inst/app/www/helpfiles/kml_overlay_loader_help.md

In pannotator: Visualisation and Annotation of 360 Degree Imagery

Using the Browse Button to Load and Overlay .KML Files

Welcome to the help page for the KML overlay loader! Here, we will guide you through the process of loading a .KML file and overlaying its content on a map.

What is a .KML File?

A .KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file is an XML-based format used to represent geographic data for display in Earth browsers like Google Earth and other mapping applications. Unlike .KMZ files, which are compressed and can include multimedia content, .KML files are plain text files that contain geographic data such as points, lines, and polygons.

Differences Between .KML and .KMZ Files

• Compression: .KML files are plain text, while .KMZ files are compressed versions of .KML files.
• Content: .KML files contain only geographic data, whereas .KMZ files can include images, 3D models, and other multimedia content.

Purpose of the KML Overlay Loader

The KML overlay loader allows you to load .KML files onto a map, providing a visual representation of geographic data that can help with locating specific points, areas, or paths. This is particularly useful for mapping locations, visualizing boundaries when annotation files.

Steps to Use the Browse Button

1. Click the Browse Button: Start by clicking the browse button on the interface. This action will open a file dialog window.
2. Select Your .KML File: Navigate to the location of your .KML file on your computer, select it, and click 'Open'.
3. Loading the File: Once the file is selected, the application will begin to load and parse the contents of the .KML file. This process is usually quick as .KML files are typically not large.
4. Overlaying the Data: After loading, the geographic data within the .KML file (such as points, lines, and polygons) will be overlaid on the map. This allows you to visualize the data in its geographic context.

Troubleshooting

• File Not Loading: If the file fails to load, double-check that it is a valid .KML file. Ensure the file is not corrupted and follows the correct .KML structure.
• Overlay Not Displaying Correctly: Ensure that the geographic data within the .KML file is correctly formatted. If points, lines, or polygons appear misplaced or missing, the file might contain errors.

We hope this guide helps you effectively use the KML overlay loader to visualize your geographic data.

pannotator documentation built on April 3, 2025, 7:50 p.m.