FSDeveloper Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

FSX KML

2006-10-18T21:03:52Z

124.189.32.13: /* Downloading FSX KML */

== Introduction ==

[[Image:before_and_after.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Before and after screenshot]]

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX).

It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth into FSX scenery.

Using Google Earth to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of "vector" based scenery:-

* Water polygons including oceans, rivers, lakes and canals
* Islands inside water features
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forest, golf courses etc
* Airport polygons
* Flatten polygons
* Shorelines along water polygons
* Streams
* Roads, including roads with moving traffic
* Utility lines (eg power and telephone lines)
* Exclusions polygons

Additionally FSX_KML can also:-

* Place scenery objects (from the FSX library) along a polyline
* Create landclass and waterclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Create a FSX flight plan along a polyline

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

http://www.innovasoftware.com/fsx/fsx_kml_101.zip

== Installation ==

=== Installing FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_TAGS.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Installing the FSX Software Development Kit (SDK) ===

To use FSX KML you will need the FSX SDK. If you purchased the deluxe version of FSX then you already have the SDK. Otherwise you must download the SDK from the [http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/default.htm Microsoft FSX website]

If the SDK is not installed in the default SDK folder you must specify its location on the FSX_KML build tab.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial to get you started. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer. You will see the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents. These tags be customised in FSX_KML_TAGS.XML
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file:-
** Run FSX KML
** On the project tab, click "Add KML" and select "Tutorial.KML". You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML
** Click the Build tab, and then click the Build button. FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called cvxTutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory
* To test the scenery:-
** Run FSX
** Open the saved flight called "Tutorial.Flt"

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". The file FSX_KML_TAGS.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===

[[Image:project.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The Project tab]] [[Image:build.jpg|thumb||150px|The Build tab]]

* Run FSX_KML
* On the "Project" tab, click the "Add KML" button and choose a KML file. The contents of the selected KML file will be displayed. You may add multiple KML files. A FSX BGL file will be generated for each KML input file.
* Change to the "Build" tab
* Set the following build options:-
** "FSX folder" - Input the folder where FSX is installed. By default this is "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X"
** "Shp2Vec" - Input the location of the SDK tool Shp2Vec
** "Run SDK tools" - If you select this option FSX KML will automatically run the SDK tools to turn your Shape Files into a FSX BGL
** "Copy generated scenery to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" - If you select this option FSX KML will copy the generated BGLS to the FSX addon scenery directory
* Click the "Build" button. FSX KML will now build your scenery. The progress of the build will be displayed in the build log window. The following actions will occur during the build:-
** For each KML file in your project
*** An appropriate set of Shape files is generated depending on the features that have been tagged in the KML
*** An XML config file is created for use by Shp2Vec
** A batch file called "Run_SDK_Tools.bat" will be created. This batch file contains the appropriate commands to call the SDK tools (Shp2Vec and Resample)
** If you have selected the "Run SDK Tools" option then the Run_SDK_Tools.bat file will be executed. This will turn the Shape files into BGL scenery files
** If you have selected the "Copy generated scenery..." option then the BGL files(s) will be copied to the FSX addon scenery directory

=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===

* If you selected the "Copy generated files..." option then your scenery will have been copied to the FSX addon scenery folder. Simply run FSX and goto your scenery location to test the scenery

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

* Draw a polygon representing the ocean. "Tag" it with a ocean water polygon tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a sand landclass polygon tag

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road polyline tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic polyline tag

=== Creating a river with islands ===

[[Image:fsx_kml_river.jpg|thumb|right|150px|River with islands]]

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river water polygon tag
* Create a sub folder to hold the islands. "Tag" it island with the special "ISLAND" tag
* In the sub folder draw polygons for each island in the river

=== Creating a bush landing strip ===

Standard airports in FSX always appear flat and without sloping runways. But there is an easy way to create sloping bush landing strips using landclass polygons.
* Draw a polygon that will represent a grass clearing. "Tag" it with a grass landclass poly tag
* Draw a smaller polygon inside the first one that will represent the landing strip. "Tag" it with a dirt landclass polygon tag

=== Creating exclusions ===

Because your scenery is added to the existing FSX scenery it is important to exclude existing scenery features that are replaced by your new scenery. For example, if you have created an improved version of a river using water polygons you will need to exclude the existing water polygons in the FSX scenery, otherwise they will clash visually with your new scenery.

