Step-by-Step Guide: Extracting Coordinates from Google Earth Pro to Excel

In this comprehensive tutorial, we will walk you through the process of extracting latitude, longitude, and UTM coordinates from Google Earth Pro and transferring them into Excel. 

Using Google Earth Pro for GIS Data Collection

Step 1: Open Google Earth Pro

To begin, launch Google Earth Pro on your computer. This application provides a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data and can be instrumental in various GIS tasks. Ensure that you have the most recent version installed for an optimal experience.

Step 2: Zoom into Your Area of Interest

Once Google Earth Pro is open, focus on your specific area of interest. Use the zoom tools or the search bar to navigate to the desired location. In this example, we will be examining the runway of Geneva.

Step 3: Create a New Folder for Points

Before adding data points, it’s essential to organize them effectively. Right-click on the ‘Temporary Places’ section in the left sidebar. Select ‘Add’ and then ‘Folder’. Name this folder ‘Points’ and click ‘OK’ to save it.

Step 4: Add Points to Your Folder

With the folder created, start adding individual data points. Click on the ‘Add Placemark’ button to create your first point. Name it appropriately, for example, ‘Point 1’, and click ‘OK’. Repeat this process for additional points, assigning them unique names such as ‘Point 2’, ‘Point 3’, and so on.

Step 5: Create a Folder for Polylines

After adding your points, it’s time to create a folder for polylines. Close the points folder and right-click again on ‘Temporary Places’. Select ‘Add’ followed by ‘Folder’, naming it ‘Polyline’. Click ‘OK’ to finalize.

Step 6: Draw a Polyline

Now, proceed to draw a polyline. Click on the ‘Add Path’ button to start creating your line. As you draw, you can customize the color for better visibility, such as selecting red. Once satisfied with your drawing, click ‘OK’ to save it.

Exporting Your Data

With your points and polylines created, the next step is exporting this data. Right-click on the ‘Points’ folder and select ‘Save Places As’. Choose your desired file location, name the file, and click ‘Save’. Repeat this process for the ‘Polyline’ folder.

Converting KMZ Files to Text

Your exported data will be in KMZ format, which is not directly usable in Excel. To convert these files, visit a conversion website like GPS Visualizer. Upon arrival, locate the ‘Convert a file’ option.

Uploading KMZ Files

Select ‘Plain Text’ as the output format. Then, upload your KMZ files by clicking ‘Choose Files’ and navigating to where you saved them. Upload both the points and polyline KMZ files.

Adding DEM Elevation Data

Before converting, ensure to include Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. This can enhance your results. Choose ‘Best available source’ for optimal data quality.

Converting and Downloading Data

Click on the ‘Convert’ button. Once the conversion is complete, a download link will appear. Click this link to download your text file containing the coordinates.

Importing Data into Excel

Open a new Excel spreadsheet. Navigate to the ‘Data’ tab and select ‘From Text/CSV’. Find and select the downloaded text file, then click ‘Import’.

Finalizing Your Data in Excel

After importing, Excel will display your data. Review the columns for latitude, longitude, UTM coordinates, and altitude. You can delete any unnecessary columns to clean up your dataset.

Step 7: Export Points and Polylines

After creating your points and polylines in Google Earth Pro, it’s crucial to export this data correctly. Right-click on the ‘Points’ folder you created earlier. Select ‘Save Places As’ from the menu. Choose a file location, give the file a name, and click ‘Save’. Repeat this process for the ‘Polyline’ folder.

Step 8: Convert KMZ Files using GPS Visualizer

Your exported files will be in KMZ format, which is not compatible with Excel. To convert these files, use GPS Visualizer. Open your web browser and navigate to the GPS Visualizer website. Once there, look for the ‘Convert a file’ option.

Uploading KMZ Files

Select ‘Plain Text’ as your desired output format. Click ‘Choose Files’ to upload your KMZ files. Navigate to where you saved your points and polyline KMZ files, select them, and then proceed to the next step.

Adding DEM Elevation Data

Before converting, it’s beneficial to include Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. This helps enhance the accuracy of your results. Opt for ‘Best available source’ to ensure you receive the highest quality data.

Converting and Downloading Data

After configuring the settings, click on the ‘Convert’ button. Once the conversion is complete, a download link will appear. Click on this link to download your converted text file containing the coordinates.

Step 9: Import Text File into Excel

Open a new Excel spreadsheet to begin importing your data. Go to the ‘Data’ tab and select ‘From Text/CSV’. Locate the downloaded text file and click on ‘Import’. Excel will process the file and display a preview of the data.

Step 10: Clean Up Your Excel Data

After importing, Excel will show your data in a structured format. Review the columns for latitude, longitude, UTM coordinates, and altitude. To streamline your dataset, delete any unnecessary columns, keeping only the information that is essential for your analysis.

FAQ: Common Questions About Extracting Coordinates

What file formats can I export from Google Earth Pro?

You can export your data in KMZ or KML formats. KMZ is a compressed version of KML, which is more suitable for sharing and storage.

Can I convert KML files to text as well?

Yes, GPS Visualizer can also convert KML files to text format. The process is similar to converting KMZ files.

What is a Digital Elevation Model (DEM)?

A Digital Elevation Model is a 3D representation of a terrain’s surface. It includes elevation data that can enhance geographic analyses.

Why do I need to clean up my Excel data?

Cleaning your data is essential to ensure accuracy and efficiency in your analysis. Removing unnecessary columns helps focus on the relevant information.