Comments on: KML Home Companion 3.0.2 Released

By: Simon

Simon — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:01:22 +0000

be good to do some kind of comparison between all of these available tools, perhaps a poll on which one people rate.

By: James Fee

James Fee — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:35:11 +0000

Kevin's extension is also very good. I've talked about it before also.

By: Simon Jackson

Simon Jackson — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:11:32 +0000

I have not seen this tool, so thanks for bringing it to my attention. I usually use this one:
http://arcscripts.esri.com/details.asp?dbid=14273

Just cos its in the top 10 arcscripts (by download).

I know Arc2Earth seems to dominate bridging the gap between ArcGIS & KML, but as for free tools, what is everyones choice? I will try this tool later – does it only work with .shps?

By: James Fee

James Fee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:24:26 +0000

altgis: ESRI supports KML through its ArcGIS Interoperability extension. They also support export out of ArcGIS with 3D Analyst and ArcGIS Server supports KML.

ESRI for right or wrong is letting their 3rd party partners fill the gap they’ve left. Personally I’d rather have excellent KML tools such as Arc2Earth available than an ESRI tool any day. The simple fact there must be 10+ KML import/export tools available for ArcGIS means users of ArcGIS can find the tool that best fits with their workflows, rather than making their workflows match ESRI’s tool. Choice is king IMO.

By: altgis

altgis — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:57:29 +0000

My point was this… having reviewed other blogs on this product (which I think is a great tool) I gather it’s just about 2 years old. I Just don’t understand why ESRI (purportedly the leaders in geospatial software) was not quicker on the up take of the importance of kml and GE in general, and an external product like this was necessary. I remember demo’ing this product back when I had ESRI software (available to me through my employer). Other products that worked with or exported kml at that time or before were: Air Photo USA’s Photomapper, NASA’s Worldwind and Manifold… more than two years ago.

By: altgis

altgis — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:16:25 +0000

You got me there. I apologize for not doing my research…

By: James Fee

James Fee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:09:54 +0000

KML Home Companion is over 2 years old. What is your point?

By: altgis

altgis — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:55:59 +0000

Welcome to Manifold 2 years ago!