Introduction to Google Earth Digitization and Map Making.

Practical Guide: Introduction to Google Earth Digitization and Map Making

1. Introduction

Google Earth is a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data and creating maps. This guide will walk you through the basics of digitization and map-making using Google Earth.

2. Setting Up Google Earth

• Download Google Earth: If you haven’t already, download and install Google Earth Pro on your computer.
• Launch Google Earth: Open the application after installation.

3. Exploring the Interface

• Navigation Tools: Familiarize yourself with the navigation tools:
• Zoom In/Out: Use the mouse scroll wheel or the zoom buttons.
• Pan: Click and drag the map to move around.
• Tilt and Rotate: Use the tilt and rotate buttons to change your view.

4. Searching for Locations

1. Use the Search Bar: Enter a location (e.g., city name, coordinates) in the search bar.
2. Navigate to the Location: Click on the search result to fly to the specified area.

5. Digitizing Features

Digitization involves creating new geographic features based on existing data.

A. Adding Placemarks

1. Create a Placemark: Click the Add Placemark button (pushpin icon).
2. Position the Placemark: Drag the placemark to your desired location.
3. Name the Placemark: Enter a name and description.
4. Save the Placemark: Click OK to save.

B. Drawing Polygons

1. Select the Polygon Tool: Click the Add Polygon button (polygon icon).
2. Draw the Polygon: Click to create vertices around the area you want to outline. Double-click to finish.
3. Name the Polygon: Enter a name and description.
4. Style the Polygon: Choose colors and opacity under the “Style, Color” tab.
5. Save the Polygon: Click OK to save.

C. Creating Lines

1. Select the Path Tool: Click the Add Path button (line icon).
2. Draw the Path: Click to create points along the desired route. Double-click to finish.
3. Name the Path: Enter a name and description.
4. Style the Path: Adjust the color and width under the “Style, Color” tab.
5. Save the Path: Click OK to save.

6. Importing Data

You can import existing geographic data (KML/KMZ files) into Google Earth.

1. Open the File Menu: Click File > Open.
2. Select Your KML/KMZ File: Navigate to the file location and select it.
3. View Imported Data: The data will appear in the Places panel.

7. Creating Maps

After digitizing features and importing data, you can create a custom map.

A. Organizing Your Map

1. Create Folders: Right-click on “My Places” and select Add > Folder to organize your placemarks, polygons, and paths.
2. Drag and Drop: Move your features into the created folders for better organization.

B. Exporting Your Map

1. Save Your Map: Right-click on the folder or individual item and select Save Place As.
2. Choose KML/KMZ Format: Save your map in KML or KMZ format for sharing or future use.

8. Sharing Your Map

You can share your KML/KMZ files with others.

1. Email the File: Attach the KML/KMZ file to an email.
2. Upload to a Cloud Service: Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox to share the file.

9. Conclusion

This practical guide has introduced you to the basics of digitization and map-making using Google Earth. With these skills, you can create informative maps and visualize geographic data effectively.