Live Global Clouds for Google Earth
This Google Earth add-on displays a near live global cloud layer, automatically updating every 3 hours.
The global cloud imagery is based on a composite map from GMS, METEOSAT and GOES satellites, provided by xplanet. A script running on my server adds alpha transparency to this.
Live Global Clouds
~1MB
The plug-in includes options to view clouds at realistic or exaggerated altitudes within Google Earth. It also provides an optional drop shadow effect.
Placing the clouds at altitude means the layer can be viewed from underneath, giving a slightly more life-like appearance to GE’s built in blue atmosphere effect at low viewing angles.
Note: As the xplanet website explains about the cloud map:
…These images are not real snapshots nor are they particularly accurate; they are mosaics created from geostationary weather satellite images. The times of the source images may differ by several hours since they are only available at limited times during the day. The cloud maps are not calibrated or carefully geolocated. They are only meant to make the earth look pretty!
Special thanks to Canoro at the Google Earth community for the suggestion of creating drop shadows using a blackened version of the cloud overlay.
Related
- 10 day Global Cloud Animation
Related posts:
- Global Cloud Animation
- Monthly Global Cloud Sequences in Google Earth
- Weather
- Global Cloud Animations Update
- Jupiter, Cassini Time-Lapse Movie
very cool. very. Permanently added
Very pretty! Thumps up!
Hello
This is wonderful, especially in Google Flight Simulator.
On question though: Clouds occur usually below 10km height
and the plugin allows 4km or 16 km. I think 5km and 10km option would give a more realistic scene, especially in flight mode.
Anyhow thanks for the fantastic addition.
Michael
I am a little concerned with the lack of visible cloud cover around the globe. We, the entire population of the world, are experiencing drought conditions never before seen in this magnitude. Clouds equal life sustaining rain. The absence of these clouds shows a dramatic shift in the normal climate of the earth, and a dire prediction for mankind. We need to address global warming and climatic weather change immediately, providing it isn’t already too late. God help us!
k its good proramme.
but we can see japan map in this google earth.
u know please tell me how to do it.
superb to know
i’n very exciting to see. what a superb video with explaination. it is very useful to like me a students.