Help Content > General Tools > Data Export > Generate Google Earth KML File

Purpose

Images geocoded to any supported cartographic reference system can be displayed in the Google Earth environment. A kml file is generated for this purpose.

Technical Note

Only data in GEO-GLOBAL cartographic reference system (LAT/LONG co-ordinates) can be used for the visualisation into the Google Earth environment.

This tools allows the cartographic transformation of products (raster and vector data) geocoded to any map projection supported by SARscape.

When raster data are processed, the Geotiff and the corresponding kml file are stored in the input directory. When vector data (in .shp format) are processed, a kml file is stored in the input directory; in this case the output kml is marked by a suffix, which describes the vector type (i.e. _polygons, _points, _arcs).

Vector files must be previously imported.

Double clicking on the kml file will start the Google Earth program and properly superimpose the Geotiff image.

Input Files

Input file

Raster images in Geotiff format can be entered only if the cartographic reference system is GEO-GLOBAL; any other SARscape geocoded image can be used by entering the _geo product. Vector files in shp format are also supported. This file is mandatory.

Parameters - Principal Parameters

Name

A name can be specified, which identifies the image into the Google Earth environment.

Description

An image caption, which is readable from the Google Earth environment, can be entered.

Tilt

The view direction angle, with respect to the vertical, can be set (in degrees).

Distance

The point of view distance from the ground can be set (in meters).

Parameters - Global

It brings to the general section of the Preferences parameters. Any modified value will be used and stored for further processing sessions.

Parameters - Other Parameters

It brings to the general section of the Preferences parameters. Any modified value will be used and stored for further processing sessions.

Output Files

_GE_geo

Transformed data and associated header files (.sml, .hdr). This file is removed by setting the "Delete temporary files" flag.

_GE_geo.tif

Geotiff image and corresponding header file (.sml).

.kml

ASCII file containing the information to visualize the Tiff image in Google Earth.

_GE_geo_par.sml

Xml file containing temporary processing parameters.

_parameter_google_earth_kml.par

Parameters set for the kml file generation.

Details specific to the Units of Measure and Nomenclature of the output products can be found in the Data Format section.

General Functions

Exec

The processing step is executed.

Store Batch

The processing step is stored in the batch list. The Batch Browser button allows to load the batch processing list.

The window will be closed.

Help

Specific help document section.

Specific Function(s)

None.