Export Google Earth KML Points

Note: Data must be in the WGS84 coordinate system to accurately represent this data in Google Earth^®.

Activity steps

1. Select the Data ribbon's Export >> External function, or comparable function for your product.

   The Object to Export screen displays.

2. Select the object to export and click OK.

3. Select the Google Earth KML Driver Category.
4. Select either the Points or Strings Data Type.

5. Enter a file name. A ".kml" suffix will be added automatically.

   The Export Google Earth KML screen displays.

6. Enter a Group Name for the data. This appears in the Places toolbar in Google Earth^®.

7. Enter a Group Description. This is shown below the Group Name in Google Earth.

8. Select optional Item values for each point or string:

   1. Define a Name Field. This an optional field which identifies each string. This is shown in the Places bar by expanding a Group Name and allows individual strings to be shown or hidden in the 3D Viewer.

   2. Define a Description Field containing extended information associated with each string or point - typically shown alongside the name in the Places bar in Google Earth.

      Note: The values specified for Name Field and Description Field for each data item can also be displayed by clicking on the relevant string in the 3D Viewer:
      
      
      
      

9. Choose how Z coordinates of the string or points are used to define data Elevation when displaying it in Google Earth:

   1. Absolute: Z coordinates of each string are used to specify its elevation, in metres, above sea level in Google Earth.

   2. Relative to Surface: Z coordinates of each string are used to specify its elevation, in metres, above the associated surface.

   3. Fixed to Surface: Z coordinates of each string are ignored and displayed as fixed to the surface.

10. To associate data with an icon in Google Earth, enable Icon and define how it will appear.

    1. Select an image file containing your icon.

    2. Choose either a Fixed Color or a Color Field within the exported data object containing colour codes.

    3. Set the Opacity of the icon within the range 0-100%. Default: 100%.

    4. Set the Scale of the icon within the range 0-100%. Default: 100%

11. Point and string data in Google Earth can be displayed connected to the underlying topography by extruding it up or down to the surface, for example:
    
    
    
    If either the Absolute or Relative to Surface Elevation option is selected, you can select Extrude to Surface to create this effect.