Exporting Waypoints as .kmz file in Google Earth Pro for UAS Software

Exporting Waypoints.kmz File from Google Earth Pro for Use in UAS Software

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have gained popularity in various industries, including agriculture, mapping, and surveying. To create flight routes for UAS, you can use waypoints defined in a Keyhole Markup Language (KML) or Keyhole Markup Language Zone (KMZ) file. This article will guide you through the process of exporting a waypoints KMZ file from Google Earth Pro (GEP) for use in UAS software.

What are Waypoints and KMZ Files?

Waypoints are specific locations defined by latitude, longitude, and altitude. A KML or KMZ file contains geographic data, such as waypoints, and can be used to visualize and analyze the data in various mapping applications. A KML file is an uncompressed text file, while a KMZ file is a compressed archive containing one or more KML files and associated resources like images.

Exporting Waypoints from Google Earth Pro

Google Earth Pro is a powerful geospatial application that can be used to create, visualize, and analyze waypoints. Follow these steps to export waypoints from GEP as a KMZ file:

1. Open Google Earth Pro and create waypoints using the "Add Placemark" feature (Ctrl + M or Cmd + M on Mac).
2. Select the waypoints you want to include in the KMZ file.
3. Right-click on the selected waypoints and choose "Save Place As" from the context menu.
4. In the "Save As" dialog, choose a location to save the KMZ file, enter a filename, and select the "KMZ" format. Ensure that "Include Folder Hierarchy" and "Include Nearby Images" options are unchecked.
5. Click "Save" to generate the KMZ file.

Importing the KMZ File into UAS Software

After exporting the KMZ file from GEP, you can use it in UAS software to create flight routes. Different UAS software may have slightly different import procedures. However, most software supports importing KMZ files through the following steps:

1. Open your UAS software and look for an option like "Import" or "Flight Planning" in the main menu.
2. Select the KMZ file you exported from GEP.
3. Configure any additional settings required by the UAS software, such as flight altitude or speed.
4. Save the flight plan for later use or send it to the UAS for execution.

Common UAS Software and Import Procedures

Here are some common UAS software options and links to their official documentation regarding KMZ import:

• DJI Flight Planning App
• Pix4Dcapture
• eMotion 3.x (senseFly)

This article discussed exporting waypoints from Google Earth Pro and importing them into UAS software. Exporting the KMZ file involves creating waypoints in GEP, selecting them, and saving them as a KMZ file. Importing the KMZ file involves opening the UAS software, selecting the file, and configuring any required settings. Common UAS software options and their official documentation regarding KMZ import were provided.

References

• DJI. Introducing the DJI Flight Planning App.

• Pix4D. Creating and Managing Flight Plans in Pix4Dcapture.

• senseFly. How do I import a KML file into eMotion 2?.