Air Quality Index (AQI) in Google Earth

Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts and current conditions are now available in Keyhole Markup Language (KML) format. This allows for AIRNow data to be displayed in 3D viewers such as Google Earth. Follow the instructions below to install and run the AIRNow KML files in Google Earth.

Example of AIRNow forecasts in Google Earth

Instructions for Google Earth:

1.  If you already have the Google Earth software installed, simply click here to download the AIRNow KML files.
2. Depending on how your software is configured, clicking the link will either download the files to your computer or automatically launch Google Earth with the AIRNow data in the program.
3.  If you do not have Google Earth installed, you can download it free from Google on the following website: http://earth.google.com/. Once installed, follow steps 1 and 2 above.

Other 3D viewers:

Having AIRNow data in KML format allows for other 3D “virtual globes” such as Microsoft Live Earth and NASA World Wind the ability to display AQI information. Efforts are currently underway to refine the AIRNow KML files so they can be reliably used in these other programs. Instructions will be provided as the AIRNow KML becomes operational for software other than Google Earth.