Import Google Earth File

The Import Google Earth File command allows you to insert a KML (Keyhole Markup Language or alternatively a KMZ) file of points (KML Placemark), polylines (KML Path) and closed polylines (KML Polygon) into your drawing. Throughout this discussion, KML will be used to also describe KMZ files unless explicitly noted.

Import Lines and Polygons: When this option is selected, KML Path and Polygon entries will be placed into the drawing as open or closed polylines, respectively.

Import Points: When this option is selected, KML Placemark entries will be placed into the drawing and active coordinate file.

Point Protect: When enabled, existing points in the active coordinate file will not be over-written.

Attach Image To Points: This option applies to KML files created by SurvCE when the points are stored together with an image. This option to attach the image to the point symbol. The images can be viewed using the Image/Document Inspector command. The image files are extracted from the KML and stored in the specified folder set in Image Storage Path.

Use Folders as Layers: When enabled, KML Folder entries will be used to create layer names in CAD and the supported KML options described above will be placed onto the layer that conforms the the Folder to which they belong.

Default Layer: The supported KML options described above that are not contained in a KML folder will be placed into the specified layer.

Note:

• Placemarks, paths or polygon entries that have an altitude value specified will be imported at the proper "Z" elevation in the CAD drawing.
• KML or KMZ files can be specified for the import process.

Prompts

Google Earth File to Read: Select a previously saved KML or KMZ file.

See Also:

• To import a Google Earth image into your drawing, use the Place Google Earth Image command.
• To import a Google Earth terrain data into a Carlson TIN (surface model), use the Place Google Earth Image command.
• To export content from your drawing to a KML file, use the Export Google Earth File command.

Pulldown Menu Location: File > LandXML/RoadXML/Google Earth
Keyboard Command: kmlread
Prerequisite: A KML or KMZ file with Placemark, Path and/or Polygon information, an active coordinate file with an established projection zone through Drawing Setup.