Green groups launch Google-based renewable energy map

Environmental groups have used Google's 3D mapping tool to define areas in the western US that should be off-limits for renewable energy development.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the National Audubon Society have collaborated on a KML file - a format native to Google Earth - which visually maps out areas of the western US that cannot be used. They have also added extra data layers to include crucial wildlife habitats that are not yet legally protected but would not be suitable for renewable energy development.

The NRDC said the aim was not to block renewable energy developments, but rather to highlight how much land was suitable for development. "Users exploring specific areas, such as those proposed for energy development, can easily see how little land is legally off-limits and which of the remaining areas have unique qualities that deserve special protection to avoid imperiling sensitive resources," it said.

The KML file, produced with help from the grant-giving Google Earth Outreach programme, will be expanded in the future, according to the two non-profit organisations. They want to add 15 types of sensitive areas showing different categories of land protection, and will show important bird areas, they added.

This is not the first time that Google's mapping systems have been used to help clear the way for renewable development. CH2MHill used Google Maps to show current solar installations in San Francisco, while Seattle-based 3Tier has been mapping worldwide renewable energy opportunities.

In February, Google Earth was also used to provide an interactive map of carbon emissions designed to highlight those facilities and regions with the largest carbon footprint.