Importing KMZ files from Google Earth

Relates to versions - 23.5+

All KMZ files from Google Earth use the WGS 84 coordinate system. We need to convert from WGS 84 to your project’s coordinate system.

Navigate to File > Import > Vector (GIS/GPS)

Add your source KMZ file, type a name for the resulting DAT file, then click in the East/North/Z field. They should auto-complete with EAST, NORTH, RL. If they don’t auto-complete, you can manually type those values in.

Choose the Conversion option at the bottom, and right-click in the field to make a new form. This form will be used every time we convert files from KMZ to your project coordinates.

Search for the From (Google Earth) coordinate system. This will always be WGS 84 and can be selected by typing “4326” into the field below. The To coordinate system will be whatever is correct for your project area. Click on the search icon to find your project’s coordinate system.

To find your project’s coordinate system, search the system name or area name and relevant systems will appear. You can click on a system and see a preview of its area on the globe.

Selecting both coordinate systems will allow you to Save As and save the form. I would call this something like “Google Earth to Project.” With the conversion form saved, you can Run the import.

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