Converting KML layers created in google earth images to feature layers in ArcMap using ArcToolBox

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We saw two advantages from this process and we are still working on other inconsistencies.

1. The slight shift and inconsistencies generated when having to georeference images will be reduced if not totally eliminated.
2. Google satellite imagery can now serve as a ground control for the GPS when ground truthing exercises are carried out.


Task
We will demonstrate how to import vector layers created from google earth in ArcMap using ArcToolBox.

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Converting KML layers created from Google satellite images to shapefiles using DNR GPS and ExpertGPS

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We will carry out this process in many ways but all geared at demonstrating how to trace out features (points, lines and polygons) on your google satellite imagery and convert these vector layers into shape files. We have about four separate approaches using DNR GPS, ExpertGPS, Arcmap and QGIS.

Task

We demonstrate how to features traced from a google satellite image are saved as kml file and converted to shape files using DNR GPS and ExpertGPS.

You can download ExpertGPS one week trial version to practise.

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Adding scanned paper maps to the GPS receiver using Google Earth

This post will demonstrate how we can convert a scanned paper map into a format where we can upload it into our GPS receiver and use it as a base map. A good software for carrying out this process is Google Earth. Our GPS receiver for this demonstration is a Garmin Dakota.

Task
Using Google Earth to Add a scanned paper map for use on the GPS receiver.

Tips
- the paper image should be scanned at a dpi>109
- Better to use image format jpeg

Procedure

1. Launch Google Earth. Pan to the selected area where the scanned map is located. In our case, its south west of Ibadan city. Go to ADD >Image Overlay. Here navigate to where the image is and click OK in the dialog box and the image will come in.


2. In our case, we picked a geographic coordinates of a known location on the map. We put the coordinates in the search box (red boxed) and then adjusted the image to the right position on the map. To adjust the image, Right click on the file (yellow boxed)>properties.


3. A green border will appear to guide the adjustment.


4. In the properties box below, adjust the transparency to the middle between opaque and Clear; Go to the Altitude Tab and adjust as below. This settings will ensure that the image will overlay the map in the GPS receiver.


5. Right Click on the File > Save Place As

6. Save File as type Kmz!!! Save in the CustomMaps folder in the GPS receiver. Create one if it didn't exist there.


7. Here is a screenshot in the GPS receiver map display.

Converting line features from google earth KML and upload as routes into a GPS receiver using DNR GPS

In this post, we will deal with line features which are features that are made up of waypoints but with different starting and ending points. GPS receiver organize data in three forms, waypoints, routes and tracks. DNR GPS recognizes only two types of GPX files- waypoints and tracks when loading KML files from google earth. A menu function in DNR GPS that will take of that glitch nicely.

Task
Typically when trying to convert line feature KML files from google earth into GPX files in DNR GPS, the line features keep showing up as tracks during loading. Well this process will show you how it is done.

Procedure
1. Launch Google earth and create the path or line feature. Observe the red line we have created representing a street. Look in the places window on the left- omerelu.


2. Right Click on the layer > Save Place As.


3. In the Save as dialog box, save type as KML


4. Launch DNR GPS. File>Load From> File


5. Load into DNR GPS, make sure the file type is set to KML


6. The file is loaded into DNR GPS as a KML file. Note the line feature is loaded as a track (see red boxed areas).


7. Go to Edit > Convert Table To> Routes


8.  The file is converted to Routes immediately!!  Notice it is now loaded and seen as Routes.
Note the file is still in KML format


9. Go to File>Save To >File and save file as a GPX file. It can then be uploaded into the GPS receiver.


10. To upload the route. Connect the GPS receiver. Go to Route>Upload.1.      Follow the subsequent dialog boxes to name the file and watch out for the message box confirming ‘Upload Complete’.

Uploading Points from a Google image to store as waypoints in a GPS receiver

Overview
Place markers in google earth can be points, lines or area features representing spatial locations . This presentation demonstrates how to place mark locations on a google satellite image, convert their format so one can store them as waypoints in a GPS receiver.


Task
The team has been given the task of identifying and carrying out a physical inspection of empty parcels of land within the city limits. We intend to use this process to map spatial data on the empty parcels and store the locations in our GPS receivers as waypoints. We will then use the GPS receiver to navigate to these waypoints for physical inspection.
Softwares- Google Earth, DNRGPS,
Hardware- Laptop, Garmin Dakota 10 handheld GPS receiver.

Procedure – Three step approach
Step one- Map waypoints from the google image and save as KML file
1. Launch Google Earth. Search for the vicinity of the study area. In the places window, right click>Add>Folder


2. Name the folder – empty plots. Go to the main menu and select the pushpin icon or Add Placemark button (encircled red). A dialog box and a yellow pushpin will appear on the image. Use the mouse to drag the pushpin and position it on the point of interest (in this case, empty plots). Go to the dialog box and name it, notice that the X and Y position of the points are displayed (green box) in the dialog box. Click OK. As you can see, the named point will appear on the image.



3. Select two more points and right click on the empty plots folder>Save place as. Notice that all the just created placemarks are in the empty plots folder.


4. In the save file dialog box, *save type as Kml


  Step two- Use DNR GPS to convert from Kml format to GPX format.
5. Launch DNR GPS and after that connect your GPS device to the laptop or PC. Go to File>Load from>file.



6. Navigate to the folder where the saved Kml file (empty plots) is stored and click open.


7. The place markers from google image still in Kml file format are loaded into DNR GPS


8. Go again to File>Save to>File. We are now converting the Kml file to GPX file format. GPS receivers store gps data as GPX format. A Save To File dialog box will open (no.9)
 

9. In the Save To File dialog box, change the file format to GPS Exchange Format (red boxed) to convert our empty plots kml file to *gpx file format.


Step three- Uploading Waypoints to a GPS receiver
10. Connect the GPS receiver by USB or Serial port. Go to GPS>Connect to Default GPS. If this doesn’t work, try the Find GPS


11. Once the GPS is connected, it will show up on the menu. Go to Waypoint>Upload
 

12. The dialog box will appear to fill in a name for the uploaded data. This process saves the Waypoints in the GPS receiver.


13. A message box indicating complete upload. Disconnect the GPS receiver, power it up and check for the point1, point2 and point3.


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