Google Earth is a great tool for viewing a model in the context of its intended surroundings, such as the buildings on a city block. Although SketchUp has built-in tools for viewing your model in Google Earth, you might need to export a KMZ file if
- A client wants to see a model in Google Earth but doesn’t have SketchUp.
- You want to share your model for viewing in Google Earth in SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse.
The KMZ format is a zipped form of Google Earth’s proprietary Keyhole Markup Language (KML). A KMZ can contain location data (latitude and longitude) along with other information, such as SketchUp geometry.
To export a KMZ file, follow these steps:
- Select File > Export > 3D Model. The Export Model dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your KMZ file.
- From the Export TypeSave as type drop-down list, select Google Earth File (*.kmz).
- (Optional) In the File Name box, type a new name for your file.
- Click the Options button.
- (Optional) Select the Export Hidden Geometry checkbox to export your model’s hidden geometry.
- Click OK in the KMZ Export Options dialog box.
- Back in the Export Model dialog box, click Export and your KMZ file is saved in the location you selected.
- Select File > Export > 3D Model. An export dialog box appears.
- Navigate to the location where you want to save your KMZ file.
- From the Format drop-down list, select Google Earth File (*.kmz).
- (Optional) In the Save As box, type a new name for your file.
- Click the Options button.
- (Optional) Select the Export Hidden Geometry checkbox to export your model’s hidden geometry.
- Click OK in the Export Options dialog box.
- Back in the export dialog box, click Export and your KMZ file is saved in the location you selected.
Note: The Credits feature was intended for use with the 3D Warehouse, but the 3D Warehouse no longer supports the credits feature. When you upload model to the 3D Warehouse, however, you can include any additional information about the model, including credits, in your model description. See the 3D Warehouse section of the Knowledge Center for details about uploading models to the 3D Warehouse.
