Exporting in KML Format

The Export KML command exports VectorWorks 3D drawing components to KML, the markup language used by the Google Earth application. The resulting file can then be opened in Google Earth, in order to provide a visualization of how a building fits into its intended environment, for example. KML models can also be uploaded and shared via Google’s 3D Warehouse.

To export a KML file:

1.	Select File > Export > Export KML (3D only).

2.	The KML Export Options dialog box opens.

 

Parameter	Description
Mapping	VectorWorks maps a 2D reference point on the object to specific Google Earth coordinates during export. If the file is georeferenced, the following mapping fields are filled in automatically and disabled.
Set Reference Point to Next Mouse Click/Set Reference Point to	To specify the reference point manually, select Set Reference Point to Next Mouse Click. Or, to specify X and Y coordinates for the reference point, select Set Reference Point to and enter the appropriate values.
Latitude	Enter the latitude where the model will be positioned in Google Earth, using DMS notation (for example, 39d 12m 34s N)
Longitude	Enter the longitude where the model will be positioned in Google Earth, using DMS notation (for example, 76d 51m 44s W)
Page North	Enter the angle between the drawing’s Y axis and true north in DMS notation; positive angles proceed clockwise
Z Height Offset	Enter the difference between the VectorWorks ground plane and the Google Earth ground plane
Objects To Export	Select the specific object types to be exported; leaving out unnecessary objects can reduce the KML file’s size
Layer(s) to export from	Select the layers to export 3D objects from. In Google Earth, VectorWorks layers are listed in the Places panel on the left side of the application window, and their visibilities can be controlled individually.

3.	Select the export parameters, and then click OK.

4.	Specify the file name and destination, and then click Save.

VectorWorks creates an export file, leaving the original file intact.