Question
How to open a CIM model in Google Earth?
Answer
In CIM, when working with the geographic coordinates based on the project location, a feature of extracting the model information is available; this can later be verified in real-time viewing with Google
Earth.
The feature is exporting a CIM model as KMZ (Google Earth compatible) file.
A sample CIM model file is shown in the image below.
Before we begin, make sure the project/site geographic coordinates are mapped in CIM. This can be verified in the CIM interface, as shown in the image below.
1. Navigate to Workstree
2. Click Data
3. Click on collapsible sub function UTM
Once confirmed, in the next step, we use the Export function to extract the CIM model in KMZ file format.
We follow the steps in the CIM interface, as shown in the image below.
CIM > Export > KMZ/KML
Step 1. Click CIM icon
Step 2. Click Export
Step 3. Click KMZ/KML
Next, in the properties panel, under the KMZ/KML subheading, choose the respective subfunctions.
We follow the steps as shown in the image below
Step 4. In Select Target, keep the default selection as All in Current Mode
Step 5. In Categorize Target, keep default selection as None
Step 6. In Altitude drop-down choose Relative to ground
Step 7. To apply, click on the +
Next, a sub panel to save the output file shall appear in the CIM window.
Enter the file name
Step 8. Provide the path to save the file and click Save.
This is highlighted in the CIM interface as shown below.
Accessing Google Earth
Now, in Google Earth interface we follow the steps below
Step 1. Navigate to the File ribbon and click on File.
Step 2. Click Open.
This is highlighted in the image shown below.
Step 3. In the Open file window, choose the respective KMZ file.
Make sure the file extension is selected as Google Earth (*.kml*.kmz)
Step 4. Click Open
This is highlighted in the image shown below.
In the final step, the model is displayed in Google Earth at the set geographical coordinate as shown in the image below.
This function allows, exchange of model from CIM to Google Earth.