Applications with Google

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(Google Maps, Google Earth) Open the orthomosaic

1. Generate the Google Maps tiles and the Google Earth KML: How to generate the Google Maps Tiles and KML.
2. Open the Orthomosaic in Google Maps, by opening the HTML file located in:
...\project_name\3_dsm_ortho\2_mosaic\google_tiles\project_name_mosaic.html

3. Open the Orthomosaic in Google Earth, by opening the KML file located in:
...\project_name\3_dsm_ortho\2_mosaic\google_tiles\project_name_mosaic.kml

 

 
Tip: Sometimes the KML tiles might not be placed at the expected location on Google Maps (see section below).
 
Information: In order to reference other geolocated images on the mosaic with Google Earth, follow the steps in the section below.

(Google Earth) Reference other geolocated images onto the orthomosaic

1. Open the project_name_mosaic.kml file located in the folder: 3_dsm_ortho\google_tiles.
2. On Google Earth, click Add > placemarks.
3. On the map, drag the placemark on the position where is desired to place it.
4. Use the text boxes: Easting and Northing to adjust more accurately the coordinates.
5. Click Add image...
6. On Image URL: Paste the URL where the image is.

 
Note: The images should be uploaded on the internet, via for example, Picassa.

7. Click OK twice.
8. Double click the placemark, the image appears.

(Google Maps) Import and align the KML orthomosaic

Sometimes the KML file might not be placed at the expected location on Google Maps. One possible reason for this is that the project does not have any GCPs that can be used to correct the GPS position of the images. Another reason can be the inaccuracy of Google Maps itself. In both cases it will help if you create user-defined GCPs from Google Maps as described in the chapter before.

To synchronize the KML file with Google Maps:

1. Obtain the georeference using GCPs taken from a Web Map Service server: How to obtain the georeference using 2D or 3D GCPs taken from a Web Map Service .
2. Include the GCPs in the project: How to include GCPs in the project.

google_kml_no_gcps.png
Figure 1. KML file generated without GCPs.
google_kml_yes_gcps.png
Figure 2. KML file generated with GCPs from Google Maps.

 

Disclaimer: Pix4D publishes this information as a courtesy to its customers. Pix4D makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the content's validity or accuracy.

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2 comments

  • Scott Graves

    I have generated a series of Google Earth Tiles from my Pix4D project and have uploaded the KML, HTML, and Tile folders onto a Google Drive.

    How do I then get the linked Google Drive files to show up in Google Earth?

    I can get this to work on my desktop with the files all local - simply drag the lml file into google earth and it shows up..... but I want to/need to share the linked files with colleagues on my project.

    This project is a collaboration with CT Dept of Energy & Environmental Policy and the Menankatuck chapter of the Audubon Society.

    I'd really appreciate some help here.....

     

    Thanks,

    Scott M. Graves PhD

    Southern Connecticut State University

    203-907-8927  Gravess1@SouthernCT.Edu

  • Avatar
    Blaž (Pix4D)

    Hi Scott,

    Very interesting question, but I am not sure if it is possible to use Google Drive as a server to display tiles on Google Earth. I would recommend you to check the documentation from Googe. For example, Import your KML map data into Google Earth article mentions it is possible to Import KML file from Drive option. 

    Best,

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