Google Earth KML files

Many mapping applications can use Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files to load GIS data. GINA and Alaska Mapped have created KML files to easily load our web services into Google Earth and the many other map apps that consume KML.

KML is an open standard. See OGC KML for more information.

Alaska KML files available:

• Best Alaska imagery web service (bdl.kml) (aka, the SDMI Best Data Layer - BDL)
• DRG web service - scanned USGS topo maps for Alaska (drg.kml)
• All KML feeds at GINA,, including real-time satellite and wildfire feeds

How to use: Download the file and then load into Google Earth (File -> Open) or another KML application. In Google Earth, it will appear in the “Temporary Places” folder; select the “SDMI’s Best Data Layer” item. You will need to zoom into an “eye alt” (displayed in lower right corner) before the high-resolution images appear. More information is available in the Google Earth User Guide.