ArcMap KML to Shapefile | ArcGIS Shapefile to KML

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to converting KML files to shapefiles and vice versa using ArcMap. Understanding how to work with these formats is crucial for GIS professionals as KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is commonly used for Google Earth and web mapping applications, while shapefiles are a standard format for GIS data.

Step 1: Converting KML to Shapefile

1. Open ArcMap: Launch the ArcMap application on your computer.
2. Add KML File:
   • Go to the "File" menu and select "Add Data."
   • Choose "Add Data" again and navigate to your KML file.
   • Select the KML file and click "Add."
3. Convert KML to Feature Class:
   • Right-click on the KML layer in the Table of Contents.
   • Select "Data" and then "Export Data."
   • Choose the output location and set the file type to Shapefile.
   • Click "OK" to complete the conversion.

Practical Tip

Ensure that your KML file is properly structured before importing it into ArcMap to avoid errors during the conversion process.

Step 2: Converting Shapefile to KML

1. Load Shapefile into ArcMap:
   • Use the "File" menu to add your shapefile to the map.
2. Export Shapefile to KML:
   • Right-click on the shapefile layer in the Table of Contents.
   • Go to "Layer to KML."
   • Specify the output location and file name for the KML.
   • Configure any additional settings as necessary, such as specifying the output KML version.
   • Click "OK" to start the conversion.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

When exporting to KML, ensure that the data is suitable for KML format; for example, complex geometries may not translate well.

Step 3: Converting KMZ to KML

1. Unzip KMZ File:
   • KMZ files are compressed KML files. Use a file extraction tool (like WinZip or 7-Zip) to unzip the KMZ file.
2. Locate KML File: After extraction, you will find a KML file within the unzipped folder.
3. Use KML in ArcMap:
   • Follow the steps outlined in Step 1 to add and convert the KML file if needed.

Real-World Application

This process is particularly useful for urban planning and environmental analysis where data needs to be shared between different GIS platforms.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to convert KML files to shapefiles and shapefiles to KML using ArcMap. Mastering these conversions enhances your GIS workflow, allowing for better data interoperability. For further exploration, consider practicing with various datasets and exploring additional features within ArcMap to maximize your GIS capabilities.