For example, to exclude water polygons:-
* Draw a polygon that covers the area you wish to exclude
* "Tag" the polygon with a waterpoly exclusion tag

=== Placing FSX scenery objects along a polyline ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

=== Creating landclass and waterclass “tiles” ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

=== Creating a FSX flight plan along a polyline ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

== Editing a KML file using FSX_KML ==

Using FSX_KML you can easily edit your KML file. The following types of edits can be performed:-

=== Copy ===
To copy a KML item (folder or polygon/polyline) select the item to copy and click the copy button.
=== Delete ===
To delete a KML item select the item to copy and click the delete button.
=== Edit ===
To edit the Name and Description attributes of a KML item select either a single item or multiple items (hold the shift key to multi-select) and then press F2 to display the inline editor. Enter the new value and press enter. Your edit will be applied to the items you selected

=== Saving your changes ===
Click the save button to write your changes back to disk.
=== Open in Notepad ===
Click the "Open in Notepad" button to open the selected KML file in Notepad.
=== Open in Google Earth ===
Click the "Open in Google Earth" button to open the selected KML file in Google Earth.
=== Reload a KML file ===
If you have edited the selected KML file using an external program (eg Google Earth or Notepad) then you can reload those changes back into FSX_KML by clicking the reload button.

== FSX_KML_TAGS.XML ==

[[Image:Tags.jpg|thumb|right|150px|FSX_KML_TAGS tab]]

=== What is the FSX_KML_TAGS file? ===

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

An easy way to browse this file is by clicking on the "FSX_KML_TAGS.XML" tab in FSX KML.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Tag - The unique identifier for this scenery feature. This tag is what you use to "tag" the polygons/polylines in your Google Earth KML file
* Description - A description of the scenery feature. This description is displayed in FSX KML.
* Feature Type - The type of scenery feature and must be one of the following types:-
** WATERPOLY - Water polygons such as coastline, rivers, lakes, canals etc
** PARK - irregular shaped landclass polygons for towns, forest, beaches, park etc
** AIRPORTBOUNDRY - define airport boundries and also flatten areas
** EXCLUSION - exclude default scenery from the polygon
** STREAM - create streams
** SHORELINE - create animated shorelines
** ROAD - create roads and road bridges
** FREEWAY - create moving traffic
** RAILWAY - create railways and rail bridges
** UTILITY - power lines, telegraph lines, fences etc
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature.

Please refer to the FSX "terrain.cfg" file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information on feature types and GUIDs

=== Editing FSX_KML_TAGS.XML using FSX KML ===

The FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file can be easily edited in FSX KML. To following edits can be performed:-

==== Copy ====
To copy an item select the item to copy and click the copy button.
==== Delete ====
To delete an item select the item to delete and click the delete button.
==== Edit ====
To edit the Tag, Description, FeatureType or GUID attributes of an item select either a single item or multiple items (hold the shift key to multi-select) and then press F2 to display the inline editor. Enter the new value and press enter. Your edit will be applied to the items you selected

==== Saving your changes ====
Click the save button to write your changes back to disk.
==== Open in Notepad ====
Click the "Open in Notepad" button to open the FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file in Notepad.
==== Reload ====
If you have edited the FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file using an external program (eg Notepad) you can reload those changes by clicking the reload button.

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of Google Earth because it makes creating polygons and polylines very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution.

