Import 3D KMZ or KML File(s)

Use the Imports > KMZ or KML File(s) option (geogxnet.dll(Geosoft.GX.GEO3DV.ImportKMZorKMLTo3DV;Run)*) from the 3D Viewer Add to 3D menu to import the vector elements (points, lines, polygons) and surfaces of KMZ or KML files into the current 3D View.

Import KMZ or KML File(s) dialog options

KMZ or KML file

Select the KMZ or KML file to import. Multiple *.kmz or *.kml files may be imported at once. Script Parameter: IMPORT_KMZ_KML_3D.FILE (Separate files with the "|" character).

Application Notes

Keyhole Markup Language Format

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is a file format used to display geographic data in an Earth browser such as Google Earth. KML files are used by many popular survey software and navigation systems. They are often distributed in KMZ files, which are zipped KML files with a .kmz extension. A KMZ file stores map locations viewable in Google Earth and contains placemarks that may include a custom name and the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of the location.

Only KML and KMZ files that conform to the OGC® KML Standard can be imported.
Rasters are currently not supported.

More information on the KML file format can be found at: https://developers.google.com/kml

Import

KML files can contain geometry objects defined by altitude and an altitude mode (absolute, relative, clamp) that instructs on how the measured altitude values should be read. The altitudes can be measured relative to the ground (from the surface of the Earth) or to the sea floor, or can be absolute (above sea level and disregarding the actual elevation of the terrain beneath). When the altitude mode is set to clamp (the feature is clamped to the ground level or to the sea floor), the altitude value will be ignored and the GX will simply set these "clamped" altitude values to 0.

The current GX allows for the import of absolute altitude values only; however, you have the option to continue with the import and skip the objects containing relative values.

Polygons are imported as surfaces and can only retain the polygon fill colours.

Projection and Scaling

KML files, by specification, use a single projection: WGS 84 (ESPG 4326). All compatible vector data (i.e. points, lines, polygons) and surfaces will be imported and reprojected "on the fly" to the coordinate system of the current 3D View. When the imported data is added to a 3D View with no defined coordinate system, the projection will be set to WSG 84.

If the coordinate system is not defined in the existing 3D View, the import data will remain in WGS 84 and mismatches may occur.

You may also need to adjust the ratio of your X,Y, and Z coordinates (and minimize the Z axis) in order to better visualize your imported geographic data. Go to Tools & Settings > Visualization, and under the Rendering tab adjust your scaling parameters accordingly.