what it does

Arc2Earth can export data in several different layouts. All of these layouts are useful in different ways from within Google Earth. Some are good for preserving the exact cartographic characteristics of the map and some are better for 3D extrusion and user interaction inside Google Earth. Any of these methods can also be combined together to form complex KML documents.

• Single Map Export
• Single Layer Export
• Full Map (Multiple Layer) Export
• Map Graphics Export

For a full description of what Arc2Earth can do, please look at our Product Guide

Single Map Export

Single Map Export simply uses a single KML ground overlay to display the entire map in Google Earth. You can export the map frame itself or use the printed map layout for the export. This type of export is useful for either quick overlays or when the page layout contains valuable context and content that you would like the viewer to see.

Single Layer Export

The single layer export is the quickest way to export the selected layer in ArcMap into KML. It creates a file that does not have a TOC, a legend or map graphics associated with it. This can be useful if you are using Arc2Earth to create chunks of KML that you are using in another larger KML document. You can export the selected layer as a ground overlay (raster) or as individual vector data.

Full Map Export

The full map export uses an entire map frame for the export process. You can select which layers are included and what their individual options will be. You can export the full extent of the map or just the currently visible extent. Additionally, you can choose if a TOC (table of contents) and an onscreen Legend are created. The TOC allows the Google Earth user to turn a layer on or off which gives the closest appearance of a traditional GIS system in Google Earth.

Graphics Export

ArcMap includes powerful drawing tools that you can use to markup your map without creating new layers. These annotation layers can include markers, polylines, polygons, text and images. You can export all of these graphics into Google Earth individually or as part of a larger Full Map export. Arc2Earth integrates directly into ArcMap's graphics property pages, so you can easily change extrusion, transparency and labeling options for each graphic. Graphics Export is a powerful way to create and display ad-hoc overlays inside Google Earth.

Importing KML into ArcMap

Arc2Earth can also import KML and KMZ files directly into ArcMap. A Personal GDB is created in the background and feature classes are created for each possible geometry type. Symbology is maintained and even links to Google Earth root icons are maintained (if you have GE installed on your machine). Once the data has been imported, you can search, edit and run any geoprocessing tool against it. Arc2Earth also has a popup Window map tool that will display a Google Earth balloon window when the user selected an imported placemark. This allows the HTML attributes to be displayed in a user friendly manner.