This software may be used free of charge for the production of both freeware and commercial sceneries subject to the following conditions:-
* You notify the author of the use of FSX KML in your scenery product
* You give the author a free copy of your scenery (and any updates)
* In your readme file you say that FSX KML was used to help with your scenery production
Please contact the author at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com to discuss further.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this software the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

=== v1.00 Beta - 19th 0ct 2006 ===

This is first beta release of FSX KML

The following known issues exist in this release:-
* No tutorial.kml is supplied
* Special ISLAND tag not working. It is not possible to "cut" holes in polygons in this release
* Freeway tags (moving traffic) not working

=== v1.01 Beta - 19th 0ct 2006 ===

* Fixed error with FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file not found

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-18T21:03:33Z

124.189.32.13: /* Release History */

== Introduction ==

[[Image:before_and_after.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Before and after screenshot]]

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX).

It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth into FSX scenery.

Using Google Earth to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of "vector" based scenery:-

* Water polygons including oceans, rivers, lakes and canals
* Islands inside water features
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forest, golf courses etc
* Airport polygons
* Flatten polygons
* Shorelines along water polygons
* Streams
* Roads, including roads with moving traffic
* Utility lines (eg power and telephone lines)
* Exclusions polygons

Additionally FSX_KML can also:-

* Place scenery objects (from the FSX library) along a polyline
* Create landclass and waterclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Create a FSX flight plan along a polyline

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

http://www.innovasoftware.com/fsx/fsx_kml_100.zip

== Installation ==

=== Installing FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_TAGS.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Installing the FSX Software Development Kit (SDK) ===

To use FSX KML you will need the FSX SDK. If you purchased the deluxe version of FSX then you already have the SDK. Otherwise you must download the SDK from the [http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/default.htm Microsoft FSX website]

If the SDK is not installed in the default SDK folder you must specify its location on the FSX_KML build tab.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial to get you started. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer. You will see the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents. These tags be customised in FSX_KML_TAGS.XML
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file:-
** Run FSX KML
** On the project tab, click "Add KML" and select "Tutorial.KML". You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML
** Click the Build tab, and then click the Build button. FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called cvxTutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory
* To test the scenery:-
** Run FSX
** Open the saved flight called "Tutorial.Flt"

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". The file FSX_KML_TAGS.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===

[[Image:project.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The Project tab]] [[Image:build.jpg|thumb||150px|The Build tab]]

* Run FSX_KML
* On the "Project" tab, click the "Add KML" button and choose a KML file. The contents of the selected KML file will be displayed. You may add multiple KML files. A FSX BGL file will be generated for each KML input file.
* Change to the "Build" tab
* Set the following build options:-
** "FSX folder" - Input the folder where FSX is installed. By default this is "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Microsoft Flight Simulator X"
** "Shp2Vec" - Input the location of the SDK tool Shp2Vec
** "Run SDK tools" - If you select this option FSX KML will automatically run the SDK tools to turn your Shape Files into a FSX BGL
** "Copy generated scenery to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" - If you select this option FSX KML will copy the generated BGLS to the FSX addon scenery directory
* Click the "Build" button. FSX KML will now build your scenery. The progress of the build will be displayed in the build log window. The following actions will occur during the build:-
** For each KML file in your project
*** An appropriate set of Shape files is generated depending on the features that have been tagged in the KML
*** An XML config file is created for use by Shp2Vec
** A batch file called "Run_SDK_Tools.bat" will be created. This batch file contains the appropriate commands to call the SDK tools (Shp2Vec and Resample)
** If you have selected the "Run SDK Tools" option then the Run_SDK_Tools.bat file will be executed. This will turn the Shape files into BGL scenery files
** If you have selected the "Copy generated scenery..." option then the BGL files(s) will be copied to the FSX addon scenery directory

=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===

* If you selected the "Copy generated files..." option then your scenery will have been copied to the FSX addon scenery folder. Simply run FSX and goto your scenery location to test the scenery

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

* Draw a polygon representing the ocean. "Tag" it with a ocean water polygon tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a sand landclass polygon tag

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road polyline tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic polyline tag

=== Creating a river with islands ===

[[Image:fsx_kml_river.jpg|thumb|right|150px|River with islands]]

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river water polygon tag
* Create a sub folder to hold the islands. "Tag" it island with the special "ISLAND" tag
* In the sub folder draw polygons for each island in the river

