Match ArcMap 3D View in Google Earth: A Step-by-Step Guide

When working with geographic data, it's often necessary to share files with others or upload them to a platform like Google Earth. In this tutorial, we'll explore how to match the ArcMap 3D view in Google Earth using relative links.

To begin, let's assume you have an ArcMap project containing USGS quad boundaries and corresponding PDF files saved in a folder named 'pdf' within your project folder. Your goal is to create a KML file with pop-up hyperlinks that open the correct PDF when clicked.

The first step is to add a new string field named 'Hyperlink' with a length of 250 characters in ArcMap's hyperlink field. Right-click the hyperlink field heading and choose Calculate Field. In the field calculation dialog box, enter the following syntax:

'Replace all spaces in 'QUAD_NAME' with underscores;'

This will replace any spaces in the QUAD_NAME attribute with underscores, which is necessary for formatting the hyperlink correctly.

Next, create HTML hyperlinks to the PDF files stored in your project folder. Right-click the hyperlink field heading and choose Calculate Field again. This time, enter the following syntax:

'https://'path_to_your_project_folder'/pdf/'QUAD_NAME'.pdf'

Make sure to use single quotes around the path, as shown above.

Now that you have set up the hyperlinks in ArcMap, it's time to create a KML file with pop-up hyperlinks. In Google Earth, go to the 'Add' tab and select 'New Placemark.' This will create a new placemark on your map. Right-click the placemark and choose 'Edit' to open its properties dialog box.

In the properties dialog box, click on the 'Description' tab and enter the following syntax:

Click here for more information

This will create an HTML hyperlink in the pop-up description that opens the correct PDF file when clicked.

To match the ArcMap 3D view in Google Earth, make sure to use relative links instead of absolute paths. This will ensure that your hyperlinks work correctly regardless of where you upload your KML file or share it with others.

In conclusion, matching the ArcMap 3D view in Google Earth using relative links is a straightforward process. By following these steps and using the correct syntax for formatting your hyperlinks, you can easily create a KML file with pop-up hyperlinks that open the correct PDF files when clicked.

Match arcmap 3d view in google earth