How to create your own KML file using Google Earth Pro

INTRODUCTION

This article (and attached PDF) will help to explain how you can create your own boundary file for free using Google Earth Pro. 

By providing your boundary file, you are enabling geographic targeting of your alerts through text, voice, and Smart911 as well as use services like Prepare to your entire alerting area.

You may submit multiple files for municipalities and special designated regions inside your wider alerting area as well, but they must also follow the rules below.

If you are not the one generating your KMLs, please forward the attached document to your GIS contact.

BOUNDARY FILE REQUIREMENTS

The boundary file must be:

• KML format.
• Single layer file.
• Single polygon of less than 5000 data points.
• No fill or color.
• One (1) contiguous border as shown below. There cannot be any holes or separated portions. This boundary file covers your entire alerting area. 

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download and install Google Earth Pro.
   1. https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/#download-pro.
   2. Launch the application and type your zip code in the search bar in the top right corner.
2. Click the search result for your area.
3. Make sure “Borders and Labels” and “Roads” are selected from the Layers panel.
4. Use the controls on the right side to zoom in and out of the map.
5. Click on the Map and drag up, down, left, or right to change which portion of the map you are viewing. Once you have your entire alerting area in view, proceed to the next step.
6. Select the Polygon tool from the menu bar.
7. In the pop-up window, complete the following steps:
   1. Name your file to something relevant to the geographic area it is covering (e.g. city name, county name, MOU jurisdiction name).
   2. Select the tab for “Style, Color”.
   3. Change the Lines>Color to a vibrant shade of red.
   4. Change the Area > Opacity to 50%. DO NOT CLICK “OK”.
8. Draw your border by clicking on the map. Think of it like you are driving the border in your car on a one-way street; you cannot go backwards. Continue clicking around your area until you reach your final point and the line between your final point and your first point covers your area (points 11 and 1 shown below).
   1. Return to the pop-up and click “OK”.    
9. Go to the Places panel and navigate to Temporary Places > [The name you gave the KML]. 
10. Right click on the name and click “Save Place As...”.
11. Change the “Save as type” to Kml (*.kml) and click “Save”.
12. You can now share this file with your Rave Mobile Safety contact.