=== Creating a bush landing strip ===

Standard airports in FSX always appear flat and without sloping runways. But there is an easy way to create sloping bush landing strips using landclass polygons.
* Draw a polygon that will represent a grass clearing. "Tag" it with a grass landclass poly tag
* Draw a smaller polygon inside the first one that will represent the landing strip. "Tag" it with a dirt landclass polygon tag

=== Creating exclusions ===

Because your scenery is added to the existing FSX scenery it is important to exclude existing scenery features that are replaced by your new scenery. For example, if you have created an improved version of a river using water polygons you will need to exclude the existing water polygons in the FSX scenery, otherwise they will clash visually with your new scenery.

For example, to exclude water polygons:-
* Draw a polygon that covers the area you wish to exclude
* "Tag" the polygon with a waterpoly exclusion tag

=== Placing FSX scenery objects along a polyline ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

=== Creating landclass and waterclass “tiles” ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

=== Creating a FSX flight plan along a polyline ===
Todo - Not implemented in version 1.00

== Editing a KML file using FSX_KML ==

Using FSX_KML you can easily edit your KML file. The following types of edits can be performed:-

=== Copy ===
To copy a KML item (folder or polygon/polyline) select the item to copy and click the copy button.
=== Delete ===
To delete a KML item select the item to copy and click the delete button.
=== Edit ===
To edit the Name and Description attributes of a KML item select either a single item or multiple items (hold the shift key to multi-select) and then press F2 to display the inline editor. Enter the new value and press enter. Your edit will be applied to the items you selected

=== Saving your changes ===
Click the save button to write your changes back to disk.
=== Open in Notepad ===
Click the "Open in Notepad" button to open the selected KML file in Notepad.
=== Open in Google Earth ===
Click the "Open in Google Earth" button to open the selected KML file in Google Earth.
=== Reload a KML file ===
If you have edited the selected KML file using an external program (eg Google Earth or Notepad) then you can reload those changes back into FSX_KML by clicking the reload button.

== FSX_KML_TAGS.XML ==

[[Image:Tags.jpg|thumb|right|150px|FSX_KML_TAGS tab]]

=== What is the FSX_KML_TAGS file? ===

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

An easy way to browse this file is by clicking on the "FSX_KML_TAGS.XML" tab in FSX KML.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Tag - The unique identifier for this scenery feature. This tag is what you use to "tag" the polygons/polylines in your Google Earth KML file
* Description - A description of the scenery feature. This description is displayed in FSX KML.
* Feature Type - The type of scenery feature and must be one of the following types:-
** WATERPOLY - Water polygons such as coastline, rivers, lakes, canals etc
** PARK - irregular shaped landclass polygons for towns, forest, beaches, park etc
** AIRPORTBOUNDRY - define airport boundries and also flatten areas
** EXCLUSION - exclude default scenery from the polygon
** STREAM - create streams
** SHORELINE - create animated shorelines
** ROAD - create roads and road bridges
** FREEWAY - create moving traffic
** RAILWAY - create railways and rail bridges
** UTILITY - power lines, telegraph lines, fences etc
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature.

Please refer to the FSX "terrain.cfg" file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information on feature types and GUIDs

=== Editing FSX_KML_TAGS.XML using FSX KML ===

The FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file can be easily edited in FSX KML. To following edits can be performed:-

==== Copy ====
To copy an item select the item to copy and click the copy button.
==== Delete ====
To delete an item select the item to delete and click the delete button.
==== Edit ====
To edit the Tag, Description, FeatureType or GUID attributes of an item select either a single item or multiple items (hold the shift key to multi-select) and then press F2 to display the inline editor. Enter the new value and press enter. Your edit will be applied to the items you selected

==== Saving your changes ====
Click the save button to write your changes back to disk.
==== Open in Notepad ====
Click the "Open in Notepad" button to open the FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file in Notepad.
==== Reload ====
If you have edited the FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file using an external program (eg Notepad) you can reload those changes by clicking the reload button.

