Viewing Geometries on Virtual Earth
One of the biggest challenges in understanding spatial
data is visualising shapes. In 2D it isn't two bad, and I have started the
SpatialViewer project on codeplex (http://www.codeplex.com/SpatialViewer)
However visualising Geography types requires a globe.Virtual Earth can come
to the rescue. I have had ago at visualising shapes on Virtual Earth
Due to the need to have lots of javascript the sample is hosted on the
SQLBits site http://www.sqlbits.com/HowTo/Spatial/ViewingShapesOnVirtualEarth.aspx
You should be able to draw a shape on the virtual earth map and get the
points in the text box below. The points are in WKT format without the geometry
shape and brackets. You can also put in a set of points and add the shape.
I suggest you go to 3D mode (if you have t installed) to see how shapes are
represented in virtual earth. This is not the same as the way they are
represented in Sql Server. Sql Server uses shortest distance whereas VE maps
lines on a planar projection not allowing for the curve of the earth.
Draw a line from London to New York and then switch to 3D mode. The line
should loop up towards the north pole, but it doesn't. It goes straight across
the atlantic.
I find I get a few javascript errors, I am trying to iron these out but you
should still be able to use it.
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