KML Map Export

Two locations:

Both give the choice of:

This form will always be available on the Web tab of the the options form, where you can set permanent options for the quick export.

KML Output: The files will be placed in directories under c:\mapdata\kml numbered sequentially, KML1, KML2, and so on.  This directory will have all files needed for the KML display, and they can be zipped together into a single KMZ file.  You are currently responsible for cleaning these out on your own when you no longer need them. If you want to place the files elsewhere, you can do that from within Google Earth by right clicking on the directory tree.  You might want to clean up names and the folder structure first.  The map export will be a "dumb picture" with exactly the colors and information on the map, but you cannot do any analysis on the map, or find the values of the underlaying rasters.

  Set options for map overlay for KML;
  • Logos: you can pick an image (GIF or PNG) for placement in the upper or lower left corners of the map display.
  • KML Export: Pick whether you want to export  map, overlays, or both.
  • Image format, GIF or PNG.  GIF will be better for vector maps, and PNG for image or DEM maps.
  • Pick transparency, which will be all the white on the map for GIF maps, and a desired level for PNG.  You can also set the transparency in Google Earth, which might be a better choice.
  • Separate map layers: each map layer can be an separate layer in Google Earth.
  • All maps: other open maps can be saved as separate layers, so you can have multiple overlays possible.
  • Individual viewsheds
  • ZIP KML into KMZ;  all files are zipped into one KMZ file, which is easier to move around with losing files needed for display.
  • Create world files: creates a world file with each GIF or PNG.  You can then open the GIF files in other software, like ArcGIS.
  • Debug KML file: shows KML file created, with line numbers.  If there is a problems, GE will give you the line number, and you can inspect the file to see what the problem might be.
  • Open Google Earth:  automatically opens Google Earth.
  • Clean up HTML: less verbose by stripping out less useful codings.
  • Label graticule: put point labels on the end of the graticule lines for the KML export.
  • Allow time animations: if checked, you can get Time animations.
  • Default database options: if checked and you select the overlay export options, all databases associated with the map will be drawn in Google Earth without asking about the options you want.
  • DB Tables in KML
  • Top level folder

Before you export, you might want to remove the scale bar and legend (Legends/marginalia after right click on the map).

If you export overlays, you will be asked  if you want to export each database in turn, and then pick KML display options for each database.

KML overview.

Problems opening KML/KMZ files

Last revision 8/30/2018