To View the NAAPS Aerosol Optical Depth movie:
This display shows a movie of recent NAAPS AOD images over a Blue Marble background. If the Places menu at the left shows many choices (from saving previous Google Earth sessions), look for and click on 'NAAPS Movie'. If other menu items are selected, they should be turned off (un-checked).
To run the movie, click the right-pointing arrow found to the right of the two sliders at the top. (A Google feature: At first the images will appear white with a circular thick black arrow in the background and play in a halting fashion. Once loaded, the movie will play smoothly.) The movie will continue until paused. When running, the play symbol is replaced with a pause symbol. Click the pause symbol to stop the movie. The slider can be clicked to see a single image. It can also be moved back and forth via the mouse to see images in succession.
The slider at the bottom of the Places menu can be used to change the image transparency. This allows for a better view of land masses under the AOD data. Before moving the slider, set the movie slider at the top to the first image. If this is not done, the intensity may be set for some images and not others making the overall result strange looking. If you see this, move the date/time slider to the left and try again.
Background Info:
What is Google Earth?
The Google Earth application provides a unique means to display imagery and data on a 3D globe without the distortions imparted by a flat display. Using Google Earth it is possible to zoom in for a closer look, point-and-click to view a data file, or link to see additional information.
Where does the Google Earth software run?
Google Earth applications run from the internet or the PC, but the Google Earth software must reside on your PC for it to run. The software is available free. See http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html.
Does the Google Earth software need to be configured to see the Aerosol products?
The Google Earth product allows various layers to be turned on and off. These may show roads, parks, attractions, etc. It is recommended that all of the Layers be turned off for the best viewing of the Aerosol products. It is also recommended that the Graphics Mode be set to Direct X. Click Tools / Options in the main toolbar. Set the Graphics Mode in the 3D View tab.
Problems?
Why are there multiple copies of the products in the Places menu?
When you log out of Google Earth you will be asked to save items in your Places folder. Always answer 'No' so the software does not save the current products. The next time you run Google Earth both the new and previously saved datasets would be loaded.
How do I move around the images?
See the Google Earth display for the controls. The location will depend on which version of Google Earth you are using. In some cases, the controls will fade out after a few seconds so they are not obscuring the data. Move your mouse around the display and see the controls magically reappear.
Where is the slider to change the intensity of the image?
The slider is located at the bottom of the Places menu, but is not always visible. Click on the item you want to use in the Places menu to highlight it. This should bring up the slider.
There are strange symbols on the image. What are these?
Users are not in complete control of Google Earth! It is possible for new layers to be made and appear on your display. Look in the Layers menu (bottom left) for an arrow in a box that can be turned off.
Where can I learn more about Google Earth?
For the official Google Earth FAQs: http://earth.google.com/faq.html
For the Google Earth User Guide: http://earth.google.com/userguide
For the Google Earth community: http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php/Cat/0
Where can I learn more about NAAPS and Aerosol products?
For more information about NRL: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil
For other Aerosol products at NRL: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/aerosol/
