Add a Google Earth Enterprise globe (from geserver) to QGIS

Getting Your Google Earth Enterprise Globe into QGIS: A Human’s Guide

So, you’ve got a Google Earth Enterprise globe, huh? Maybe you’ve spent ages crafting it with your own imagery, terrain, and all sorts of cool data. Now you want to bring that awesome globe into QGIS, a powerhouse of a GIS tool. I get it! It’s like wanting to put your prized Lego creation on display in a proper museum. While Google Earth Enterprise (GEE) has opened its doors to the open-source world, getting it to play nice with other GIS software, like QGIS, is still a seriously valuable skill. This isn’t just about following steps; it’s about unlocking the potential of your data. Let’s dive into how you can make this happen.

Breaking Down the Jargon

First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Think of these components as the band members in our data orchestra:

• Google Earth Enterprise (GEE): This is your personal Google Earth, where you can build 3D globes and 2D maps using your very own data. It’s like having your own planet-creation kit!
• geserver: The workhorse that serves up your globe and maps to anyone who wants to see them. It’s the stage on which your globe performs.
• QGIS: Our trusty, free, and open-source GIS application. It’s the Swiss Army knife of geospatial analysis.
• Web Map Service (WMS): The universal language that allows different mapping software to talk to each other. It’s like Esperanto, but for maps.

Waking Up WMS in Google Earth Enterprise

Here’s the thing: GEE doesn’t shout “WMS!” out of the box. You’ve got to give it a nudge through the GEE Server Admin console. It’s like teaching your dog a new trick.

If you’re rocking a 2D Fusion or portable database, turning on “Serve WMS” publishes to both GEE Server and WMS in one fell swoop. No extra steps needed!

Hooking Up Your GEE Globe to QGIS via WMS

QGIS speaks WMS fluently, which means we can get it to display your GEE globe. Here’s the step-by-step:

CRS: The Universal Translator

When you’re pulling in layers from a 2D database, make sure your QGIS project’s Coordinate Reference System (CRS) is set up correctly. EPSG:3857 (WGS 84 / Pseudo Mercator) is a safe bet for web mapping. You can tweak the CRS in the lower-right corner of QGIS. Before you start adding the WMS layer, turn off “on the fly” projection (Project ► Properties… ► CRS tab, check No CRS (or unknown/non-Earth projection). Trust me, it’ll save you headaches later.

When Things Go South

• “Failed to Download Capabilities”: This usually means your WMS URL is wonky. Double-check it and make sure your GEE server is alive and kicking.
• Authentication Blues: If you’re getting authentication errors, triple-check your username, password, and any other security settings.
• Invisible Layer Syndrome: If the layer loads but you can’t see it, make sure your CRS is correct and that you’re zoomed in to the right area.

Other Ways to Skin a Cat

• XYZ Tiles: QGIS loves XYZ tiles, which are how things like Google Maps get displayed. But this isn’t a direct route for private GEE globes unless they’re set up as tile services.
• Google Earth Engine Plugin: There’s a QGIS plugin for Google Earth Engine, but it’s more about the public Google Earth Engine data than your own private GEE setup.

The Grand Finale

Bringing your Google Earth Enterprise globe into QGIS opens up a world of possibilities. You can combine your custom data with QGIS’s powerful analysis tools, creating a geospatial dream team. By enabling WMS in GEE and connecting to it in QGIS, you’re not just visualizing data; you’re unlocking its true potential. Go forth and map!