Convert MXD to KMZ
How to convert ArcGIS MXD map projects to Google Earth KMZ files for easy sharing and visualization.
How to convert mxd to kmz file
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Understanding the mxd and kmz file formats
MXD files are project files created by ArcGIS, a popular geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Esri. An MXD file stores map layouts, layers, symbology, and references to spatial data, but does not contain the actual data itself.
KMZ files are compressed KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files used by Google Earth and other mapping applications. KMZ files can contain geographic data, images, and other resources, making them ideal for sharing spatial information in a portable format.
Why convert mxd to kmz?
Converting an MXD file to KMZ allows you to share your GIS maps and data with users who do not have access to ArcGIS, enabling visualization in Google Earth and other platforms that support KMZ.
How to convert mxd to kmz
Direct conversion from MXD to KMZ is not possible because MXD files are project files, not data files. The typical workflow involves exporting the map layers from MXD to a supported format (such as shapefile or layer file), and then converting those to KMZ.
Step-by-step conversion process using ArcGIS
- Open your MXD file in ArcMap (ArcGIS Desktop).
- Right-click the desired layer in the Table of Contents and select Data → Export Data to export the layer as a shapefile or feature class.
- Once exported, use the ArcToolbox → Conversion Tools → To KML → Layer To KML tool.
- Select your exported layer as the input and specify the output KMZ file location.
- Click OK to generate the KMZ file.
Best software for mxd to kmz conversion
The most reliable software for this conversion is ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap), as it natively supports both MXD and KML/KMZ export. For users without ArcGIS, QGIS can open exported shapefiles and save them as KML/KMZ, but cannot open MXD files directly.
Tips and considerations
- Ensure all data referenced in the MXD is accessible and not missing.
- Symbology and map layouts may not fully transfer to KMZ; only spatial data and basic styling are preserved.
- For large datasets, KMZ files may become too large for easy sharing.
Note: This mxd to kmz conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
