Trail KML Files
The Trails app uses KML files to set the trail map data. KML files are processed to get the trail line segments and any trail feature points.
By using KML files you have precise, professional control over the line segments and where trail features are located. It's intended that someone in your organization has collected GPS data for the trail segments and using a GPS program such as Google Earth, ArcGIS or QGIS to plot the line data and feature points. You would then export the appropriate KML files for each individual trail and upload them when adding or editing an individual trail in BranchCMS.
Supported KML Formats
BranchCMS currently supports three KML formats:
- ArcGIS
- QGIS
- OpenGIS / Google Earth
Note that with each format the file extension for the KML files should be ".kml". The ".kmz" format is not supported.
Before uploading KML files you must select the proper KML format under Trails -> Settings -> KML Files.
ArcGIS
ArcGIS is the format used by the ArcGIS software. When you export your KML files for each trail you must export one that contains just the line segment data and one for the feature points.
QGIS
QGIS is the format used the QGIS software. When you export your KML files for each trail you must export one that contains just the line segment data and one for the feature points.
OpenGIS
OpenGIS is the format used by Google Earth and potentially other mapping software. When you export your KML files for each trail you can export just one KML file that contains both line segment data as well as feature points. Or, you can export separate KML files for the line segment data and the feature points.
Feature Icons
With each trail you can have a number of feature points on your map to highlight things like trail heads, picnic areas, scenic overlooks or parking.
When you upload a KML file the system can automatically pull out the feature points and optionally associate those points with a custom feature icon. By default the name of the feature in the KML file is used to match with a feature icon of the same name. Under KML File settings you can also pick a different feature attribute in the KML file to match.
Under KML File settings you can also allow the feature point name in the KML file to be overwritten by the matching feature icon's name.