KML Global Basemaps Download

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The following steps give instructions on how to use the derived KML global basemaps

  • Download the derived KML global basemaps to your local machine, and all the related files for each planet must be saved in the same folder.
  • Download and install Google Earth 5.0 (http://earth.google.com/) in your computer. For detailed instructions on installing Google Earth, read the Google Earth User Guide.
  • Double click the KML file to open it directly in Google Earth.
  • Navigate in Google Earth to have a free tour.

Mars

If you explore Mars, you need pre-set some tools in Google Earth to start the Mars model.
  • Click on the planet selection button (looks like a golden globe) in the menu bar at the top of the page .
  • Click the little black triangle at the right bottom of  the planet selection button, and select "Mars".
  • Double click the KML file.
  • Navigate in the Mars model is as in normal Google Earth.

This Mars model helps users to fly anywhere on Mars to view satellite imagery, maps, and terrain such as Mars Digital Image Map (MDIM 2.1), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) mosaics, Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data. Users can explore rich geographical content through High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), Context Camera (CTX), and Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) data.

Moon

If you explore Moon, please follow the steps shown below.

  • Download the following KML file and jpg images to your local machine, and saved in the same folder.

Moon_Basemap.KML
clem750_500m_usgs_clon0.jpg
ODELunar_ULCN_2005_grid.jpg
ODELunar_ULCN_2005_lpo.jpg

  • If you have already installed Google Earth on your machine, just skip this step to install Google Earth.
  • Start Google Earth. Since Google Earth does not include a Moon model now, you can view the map either through a Mars model or with a Earth model. In the Earth model, go to the Layers sub panel, uncheck the layers in the Primary Database. 
  • Open the Moon basemaps by double clicking the file "Moon_Basemap.KML" directly, or open through the file menu in Google Earth. You will find the Clementine UVVIS basemap and topography data shown in different layers.
    • If you expand the plus sign besides the KML file,

you will find more information of the data show as follows.

    • You can download the source data by double clicking the corresponding links, such as "Download ULCN data from USGS" or "Source Image", the web will direct you to the USGS website shown at the bottom of the Google Earth page .
  • Now, you can overlay Lunar KML/KMZ files just like for Mars.

 

Mercury

If you explore Mercury, please follow the steps shown below.

  • Download the following KML file and jpg images to your local machine, and saved in the same folder.

Mercury_Basemap.KML
shade_simp.png

  • If you have already installed Google Earth on your machine, just skip this step to install Google Earth.
  • Start Google Earth. Since Google Earth does not include a Mercury model now, you can view the map either through a Mars model or with a Earth model. In the Earth model, go to the Layers sub panel, uncheck the layers in the Primary Database. 
  • Open the Mercury basemap by double clicking the file "Mercury_Basemap.KML" directly, or open through the file menu in Google Earth. You will find a Mercury shaded relief map produced by the USGS Flagstaff AZ. Scanned from published map USGS I-1149, 1979.
    • If you expand the plus sign besides the KML file,

you will find more information of the data show as follows.

    • Double click the link "Download original Mercury map from USGS", the web will direct you to the USGS website shown at the bottom of the Google Earth page.
  • Now, you can overlay Mercury KML/KMZ files just like for Mars.