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of Google Earth because it makes creating polygons and polylines very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution.

This software may be used free of charge for the production of both freeware and commercial sceneries subject to the following conditions:-
* You notify the author of the use of FSX KML in your scenery product
* You give the author a free copy of your scenery (and any updates)
* In your readme file you say that FSX KML was used to help with your scenery production
Please contact the author at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com to discuss further.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this software the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

=== v1.00 Beta - 19th 0ct 2006 ===

This is first beta release of FSX KML

The following known issues exist in this release:-
* No tutorial.kml is supplied
* Special ISLAND tag not working. It is not possible to "cut" holes in polygons in this release
* Freeway tags (moving traffic) not working

=== v1.01 Beta - 19th 0ct 2006 ===

* Fixed error with FSX_KML_TAGS.XML file not found

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-03T00:08:30Z

124.189.32.13: /* Scenery Design Tips */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Before and after screenshot showing South West Rocks (NSW Australia)]]

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX). It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth (GE) into FSX scenery.

Using GE to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Before you start ==

To use FSX KML you will need the following:-

* FSX SDK. If you purchased the deluxe version of FSX then you already have the SDK. Otherwise you must download the SDK from the [http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/default.htm Microsoft FSX website]

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|This screenshot gives an example of how to use tags. Notice how the coastline polygon was tagged individually but the beach polygons were all tagged collectively by placing them in a sub folder and just tagging the subfolder.]]

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Creating a coastline and beach]]

* Draw a polygon representing the coastline. "Tag" it with a coastline tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a beach tag

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Creating a road with moving traffic]]

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic tag

=== Creating a river with islands ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|Creating a river with islands]]

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river and its islands
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river tag
* Draw polygons for each island in the river. "Tag" each island with the special "ISLAND" tag.

== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Browsing scenery "tags" on the FSX KML Options tab]]

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

An easy way to browse this file is by clicking on the "Options" tab in FSX KML.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Tag - The unique identifier for this scenery feature. This tag is what you uses to "tag" your polygons/polylines in your Google Earth KML file
* Description - A description of the scenery feature
* Feature Type - The type of scenery feature. Types include:-
** Water poly - coastline, rivers, lakes, canals etc
** Landclass poly - irregular shaped polygons for towns, forest, beaches, park etc
** Flatten polygons - flatten areas
** Airport polygons - define airport boundries
** Exclusion polygons - exclude default scenery
** Stream polylines
** Shoreline polylines - shore lines with animated waves
** Road polylines (with moving traffic)
** Utility polylines - power lines, telegraph lines, fences etc
** Library Object - place a library object at each point along a polyline. To place a single object use a polyline that is only 1 point in size
** ''to be completed''
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth (GE) may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of GE because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact the author at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-03T00:07:59Z

124.189.32.13: /* Scenery Design Tips */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Before and after screenshot showing South West Rocks (NSW Australia)]]

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX). It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth (GE) into FSX scenery.

Using GE to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Before you start ==

To use FSX KML you will need the following:-

* FSX SDK. If you purchased the deluxe version of FSX then you already have the SDK. Otherwise you must download the SDK from the [http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/default.htm Microsoft FSX website]

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|This screenshot gives an example of how to use tags. Notice how the coastline polygon was tagged individually but the beach polygons were all tagged collectively by placing them in a sub folder and just tagging the subfolder.]]

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Creating a coastline and beach was created]]

* Draw a polygon representing the coastline. "Tag" it with a coastline tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a beach tag

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|Creating a the road with moving traffic]]

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic tag

=== Creating a river with islands ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|Creating a river with islands]]

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river and its islands
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river tag
* Draw polygons for each island in the river. "Tag" each island with the special "ISLAND" tag.

== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Browsing scenery "tags" on the FSX KML Options tab]]

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

An easy way to browse this file is by clicking on the "Options" tab in FSX KML.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Tag - The unique identifier for this scenery feature. This tag is what you uses to "tag" your polygons/polylines in your Google Earth KML file
* Description - A description of the scenery feature
* Feature Type - The type of scenery feature. Types include:-
** Water poly - coastline, rivers, lakes, canals etc
** Landclass poly - irregular shaped polygons for towns, forest, beaches, park etc
** Flatten polygons - flatten areas
** Airport polygons - define airport boundries
** Exclusion polygons - exclude default scenery
** Stream polylines
** Shoreline polylines - shore lines with animated waves
** Road polylines (with moving traffic)
** Utility polylines - power lines, telegraph lines, fences etc
** Library Object - place a library object at each point along a polyline. To place a single object use a polyline that is only 1 point in size
** ''to be completed''
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth (GE) may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of GE because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact the author at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-03T00:07:00Z

124.189.32.13: /* Creating a coastline with beaches */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Before and after screenshot showing South West Rocks (NSW Australia)]]

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX). It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth (GE) into FSX scenery.

Using GE to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Before you start ==

To use FSX KML you will need the following:-

* FSX SDK. If you purchased the deluxe version of FSX then you already have the SDK. Otherwise you must download the SDK from the [http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/default.htm Microsoft FSX website]

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|This screenshot gives an example of how to use tags. Notice how the coastline polygon was tagged individually but the beach polygons were all tagged collectively by placing them in a sub folder and just tagging the subfolder.]]

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Creating a coastline and beach was created]]

* Draw a polygon representing the coastline. "Tag" it with a coastline tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a beach tag

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|This screenshot (from Tutorial.KML) shows how the road was created]]

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic tag

=== Creating a river with islands ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|This screenshot (from the Tutorial.KML) shows how the islands were created in the river]]

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river and its islands
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river tag
* Draw polygons for each island in the river. "Tag" each island with the special "ISLAND" tag.

== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ==

[[Image:fix_me.png|frame|Browsing scenery "tags" on the FSX KML Options tab]]

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

An easy way to browse this file is by clicking on the "Options" tab in FSX KML.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Tag - The unique identifier for this scenery feature. This tag is what you uses to "tag" your polygons/polylines in your Google Earth KML file
* Description - A description of the scenery feature
* Feature Type - The type of scenery feature. Types include:-
** Water poly - coastline, rivers, lakes, canals etc
** Landclass poly - irregular shaped polygons for towns, forest, beaches, park etc
** Flatten polygons - flatten areas
** Airport polygons - define airport boundries
** Exclusion polygons - exclude default scenery
** Stream polylines
** Shoreline polylines - shore lines with animated waves
** Road polylines (with moving traffic)
** Utility polylines - power lines, telegraph lines, fences etc
** Library Object - place a library object at each point along a polyline. To place a single object use a polyline that is only 1 point in size
** ''to be completed''
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth (GE) may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of GE because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact the author at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-02T23:27:16Z

124.189.32.13: /* Scenery Design Tips */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX). It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth (GE) into FSX scenery.

Using GE to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

''insert screenshot here''

Image 1: Before and after screenshot showing South West Rocks (NSW Australia)

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

This screenshot gives an example of how to use tags. Notice how the coastline polygon was tagged individually but the beach polygons were all tagged collectively by placing them in a sub folder and just tagging the subfolder.

''add screenshot here''

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

* Draw a polygon representing the coastline. "Tag" it with a coastline tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a beach tag

''add screenshot here''

Image: This screenshot (from Tutorial.KML) shows how the coastline and beach was created

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

[[Image:todo.png|frame|This screenshot (from Tutorial.KML) shows how the road was created]]

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic tag

''add screenshot here''

This screenshot (from Tutorial.KML) shows how the road was created

=== Creating a river with islands ===

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river and its islands
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river tag
* Draw polygons for each island in the river. "Tag" each island with the special "ISLAND" tag.

''add screenshot here''

This screenshot (from the Tutorial.KML) shows how the islands were created in the river

== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ==

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Feature Type - The type of FSX scenery feature that should be created for the tag. FSX KML currently supports the following scenery features:-

''to be completed''

* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth (GE) may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of GE because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact me.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-02T23:22:46Z

124.189.32.13: /* Introduction */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX). It converts KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files generated by Google Earth (GE) into FSX scenery.

