How Windows on Earth Works
The Windows on Earth digital system uses state-of-the-art technologies to simulate the view of Earth as if from the window of the International Space Station. Visitors see the Earth in high-resolution, photo-realistic color and 3-D, passing by under them. They can explore where they wish, with sites of interest marked in many locations around the world, including animations of how various features were formed. The system includes clouds, night lights, and other data to make the experience as realistic and interactive as possible.
Earth Visualization Software
WinEarth uses the astronaut metaphor, providing interactive photorealistic views of Earth as if from an orbital altitude of 360 km. It uses GeoFusion's digital Earth engine, somewhat akin to Google Earth, that enables a high level of user interactivity, letting people fly where they wish, zoom in and out, and turn on and off various data layers. The system includes Earth imagery at 30m, derived from Landsat. It also uses a 90m Digital Elevation Model to present features in 3D relief in the oblique perspective views. The images were color-corrected with advice from former NASA astronaut Jay Apt to match the Earth colors perceived by the astronauts. The data system also includes real-time clouds (updated daily) and calculated day/night transitions (using night light imagery from DMSP).
