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10. Exporting Shapefiles to KML to Use in Google Maps
The following tutorial will describe how to export GIS shapefiles to KML files for use in Google Earth or Google Maps. The example images show converting point data, but this process can be used for point, polyline, or polygon information.
Before you start this process, have the shapefile(s) you wish to convert open in an ArcMap project.
Before you start this process, have the shapefile(s) you wish to convert open in an ArcMap project.
2 - Exporting to Google Earth KML
Click the Export to KML button, and the following dialogue box will appear.
Enter the following parameters:
- Under "Select the layer to export," choose the shapefile you wish to convert to KML.
- You have the option of grouping the features in your shapefile according to their symbology in ArcMap. This may be useful for certain datasets, such as producing a landuse or demographic map in Google Earth. If you wish to choose this option, check "Group and color features using the layer's symbology."
- Under "Select an attribute for labeling features," you can choose any of the fields in the shapefile's attribute table to serve as labels for your KML file.
- Under "Select an attribute that represents the height," you can choose any of the quantitative fields in the shapefile's attribute to give three-dimensional height to your kml file. Specify whether this quantity represents feet or meters, and check "Extrude features based on the height" to create extruded volumes.
- Lastly, choose the path location and name for your exported KML file. Click "OK."
Click the Export to KML button, and the following dialogue box will appear.
Enter the following parameters:
- Under "Select the layer to export," choose the shapefile you wish to convert to KML.
- You have the option of grouping the features in your shapefile according to their symbology in ArcMap. This may be useful for certain datasets, such as producing a landuse or demographic map in Google Earth. If you wish to choose this option, check "Group and color features using the layer's symbology."
- Under "Select an attribute for labeling features," you can choose any of the fields in the shapefile's attribute table to serve as labels for your KML file.
- Under "Select an attribute that represents the height," you can choose any of the quantitative fields in the shapefile's attribute to give three-dimensional height to your kml file. Specify whether this quantity represents feet or meters, and check "Extrude features based on the height" to create extruded volumes.
- Lastly, choose the path location and name for your exported KML file. Click "OK."
A message will appear asking you whether you want to add the file in Google Earth. If you say yes, Google Earth will open with your KML file in place. In the example below, GPS points from around Columbia's campus are represented. Their symbology (varying sizes) are maintained from the symbology of the original shapefile in ArcMap.