Alternative to Google Earth to edit and organize KML files

Question

I like the way Google Earth displays KML as a "scene graph", that is, a tree structure in the left panel.

This allows you to rearrange features in folders, change layer order, etc. via drag-and-drop.

However, this (rather useful) functionality is a bit too basic in Google Earth. For example, google "imports" the KML in its own structure, and if you want to "save back" the changes, you have to manually point to the original file in order to overwrite it.

Also, upon save, Google Earth just overwrites the styles contained in the original file (pretty much what Inkscape does with SVG). That's pretty rude :o(

So, my question is: are there other alternatives, specifically using the Tree View representation with drag-and-drop rearrangement? I don't even need map display (although that would be very useful)

Answer 1

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) uses a tag-based structure based on the XML standard. The developer page on google has some really good info on the structure of how the KML files are set up.

Here is a link to the Developer page: https://developers.google.com/kml/documentation/kml_tut

You can edit KML files in a notepad editor, such as Notepad++ or Sublime Text. This can allow you to rearrange folders, and change layer order.

The folders use the XML tag "Folder", and items inside the folder can be "Placemarks", "Document", "GroundOverlay" and others.

By editing the file in a text editor, you can change the properties for each individual feature.

Here is an example KML layout:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <name>Paths</name>
    <description>Examples of paths. Note that the tessellate tag is by default
      set to 0. If you want to create tessellated lines, they must be authored
      (or edited) directly in KML.</description>
    <Style id="yellowLineGreenPoly">
      <LineStyle>
        <color>7f00ffff</color>
        <width>4</width>
      </LineStyle>
      <PolyStyle>
        <color>7f00ff00</color>
      </PolyStyle>
    </Style>
    <Folder>
      <Placemark>
        <name>Absolute Extruded</name>
        <description>Transparent green wall with yellow outlines</description>
        <styleUrl>#yellowLineGreenPoly</styleUrl>
        <LineString>
          <extrude>1</extrude>
          <tessellate>1</tessellate>
          <altitudeMode>absolute</altitudeMode>
          <coordinates> -112.2550785337791,36.07954952145647,2357
            -112.2549277039738,36.08117083492122,2357
            -112.2552505069063,36.08260761307279,2357
            -112.2564540158376,36.08395660588506,2357
          </coordinates>
        </LineString>
      </Placemark>
  </Folder>
  </Document>
</kml>

Answer 2

Check out an iOS app called Map Plus

I used it to create a bunch of polylines from road directions. I'm actually researching what I can do with my data (specifically visualization) after exporting to KML

Answer 3

You may have a look at here. In fact NorthGate's Kml Builder WAS a good alternative to GE!

From Northgate's website: Google Earth Plugin has been deprecated to oblivion. Kml Builder is officially retired (does not work) but for historical purposes the download will remain available for a little while longer. http://www.northgates.ca/kmlbuilder/Download/

Kml Builder makes it easy to create and edit KML External link. files to be viewed in Google Earth.

Places you create with Kml Builder can be emailed to your friends or co-workers and can even be published on the Internet or on Intranets for a broader audience.

Anyone who has Google Earth Desktop installed on their computer can open your created KML files with just a mouse click.

The Kml Builder 3-D Earth Viewer displays houses, the color of cars, and even the shadows of people and street signs. The degree of resolution available is based somewhat on the points of interest, but most land (except for some islands) is covered in at least 15 meters of resolution. Las Vegas, Nevada and Cambridge, Massachusetts include examples of the highest resolution, at 15 cm (6 inches). Kml Builder allows users to search for addresses (for some countries only), enter coordinates, or simply use the mouse to browse to a location.

You can create Placemark and Shared Style balloons by adding images, pictures, YouTube videos, Flash Macromedia files and Internet links.

Kml Builder is perfect if you plan to capture a trip somewhere on the earth by easily adding geospatial points of interest complete with formatted text and styled pop-up balloons.

---

Key features of Kml Builder include:

1. Docked windows in which most windows can be closed.
2. Drag/drop KML features within the My Places Tree.
3. Expand/collapse KML feature containers when dragging by dragging over the minus sign to collapse and a container feature text to expand. Just wait a few seconds and voila!
4. Opening KML and KMZ files by using the File » Open Locally, File » Open From Web submenus or by dragging a file from practically anywhere!
5. Preview your changes directly in Kml Builder or in Google Earth.
6. Use in-line or Shared Styles and Style Maps.
7. Add local and remote images, photos, flash animation, movies, interactive games and YouTube videos to your balloons.
8. Turn Layers on/off, Sun, Atmosphere and Controls visibility Built-in XML Editor for editing failing KML files