18 Jul 2013
This is a package that allows us to create R graphics in KML format in a manner that allows them to be displayed on Google Earth (or Google Maps). The idea is that we specify a geographical rectangular region to create an R graphics graphics device We then use regular R graphics commands to create plots. When we close the device, the KML content to render the R graphical elements is written to a file (or stored in an XML document).
Rendering plots on Google Earth via KML is different from putting an image as an overlay (possible via the RKML package). The individual graphical elements - lines, circles, rectangles, text, etc. - are rendered and accessible individually. We can toggle whether each element is displayed or not via the list in the Places control.
Many more things can be done to improve this device. It serves as a functional proof of concept. It is intended to allow people (myself and others) to experiment with using this medium to display statistical results.