google earth as geoscience data browser project: development of a tool to convert jamstec research vessel navigation data to kml

We have developed a new system using Google Earth as a data browser to visualize navigation data obtained by JAMSTEC research vessels. An XML-based language called Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is used to plot data on Google Earth. We developed a program, called a KML generator, to convert navigation data to KML. The generator enables us to quickly visualize on Google Earth the cruise track of any JAMSTEC vessel. The visualized image is a powerful tool for managing information on research cruises of various JAMSTEC vessels.