NHC Active KML Feed

Overview

The NHC Active Keyhole Markup Language (KML) feed is a compressed (KMZ) file – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/kml/nhc.kmz – available for download that utilizes the "network link" functionality to display all of the active NHC KML/KMZ files and can automatically update to look for refreshed and new data. This file can be viewed in Google Earth and other KML viewing software.

Listed below are the KML/KMZ files currently found (when available) in the Active KML feed:

Advisory Forecast Track
Advisory Cone of Uncertainty
Advisory Watches & Warnings
Preliminary Best Track Points
Storm Surge (Probabilities, Heights)
120h Wind Speed Probabilities (34kt, 50kt, 64kt)

Please see the NHC GIS page for more details on the individual files.

Technical

The 'nhc.kmz' file comprises of a single KML file (nhc.kml) that is zipped and bundled into the KMZ. The bundled 'nhc.kml' file utilizes a NetworkLink to reference a live frequently-updated file on NHC's web servers, available here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gis/kml/nhc_active.kml. The 'nhc_active.kml' file also consists of multiple NetworkLink calls to the current KML/KMZ files on NHC web servers.

Examples

Listed below are past examples of the 'nhc_active.kml' file from the NHC KML feed and are posted as a courtesy for developers and others interested in parsing these files. Warning: format may change.

Disclaimer

This is a protype and may not be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Timely delivery of data and products from this service through the Internet is not guaranteed, and you should not rely on this service to make life-threatening decisions.

Feedback

If you have any feedback, please send questions or comments directly to NHCwebmaster@noaa.gov.