Using GE to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

''insert screenshot here''

Image 1: Before and after screenshot showing South West Rocks (NSW Australia)

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== The Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML file with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth (GE), by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of GE.

Using GE Plus create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example a lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. If a polygon/polyline has no tag then it will inherit its tag from the parent folder.

This screenshot gives an example of how to use tags. Notice how the coastline polygon was tagged individually but the beach polygons were all tagged collectively by placing them in a sub folder and just tagging the subfolder.

''add screenshot here''

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML file with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Scenery Design Tips ==

=== Creating a coastline with beaches ===

* Draw a polygon representing the coastline. "Tag" it with a coastline tag
* Draw a polygon representing the beach. "Tag" it with a beach tag

This screenshot (from the Tutorial.KML) shows how the coastline and beach was created:-

''add screenshot here''

=== Creating a road with moving traffic ===

* Draw a polyline to represent the road. If your road is going to have "one way" traffic then the traffic will travel from the start of the line (1st point you draw) to the end of the line (last point you draw)
* "Tag" the polyline with a road tag
* "Tag" the polyline with a traffic tag

The screenshot below (from Tutorial.KML) shows how the road was created:-

''add screenshot here''

=== Creating a river with islands ===

* Create a folder in your KML to hold the river and its islands
* Draw a polygon representing the river. "Tag" it with a river tag
* Draw polygons for each island in the river. "Tag" each island with the special "ISLAND" tag.

This screenshot (from the Tutorial.KML) shows how the islands were created in the river:-

''add screenshot here''

== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ==

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML file to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags or change existing ones.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Feature Type - The type of FSX scenery feature that should be created for the tag. FSX KML currently supports the following scenery features:-

''to be completed''

* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

== Google Earth ==

The free version Google Earth (GE) may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of GE because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact me.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-02T05:08:10Z

124.189.32.13: /* "Tagging" the scenery features */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX).

By using Google Earth to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== Using the Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth, by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of Google Earth.

Create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example, lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. All polygons and polylines in that folder will "inherit" the tag of the parent folder.

==== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ====

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Feature Type - The type of FSX scenery feature that should be created for the tag. FSX KML currently supports the following scenery features
''to be completed''
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Google Earth ==

Google Earth may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of Google Earth because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact me.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-02T05:05:41Z

124.189.32.13: /* Step 1 - Creating a KML with Google Earth */

1st Oct 2006 - Please note: The software described in this manual has not yet been released. I will continue to update this manual over the next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX).

By using Google Earth to draw polygons and polylines you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Coastlines, rivers and lakes, and islands inside these water features.
* Shorelines
* Irregular shaped landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Roads (including roads with moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Downloading FSX KML ==

The latest version of FSX KML can be downloaded from the following sites:-

''to be completed''

== Installation ==

=== Unzipping and running FSX KML ===

FSX KML can be installed in a folder of your choice. Simply unzip the FSX KML installation zip file into the desired folder.

After unzipping the installation file you should have the following files:-

* FSX_KML.exe
* ShapeLib129.dll
* FSX_KML_Lookup.XML
* FSX_KML_Options.XML
* Tutorial.KML

=== Configuration options ===

Before you begin building FSX scenery you will need to set a few configuration options.

* Run FSX_KML.exe and click on the options tab
* Specify the location FSX using the "FSX folder option". This will usually be C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator X
* Select the "Copy to FSX Addon Scenery Folder" if you want your scenery to be automatically copied to the FSX add on scenery folder after it is built.

== Using the Tutorial ==

FSX KML includes a simple tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the creation of a coastline (with beaches), a river and islands, a town and forest, plus a road with moving traffic.

