muir's experience of Yosemite National Park in California.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/john_muir_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/john_muir_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Paul Dorseyhttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/761134Explore the life of Dutch artist M.C. Escher.M.C.Escher was a Dutch artist known for his literally puzzling art work. Explore M.C. Escher's life in a rich geospatial context and see the places of significance for this creator of works of art.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/mc_escher_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/mc_escher_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
iNOMADhttp://www.inomad.co.ukExplore an expedition to the Shimshal Valley of Pakistan. Turn on the "Terrain" in your "Layers" and fly through the mountains while viewing photographs and reading the trip diary by expedition leaders.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/shimshal_pakistan_expedition_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/shimshal_pakistan_expedition_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
World Wide Panoramahttp://geoimages.berkeley.edu/wwpThe World Wide Panorama team at University of California, Berkeley KML allows to explore hundreds of locations around the world. The placemarks have been geographically organized to include a preview image with a link to the panorama. From the centre of Times Square in New York City to the plight of people in Africa, see the world as a panorama.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/worldwide_panoramas_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/worldwide_panoramas_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Valery Hronusovhttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/395118Created by Valery Hronusov on the Google Earth Community, this fascinating representation shows radiation levels in a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear facility - the site of one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. It's interesting to be able to visualize where the radiation hotspots occur and provides a better geographical understanding of this tragic disaster.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/chernobyl_radiation_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/chernobyl_radiation_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Paul SeaburyLearn about the history of Atlantic Basin Storms from 1850 to 2005.View a history of Atlantic Basin Storms from 1850 to 2005. To view, check each "network link" icon to view information from that period and select the folder for the storm you want to learn more about. This file shows the path each storm took with placemarks containing data about the storm, such as wind speed. This use could be of relevance for town planning, meteorological studies and history lessons.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/atlantic_basin_storms_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/atlantic_basin_storms_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Jet Propulsion Laboratoryhttp://onearth.jpl.nasa.govPut together by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, this KML shows daily MODIS satellite imagery captured the previous day. This near real-time information could be used for disaster preparedness or weather predictions for your holiday. This updated composite of 250m MODIS images is also overlaid on the current month Blue Marble Next Generation imagery.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jpl_modis_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jpl_modis_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
University of Oklahomahttp://wdssii.nssl.noaa.gov/geotiffCreated by a team at the University of Oklahoma consisting of engineers and scientists from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) and the Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies (CIMMS), the Warning Decision Support System KML consists of a variety of meteorological displays to analyze weather systems, enabling better prediction of where and when severe weather may occur causing problems. This file contains an updated network link file showing storm reports, and you can visit the link at the top to view more of their products.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/warning_decision_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/warning_decision_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
National Weather Servicehttp://radar.weather.gov/ridge/kmzgenerator.phpHere is an example showing weather overlays from the U.S. National Weather Service. This KML shows an animation of the weather in the Dallas - Fort Worth metro area. By visiting the link above, you can view and download many more examples for different areas that allow you to view live weather data for the whole U.S.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/national_weather_service_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/national_weather_service_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museumhttp://www.ushmm.org/googleearthWitness the genocide in Darfur -- through geographyThe US Holocaust Memorial Museum's "Crisis in Darfur" layer lets you visit the unfolding genocide in Darfur, which has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent times. You can read moving testimonies and see photographic documentation from those directly involved, witness the remains of scores of burned down villages, and follow the refugees to camps in Chad, and -- most important -- learn what you can do to help the innocent victims of this incomprehensible tragedy. From Google Earth, go to “Darfur, Sudan” and explore the “USHMM: Crisis in Darfur."http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/ushmm_darfur_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/ushmm_darfur_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Rebecca Moorehttp://www.mountainresource.org/nailNeighbors Against Irresponsible Logging (NAIL) is a community group based in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California. NAIL formed in 2005 when the San Jose Water Company announced a plan to log more than 1000 acres of redwoods in the Los Gatos Creek Watershed, which provides drinking water to more than 100,000 people.
This KML displays the proposed logging zone, helicopter landing sites, locations of nearby schools, photos of old-growth redwoods and wildlife in the logging zone, as well as a "virtual flight" up the canyon which reveals serious issues with the plan. The KML has been successfully used to educate and inform the local public and policy-makers. Former US Vice President Al Gore has lent his support to NAIL's cause after seeing this KML.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/nail_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/nail_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Paul Dorseyhttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/406761An 1860s expedition across Australia.In the 1860s, Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills led a team of 19 men across the vast, varied terrain of Australia. Here you can see the places these pioneers visited and read about the hardships they faced. http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/burke_wills_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/burke_wills_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
John Jason Fallowshttp://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/809199See a geographical representation of world oil consumption.It's said that about 80% of the world's data has a geographical element. In this representation, John Jason Fallows uses data from the CIA World Factbook to create polygons which illustrate the country's oil consumption, where one foot equates to daily oil consumption per barrel per day.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/world_oil_consumption_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/world_oil_consumption_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Mauri Peltohttp://www.nichols.edu/departments/glacierHow global warming affects the Juneau Icefield.Alaska's Juneau Icefield is the fifth largest in North America. Here you can explore photos, overlays and descriptions to learn how the slow warming of the planet is causing glacial retreat in this fragile ecosystem. For maximum effect, turn on "Terrain" in your layers section.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/juneau_icefield_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/juneau_icefield_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
'Preserved Fish'http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/688713Phillis Wheatley: Slave, Poet, American.Phillis Wheatley was the first black individual, the first slave and the third woman to publish a book of poetry. Now you can explore her life through geography, each placemark showing a personalized description of this important writer's life.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/phillis_wheatley_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/phillis_wheatley_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Matt FoxSee what the Earth looks like at night.Matt Fox's overlay illustrates the planet's nighttime "light pollution," with huge differences clearly visible as you fly from one continent to another. Check out, for instance, the difference between North and South Korea.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/night_lights_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/night_lights_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
U.S. Geological Surveyhttp://earthquake.usgs.govSee U.S. Geological Survey real-time earthquake data.Want to explore the world's seismic hotspots in real-time? From the Pacific Ring of Fire to the San Andreas Fault, this KML will give you a better geographical understanding of the daily changes occurring on our planet. Each placemark contains data about a specific area's seismic activity and a link to more extensive info.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/realtime_earthquakes_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/realtime_earthquakes_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
Olaf VernunftTake a panoramic tour of Germany.A German company called OV-Medien has created a tour which allows you to explore the nation's history, architecture and tourism sites from the comfort of your home. From the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin to panoramic views of the vibrant financial centre in Frankfurt, each placemark offers a written description of the site, along with a link to a full panorama.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/germany_panoramas_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/germany_panoramas_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
James StaffordSee a contructive animation of the City of London.The one square mile City of London, London's main centre of finance, has changed dramatically over the years. Here, using the time slider, you can explore this constructive history via James Stafford's fascinating animation, which incorporates 3D buildings to show how the cityscape has changed, and how it likely will continue to evolve in the future. For full effect, enable "terrain" in the layers section.http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/london_timeline_sm.jpghttp://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/london_timeline_lg.jpgOpen in Google Earth
