Layer to KML

[HollyZhang1]

I use Layer to KML tool in ArcScene to covert 3D building (extrude with the height field ) layer to kml file. when I open it in google earth it is definitely wrong in the building height. The height was displayed in google earth is too high that makes no sense. Anyone knows how to fix it? Thanks.

[CarrieDavis]

Hi Holly,

The only thing I can think of is that Google Earth reads height in meters.  If your height value is in feet you may see some issue with this and would need to apply a conversion.  If this is the case you can multiply your [Height] field * 0.3048 while extruding in ArcScene or ArcGlobe before converting as a KMZ.

Best wishes.

[HollyZhang1]

Thanks. I do use meters.  And I found that there is no roof when the 3D buildings were displayed in google earth. They are not shown as solid blocks but surrounding walls only (very high).

[TimBarnes]

What extrude type are you using and what underlying terrain data are you using?

Right click on the layer properties in GoogleEarth and ensure the 'Altitude' setting is correct for the extrusion type you have used in ArcGIS (i.e. If you have extruded to an absolute height relative to sea level in ArcGIS but then have the buildings relative to ground in Google Earth, then that would result in incorrect heights)

[HollyZhang1]

What extrude type are you using and what underlying terrain data are you using?

Right click on the layer properties in GoogleEarth and ensure the 'Altitude' setting is correct for the extrusion type you have used in ArcGIS (i.e. If you have extruded to an absolute height relative to sea level in ArcGIS but then have the buildings relative to ground in Google Earth, then that would result in incorrect heights)

You are right. I extruded building heights relative to ground in ArcScene but the "Altitude" in google earth is "Absolute". I changed the "Altitude" from "Absolute" to "Relative to ground". It is correct! The problem now is that I have to change one building by one building because the "Altitude" property only shown in each individual building not in the layer folder. There are more than five thousands buildings. What should I do now? Thanks.

[TimBarnes · Accepted solution]

Are you sure? There is an altitude tab for a quick test folder I did?

Also, if my answer was useful, it'd be great if you mark it as the answer using the icons on the side 🙂