* Open Tutorial.KML in Google Earth. An easy way to do this is to double click on Tutorial.KML in windows explorer.
* Investigate the various polygons and polylines that have been "traced" over the real scenery features displayed in Google Earth. The important thing to notice is the use of the "Description" field for each polygon or polyline. The description field is used to tell FSX KML what type of scenery feature the polygon/poyline represents.
* If you open the FSX_KML_Lookup.XML file you will see how these description "tags" are translated into FSX scenery features.
* To make scenery from the Tutorial.KML file, run FSX KML, click the Project tab and open Tutorial.KML. You will see KML structure displayed in FSX KML.
* Click the Build tab and then the Build button and FSX KML will create a FSX scenery file called Tutorial.BGL. The file will be copied automatically to the FSX addon scenery directory.
* Run FSX. You can easily goto the scenery area by opening the saved flight called FSX_KML.

== Building Scenery ==

Building your own scenery with FSX KML is easy.

=== Step 1 - Creating a KML with Google Earth ===

The first step in creating your FSX scenery is to create a KML file by using Google Earth to "trace" scenery features.

==== Creating polygons and polylines ====

Although you can use the free version of Google Earth, by far the easiest way to create polygons and polylines is by using the $20 plus version of Google Earth.

Create a polygon using the "Add Poly" function or create a polyline using the "Add Path" function, and then trace the scenery feature (for example, lake or road).

==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====

To describe what scenery feature your polygon or polyline represents it needs to be "tagged". FSX_KML_Lookup.XML contains a list the tags you can use.

There are two ways to tag a polygon or polyline:-

* Place the name of the tag in the description field of the polygon or polyline
* Place the name of the tag in the descritpion field of the parent folder that contains the polygon or polyline. All polygons and polylines in that folder will "inherit" the tag of the parent folder.

==== FSX_KML_Lookup.XML ====

This file holds the "tags" that are used in the KML to describe FSX scenery features. You can customise this file to add more tags.

This XML contains the following attributes for each "tag":-

* Feature Type - The type of FSX scenery feature that should be created for the tag. FSX KML currently supports the following scenery features
''to be completed''
* GUID - The FSX GUID for the scenery feature. Refer to the FSX terrain.cfg file and terrain SDK documentation for futher information

=== Step 2 - Processing the KML with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Google Earth ==

Google Earth may be downloaded from the [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth home page]

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of Google Earth because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact me.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper.com FSX KML
[http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2979 forum post]

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com

[[category:Manuals]]

FSX KML

2006-10-01T09:05:33Z

124.189.32.13:

1st Oct 2006 - This page is a manual for the forthcoming freeware scenery tool “FSX KML”. It will continue to be updated over the course of next couple of weeks to coincide with the release of the FSX KML alpha.

== Introduction ==

FSX KML is a freeware scenery design tool for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX).

Using Google Earth you can accurately and easily create the following types of scenery:-

* Create water polygons such as coastlines, rivers and lakes.
* Create islands inside water polygons
* Create shorelines
* Create landclass polygons for cities, parks, beaches, forrest, golf courses etc
* Create landclass “tiles” (1.2km sq)
* Create flatten polygons and airport polygons
* Create polyline features such as roads (including moving traffic) and power lines
* Place scenery objects from the FSX scenery library

== Installation ==

== Building Scenery ==
=== Step 1 - Creating a KML with Google Earth ===
==== Creating polygons and polylines ====
==== "Tagging" the scenery features ====
=== Step 2 - Processing the KML with FSX KML ===
=== Step 3 - Testing the scenery ===
=== Step 4 - Creating a distrubution file for upload ===

== Google Earth ==

Google Earth may be downloaded from the Google Earth home page

I strongly recommend you purchase the $20 “Plus” version of Google Earth because it makes creating polygons and polylines very very easy.

== Freeware scenery created with FSX KML ==

== End User Licence ==

Copyright © 2006 Innova Software ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software or ask money for its distribution. The use of the software is only allowed for the production of freeware sceneries, if you want to use it for commercial scenery please contact me.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.

== Release History ==

This software has not yet been released.

== Feedback ==

Discuss FSX KML at the fsdeveloper FSX KML forum post

You can email the author directly at fsx_kml@innovasoftware.com