Module 7: Google Earth Project

 Hello all, our last module for cartography focused on converting ArcGIS layers to a KML data file that can be used in Google Earth for creating maps with a recorded tour. In order to convert a ArcGIS layer into a KML file you simply used the layer to KML tool in the geoprocessing pane. Note you can only convert one layer at a time. It is easier the symbolize everything while in ArcGIS so be sure to apply that to your layer before send it to a KML file. Below is the map I created using the converted layer. It depicts population density in South Florida indicate by the red dots. Surface Water types are separated by color ranging form green to blue to show the difference between water types. We had to use an already created legend image to overlaid onto the map in Google Earth, and once population density dots, hydrology features, and county boundaries were added, we created pins to record a “tour” of listed areas of interest: South Florida Area, Miami Metropolitan Area, Downtown Miami, Downtown Fore Lauderdale, Tampa Bay Area, St. Petersburg, and Downtown Tampa. These are indicated by the yellow pins on the map.

This lab was interesting in exploring a program that everyone has access to in order to create maps. I learned a lot in terms of creating these virtual map tour and can see myself applying the technique in the future.