Convert BSB to KMZ

Understanding bsb and kmz file formats

BSB files are raster nautical chart files commonly used in marine navigation. They store map images and georeferencing data, making them essential for electronic chart display systems. KMZ files, on the other hand, are compressed Keyhole Markup Language files used by Google Earth and other GIS applications. They can contain map overlays, placemarks, and other geographic data, making them ideal for sharing and visualizing spatial information.

Why convert bsb to kmz?

Converting BSB to KMZ allows you to view nautical charts in Google Earth or other GIS tools that support KMZ. This is useful for route planning, sharing chart data, or integrating marine charts with other geographic information.

How to convert bsb to kmz

To convert BSB nautical charts to KMZ format, you need to:

1. Convert the BSB chart to a georeferenced raster image (such as GeoTIFF).
2. Overlay the georeferenced image onto Google Earth and export as KMZ.

Recommended software for bsb to kmz conversion

Global Mapper is one of the best tools for this conversion. It supports BSB/KAP files and can export directly to KMZ overlays. The process is as follows:

• Open your BSB file in Global Mapper (File → Open Data File(s)...).
• Adjust the map as needed.
• Export the chart as a KMZ overlay (File → Export → Export Raster/Image Format... and select KMZ as the output format).

Other alternatives include QGIS (with the GDAL plugin) and MapTiler, but Global Mapper offers the most straightforward workflow.

Tips for successful conversion

• Ensure your BSB file is not corrupted and includes all necessary calibration data.
• Check the georeferencing after conversion to ensure accurate placement in Google Earth.
• For large charts, consider splitting the output into smaller KMZ tiles for better performance.