How to Import a Google Map Into ArcGIS
You can create a map in Google Maps and import it into the ArcMap application included with ArcGIS. Google Maps can export your maps as Keyhole Markup Language files. ArcMap can’t open the KML file directly, but the Data Interoperability extension included with the app can convert the map to a format ArcMap can understand. After you’ve made the conversion, ArcMap can import the places and paths from the map to an ArcMap file in “.mxd” format.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Navigate to the Google Maps website. Click the “My Places” button and select the map you want to import. Click the “KML” link on the map’s page and save the map’s KML file to your computer.
-
2
Open the ArcMap application included with ArcGIS. Click the “File” menu, click “Open” from the context menu and then browse for an “.mxd” file. You can also create a new ArcMap file from the file menu.
-
-
3
Click the “Tools” menu in ArcMap. Select “Extensions,” enable the “Data Interoperability” check box and click “Close.”
-
4
Click the “Window” menu in ArcMap and select “ArcToolbox.” The ArcToolbox window opens.
-
5
Click the “+” sign next to “Data Interoperability” in the ArcToolbox window and double-click “Quick Import.”
-
6
Click the “Format” drop-down box and select “Google Earth Data Exchange (KML)” from the list.
-
7
Click the “...” button to the right of “Dataset.” Browse to the KML file you downloaded and double-click on it.
-
8
Click the “...” button to the right of “Coordinate System.” Select “Geographic Coordinate Systems,” followed by “World,” “WGS 1984.prj,” and then click “Add” in the dialogue that appears.
-
9
Click “OK.” ArcMap creates an “Output Staging Geodatabase” folder in the same directory as the KML file.
-
10
Click the “File” menu, click “Add Data,” browse to the Output Staging Geodatabase folder and double-click the “Placemark_point” file. The file may have another name instead, such as “Placemark_line.” ArcMap adds the data from your Google map to your ArcMap file.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Create a map in Google Maps by clicking the “My Places” button and clicking “Create Map.” You can download the map’s KML file after you’re done creating it.
