Create Point KML File

Create CSV file (complete directions)

• In Excel or OpenOffice (or even Notepad/Wordpad).
• Need at least the following fields.  Name them with less than 11 characters, only 0-9, A-Z, and "_" (underscore).  Do not use any commas, and text fields must be less than 255 characters long.
  • LAT: must be in decimal degrees
  • LONG: must be in decimal degrees, negative for the western hemisphere
  • NAME: optional, but the points will have this as a text label
  • ICON: optional.  If present, and the name of a GIF or PNG file present in the directory c:\mapdata\icons, the points will use this icon to show the location.
• Save as CSV format (values separated by commas, although tabs or spaces can also work)

Open in MICRODEM

• Open database.  This will convert the CSV file into a DBF file, which is the standard for GIS.  The LAT/LONG will be in the DBF.  You can also create a point shapefile on the Report tab.  This is the more standard GIS option, but requires care because you must  keep the multiple files of the shapefile together.
  • Open database without map on Main Program Toolbar. Simplest option, does not show the database on a map.
  •   Database on Map window toolbar,
  • Open shapefile map on Main Program Toolbar
• Select Report button on database table form. 
  • Quick KML/Google Earth export: should work in most cases. 
  • If the database table is not in the popup, you can turn it on the KML export options on Web tab of options form, brought up from Options program menu selection.
  • Deliberate KML/Google Earth export: provides you much more control, at the price of having to make a lot of choices.
  • File will be saved in c:\mapdata\KML, but it is easier to save in Google Earth

Google Earth opens automatically.  The allows anyone with Google Earth to see your data in a simple, intuitive interface.  They can combine your data with the Google imagery, vectors, and any other KMZ files.

• Simple edits in Google Earth.
• Save as KMZ file (right click in table of contents, and select save as).  This is the KML file and any associated images, in a single compressed file that avoids broken links.

Last revision 5/11/2012