Google Earth Parabolic Tube Maps

RockWorks | Utilities | Earth | Parabolic Tubes

This program:

• Reads a listing of data from the datasheet: XY endpoint pairs (X1Y1, X2Y2), radii, colors, and heights.
• Creates a KML output file with 3D tubes forming parabolic arcs between these endpoints using the designated colors and sizes.
• Creates a KMZ (zip) output file, containing the KML file.
• Loads the KMZ file in Google Earth.

See also: Google Earth Parabola Maps - Arrows, Google Earth Parabola Maps - Lines,

Menu Options
Step-by-Step Summary

Menu Options

• Data Columns: These prompts tell RockWorks which columns in the current datasheet contain the input data.
  Click on an existing name to select a different name from the drop-down list. See a sample data layout below.
  • Name: Select the column that contains the text to label the parabola in the Google Earth side panel.
  • X1: Column that contains the X coordinates for the starting point for the parabolas.
    These can be Eastings in meters or feet, decimal longitudes, etc. See Defining your Datasheet Coordinates for more information.
  • Y1: Column that contains the Y coordinates for the starting point for the parabolas.
  • X2: Column that contains the X coordinates for the parabola endpoints.
    
  • Y2: Column that contains the Y coordinates for the parabola endpoints.
  • Height: Column that contains the values defining the height for the parabolas.
    Be sure you've specified the units for this column. See
  • Color: Column that contains the color definitions for the parabolas.
  • Radius: Column that contains the values which will define the radii of the 3D tubes.
    Be sure you've specified the units for this column as well.
  • 
    
• Segments: Click here to define how many segments are to comprise each parabola. A setting of "100" will create parabolas with 100 tube segments between the starting and ending points. Increasing the number of segments will create smoother parabolas.
• 
  
• Group Name: Type in the name to assign to the parabola map, which will be displayed in the Google Earth data tree.
• 
  
• Output Options: Click on this tab to define the output file and display settings.
  • Output File Name
    • Automatic: Choose this option to have RockWorks assign the name automatically. It will use the name of the current program plus a numeric suffix, plus the ".KMZ" file name extension.
    • Manual: Click this option to type in your own file name. The extension is ".KMZ".
  • Display output within Google Earth: Check this box if you want to display the output at this time in Google Earth.
    ! Note that the actual program which will be used to display the KMZ file is determined by your Windows settings.
    • Use Custom View: If unchecked, the starting viewpoint for the map will be determined automatically. If checked you can set a custom view.
      • Longitude, Latitude: Type in the longitude and latitude coordinates where the viewpoint will be.
      • Heading: Type in the 0 to 360 degree bearing from the viewpoint to the map.
      • Tilt: Type in the angle downward from the viewpoint to the map.
      • Range: Enter the distance in meters from the viewpoint to the map.
      • 
        

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Access the RockWorks Datasheet program tab.
2. Create a new datasheet and enter or import your location coordinates and other information into the datasheet.
   Or, open one of the sample files and replace that data with your own.

   ! Click the Example button to the left to load a sample file that is installed with the program.

   Here is an example of how a data file might look.

   

   Longitude and latitude coordinates must be in decimal format. If you're using another coordinate system, be sure you've specified the Units and the Projection Settings as appropriate.

3. Select the RockWorks | Utilities | Earth | Parabolic Tubes menu option.
4. Enter the menu options as described above.
5. Click the Process button to continue.

The program will create a KML file with parabola segments between the coordinate pairs, using the color, radii, and height settings that were defined in the listing. It will create a KMZ (zip) file containing the KML file. The Google Earth KML and KMZ file names will be assigned as you specified.

The resulting map will be displayed in Google Earth, if requested.

See also

• Adding this program to your Playlist
• Adding this program to your Favorites
• Save/load/view menu settings
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Back to Earth Menu Summary

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