Exporting waypoints as a .kmz file in Google Earth Pro allows you to transfer flight routes directly into UAS software. This process involves creating placemarks, organizing them into a folder, and saving the project as a KML/KMZ file for seamless import into drone mission planning tools.
Preparing Your Flight Route
The first step in exporting waypoints is to ensure your route is accurately mapped within Google Earth Pro. Open the application and use the search bar or manual navigation to locate the area where your unmanned aerial system (UAS) will operate. You must create specific points of interest that represent your waypoints. These points are technically called placemarks in Google Earth terminology.
To add a waypoint, click the Add Placemark icon, which resembles a red pushpin, located in the toolbar. Alternatively, you can navigate to File > Add > Placemark. A dialog box will appear allowing you to name the point. It is crucial to give each placemark a distinct and logical name, such as "Takeoff," "Waypoint 1," "Survey Point A," or "Landing." While some older or simpler UAS interfaces might rely on alphabetical sequencing based on these names, modern professional software typically uses the spatial coordinates rather than text labels for execution order. Therefore, accuracy in placement is more important than naming conventions for sequencing, though clear names help with visual verification.
After placing all necessary points, ensure they are grouped logically. In the Sidebar on the left side of the screen, under the Places panel, you will see your new placemarks listed. For better organization, right-click on an empty space in the sidebar and select Add > Folder. Name this folder something descriptive like "Mission Route" or "Flight Plan." Drag and drop all your individual placemarks into this newly created folder. This grouping ensures that when you export the data, only the relevant waypoints are included, preventing clutter from other saved locations.
Configuring Export Settings
Before generating the file, it is wise to verify the coordinate format. Most UAS software expects standard WGS84 coordinates, which is the default for Google Earth. However, if your specific drone manufacturer requires a different projection or datum, you may need to adjust settings. Go to Tools > Options > 3D View tab. Ensure that the latitude and longitude display format is set correctly, usually decimal degrees. This step is critical because mismatched coordinate systems can cause the imported route to appear in the wrong geographic location or fail to load entirely.
Additionally, check the visibility of your placemarks. If any icons are hidden or if you have added temporary markers that should not be part of the final mission, hide them by unchecking their boxes in the sidebar. The export function captures exactly what is visible and selected in the Places panel. Cleanliness here prevents errors during the upload phase to your ground control station.
Saving as a KMZ File
With your folder organized and verified, proceed to the export phase. Right-click on the folder containing your waypoints in the Sidebar. From the context menu, select Save Place As.... A file save dialog will open. Navigate to your desired destination directory on your computer.
In the Save as type dropdown menu, select KML files (*.kml) or KMZ files (*.kmz). The difference between the two formats is significant. A KML file is an XML-based text file that stores the geographic data but does not embed images or textures. A KMZ file is essentially a compressed ZIP archive that contains the KML file along with any associated image files, icons, or overlays. For UAS software, the KMZ format is generally preferred because it packages everything needed for the map view into a single, portable file. This reduces the risk of missing assets when the file is transferred to another device or uploaded to cloud-based mission planners.
Enter a filename that is simple and free of special characters. Avoid spaces if possible, using underscores instead, to ensure compatibility with various operating systems and software parsers. Click Save. Google Earth Pro will process the request and generate the file. You can verify the creation by checking your folder for the new .kmz file.
Importing into UAS Software
The final stage involves transferring the .kmz file to your UAS mission planning environment. Launch your specific drone software, such as DJI Pilot, Litchi, Pix4Dcapture, or ArduPilot Mission Planner, depending on your hardware. Look for an option labeled Import Waypoints, Load Mission, or Open KML/KMZ.
Select the .kmz file you just exported. The software will parse the coordinates and plot the route on its own interface. Carefully review the imported path. Check that the altitude settings are correct; Google Earth placemarks do not always carry elevation data unless explicitly set. If your drone requires specific altitudes for each waypoint, you may need to manually input these values in the UAS software after importing the horizontal positions. Verify that the sequence of points matches your intended flight plan. Once confirmed, you can save the mission to your controller or SD card for execution.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the UAS software fails to recognize the file, ensure the extension is actually .kmz and not just renamed. Some operating systems hide extensions by default. Also, check that the file is not corrupted. Re-exporting from Google Earth Pro often resolves minor corruption issues. If the points appear scattered incorrectly, verify that the coordinate reference system matches between the export source and the target software. Finally, remember that Google Earth Pro exports geodetic coordinates; if your software uses local grid references, a transformation step may be required outside of the basic export process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit the KMZ file after exporting?
You cannot directly edit a KMZ file in Google Earth Pro once it is saved, as it becomes a static package. To make changes, you must return to the original project in Google Earth, modify the placemarks, and re-save the file as a new KMZ. This ensures that the latest coordinate data is packaged correctly for your UAS software.
Does the KMZ file include altitude information?
Standard placemarks in Google Earth Pro primarily store latitude and longitude. Altitude is included only if you explicitly enabled altitude mode and specified a height above sea level or terrain for each point. If your UAS software requires precise altitude data, you should verify the elevation values in the placemark properties before exporting or input them manually in the mission planner.
What is the difference between KML and KMZ for drones?
KML is an uncompressed text file containing only coordinate data, while KMZ is a compressed archive that includes the KML plus any associated images or icons. For most UAS applications, KMZ is superior because it keeps all related assets in one file, reducing the chance of broken links or missing map tiles when the mission is loaded on the ground station.
Why did my waypoints import out of order?
Most modern UAS software imports waypoints based on the order they appear in the KML structure or by their spatial proximity, not necessarily by the name you gave them. If the order is incorrect, check the sequence in the Google Earth Sidebar and rearrange the placemarks within the folder before re-exporting. Always visually verify the route in the UAS software immediately after import.
Is Google Earth Pro suitable for professional survey missions?
While Google Earth Pro is excellent for planning visual inspection routes and basic waypoint navigation, it lacks advanced survey-specific features like overlap percentages, GSD calculations, or automated grid patterns. For high-precision photogrammetry, consider using dedicated survey software that can import KML waypoints as initial guides but relies on specialized algorithms for accurate coverage mapping.