The elevation data is served as a map service using Esri's ArcGIS Server (more information). The follwing steps can be used to connect to the map service using Google Earth.
Connect Using Google Earth
Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographical information program. Google Earth uses KML files, or KMZ (zipped kml) for sharing geographic data. There are now two flavors of Google Earth. The newest one now runs in the internet browser Chrome and no longer requires download and installation. The other is the desktop version (download required), which we recommend using to view CT ECO services.
Google Earth Desktop
Steps
- Download Google Earth.
To add the elevation layers to Google Earth, click on a kmz link below and choose to open in Google Earth.
Alternatively, choose Save File.
- Save File saves the kmz file to your computer. Take note where the file is saved on your computer (downloads folder, desktop, etc. - every computer is set up differently).
- To open the elevation layer, EITHER
- double-click on the downloaded file to launch Google Earth and display the layer OR
- Open Google Earth. On the File menu, choose Open and locate the KMZ file(s) on your computer. Click Open.
KMZ Files
The following KMZ files allow the elevation layers to open in Google Earth. Note that each REST endpoint contains the direct link also. Locate the Google Earth link on each REST page.
| Layer | KMZ | REST |
| Aspect | Aspect.kmz | Aspect REST |
| Elevation | Elevation.kmz | Elevation REST |
| Hillshade | Hillshade.kmz | Hillshade REST |
| Shaded Relief | ShadedRelief.kmz | Shaded Relief REST Shaded Relief without Dynamic Range Adjustment* REST |
| Slope | Slope.kmz | Slope REST |
* Dynamic Range Adjustment is a contrast stretch that only stretches the pixel values with the display extent, as opposed to all pixels in the dataset. It is helpful to see contrast in a smaller area but, because of its dynamic nature, hinders visual comparison of different areas or large areas.