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GIS Lab 61

The document discusses exporting maps from ArcMap to KML format for use in Google Earth. It explains the differences between using the 'Map to KML' and 'Layer to KML' tools in ArcMap. Steps are provided for using the 'Map to KML' tool to export an entire map as a KML file and then importing that file into Google Earth.

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Suraj Verma
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19 views

GIS Lab 61

The document discusses exporting maps from ArcMap to KML format for use in Google Earth. It explains the differences between using the 'Map to KML' and 'Layer to KML' tools in ArcMap. Steps are provided for using the 'Map to KML' tool to export an entire map as a KML file and then importing that file into Google Earth.

Uploaded by

Suraj Verma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab 6: ArcMap to Google Earth using the Map to KML Conversion

Introduction:

The "Map to KML" tool is an essential component of ArcMap, a powerful Geographic


Information System (GIS) software widely used for spatial analysis and mapping. With the "Map
to KML" tool, GIS professionals and enthusiasts can easily export their entire map documents
(MXD) into Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files. KML is an XML-based format used for
geographic data representation, and it plays a key role in enabling interactive map visualization
and exploration.

Map to KML vs. Layer to KML:

While both "Map to KML" and "Layer to KML" tools serve the purpose of exporting data to
KML format, they differ in their scope. "Map to KML" exports the entire map document,
including all data layers, symbology, and layout elements, into a single KML file. On the other
hand, "Layer to KML" allows users to selectively export specific data layers from the map to
individual KML files. This offers more flexibility, as users can manage and share data in a more
granular manner. The choice between the two tools depends on the user's specific needs and
whether they want to export the entire map or specific data layers for use in applications like
Google Earth.

Using Map to KML tool in ArcMap:

1. Open ArcMap: Launch ArcMap 10.7.

2. Load Data: Add the data layers you want to include in your KML file to your ArcMap
project. You can do this by going to "File" > "Add Data" > "Add Data from File" or using
the "Add Data" button on the toolbar.

3. Prepare the Data: Ensure that your data is in an appropriate geographic coordinate
system for accurate representation in Google Earth.

4. Access the Conversion Tool: In ArcMap search bar, type “Map to KML” and click on it.
5. Configure Output Settings:

 Input Map: Select the map document (MXD) from the "Input Map" drop-down
list. This is the ArcMap document containing the layers you want to export.

 Output Folder: Specify the location where you want to save the KML file by
clicking the "Browse" button next to the "Output Folder" field.
6. Run the Tool: After setting the input map and output folder and choosing the export
options, click "OK" to run the "Map to KML" tool. ArcMap will process the data and
create the KMZ file(s) in the specified output folder.

7. Verify Result:

Importing the KMZ File in Google Earth:

1. Open Google Earth: Launch Google Earth on your computer.

2. Import the KML File: In Google Earth, go to "File" > "Open." Navigate to the location
where you saved the KML file from ArcMap and select it. Click "Open."

3. View the Data in Google Earth: Google Earth will import the KML file and display the
map data on the globe. You should see the same geographic features and layers that were
present in ArcMap.

4. Explore and Interact: You can now explore the data in Google Earth's 3D environment.
Zoom in and out, pan the map, tilt the view, and navigate through your data layers.
Google Earth offers interactive features like flyovers, historical imagery, and other
visualization tools to enhance your exploration.

5. Customize the Appearance: Google Earth allows you to customize the appearance of
your data. You can change the style of points, lines, and polygons, adjust labels, and add
pop-up information to make your map more informative and visually appealing.

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