3D KML Viewer - User Guide

📖 Table of Contents

🎯 What is 3D KML Viewer?

The 3D KML Viewer is an Excel add-in that allows you to visualize geospatial data directly within Excel. It displays KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files as interactive 3D models, making it perfect for:

Key Features

🚀 Installation

Prerequisites

Installation Steps

  1. 1Open Excel
  2. 2Go to Insert Tab → Get Add-ins (or My Add-ins)
  3. 3Search for "3D KML Viewer" or install from your organization's add-in catalog
  4. 4Click "Add" to install the add-in
  5. 5Look for the "KML Tools" group in your Excel ribbon

Verification

After installation, you should see:

🏁 Getting Started

First Launch

  1. Click the "3D KML Viewer" button in the Excel ribbon
  2. A task pane will open on the right side of Excel
  3. The 3D viewer interface will be ready to use

Interface Overview

The add-in consists of:

📋 How to Use the Add-in

Method 1: Load KML from a Cell (Quickest)

This is the simplest way to view a KML file:

  1. Put KML data in any Excel cell:
  2. Select the cell containing the KML data
  3. Click "Load from Selected Cell" in the add-in
  4. View your 3D model in the viewer panel

Method 2: Load from Excel Table (Recommended)

For organized data management:

  1. Create an Excel table with your data:
Property Name Address Type KML_File
Building A 123 Main St Office building_a.kml
Building B 456 Oak Ave Retail building_b.kml
  1. Format as a table: Select your data → Insert → Table
  2. Click on any row in the table
  3. Click "Load from Table" in the add-in
  4. The KML from that row will load automatically

Method 3: Direct File Upload

  1. Click "Browse Files" in the add-in (if available)
  2. Select your KML file from your computer
  3. The file will load into the 3D viewer

📁 Working with KML Files

Supported KML Sources

1. Web URLs (Most Common)

https://maps.example.com/buildings/office_tower.kml
https://storage.googleapis.com/mybucket/model.kml

2. Local Server Files (Recommended)

4382_RoofFacets.kml
TestBuilding.kml
models/house_design.kml

These files should be stored on the same server as the add-in

3. Direct KML Content

You can copy and paste KML code directly into Excel cells:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <Placemark>
      <name>My Building</name>
      <Polygon>
        <!-- geometry data -->
      </Polygon>
    </Placemark>
  </Document>
</kml>

Viewer Controls

Once a KML file is loaded:

🏢 Common Use Cases

Real Estate Portfolio Management

Scenario: Track multiple properties with 3D models

Setup:

  1. Create a spreadsheet with property information
  2. Add a "KML" column with building model files
  3. Use the table method to quickly switch between properties

Benefits:

Construction Project Tracking

Scenario: Monitor building construction phases

Setup:

  1. Create rows for different construction phases
  2. Each row links to a KML showing progress
  3. Load different phases to see progression

Benefits:

Urban Planning Analysis

Scenario: Review zoning and development proposals

Setup:

  1. List different zones or proposals in Excel
  2. Link each to corresponding KML models
  3. Switch between scenarios easily

Benefits:

🔧 Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

KML File Won't Load

Problem: "Error loading KML file"

Solutions:

Add-in Not Visible

Problem: Can't find the KML Tools button

Solutions:

3D Model Appears Blank

Problem: Viewer loads but shows empty space

Solutions:

Table Loading Doesn't Work

Problem: "Load from Table" button doesn't respond

Solutions:

Getting Help

If you continue to experience issues:

  1. Check the sample KML files included with the add-in
  2. Contact Forsite support: www.forsite.ca/contact
  3. Review the Excel Integration Guide for advanced scenarios

💡 Tips and Best Practices

Organizing Your Data

  1. Use Excel Tables: Format your data as tables for better integration
  2. Consistent Column Names: Use "KML", "File", or "Path" for your model column
  3. Descriptive Names: Give clear names to your properties/projects
  4. Version Control: Keep track of different model versions

KML File Management

  1. File Naming: Use descriptive, consistent file names
  2. File Size: Keep KML files reasonably sized for faster loading
  3. Organization: Store related KML files in organized folders
  4. Backup: Keep copies of important KML files

Performance Tips

  1. Close Unused Models: Load only what you need to view
  2. Optimize KML: Simplify complex geometry when possible
  3. Stable Internet: Ensure good connectivity for web-based KML files
  4. Regular Updates: Keep the add-in updated for best performance

Presentation Tips

  1. Prepare Views: Set up good viewing angles before presentations
  2. Practice Navigation: Get familiar with viewer controls
  3. Backup Files: Have local copies of important KML files
  4. Test Beforehand: Always test your setup before important meetings

📞 Support and Resources

3D KML Viewer v1.0.3 - Developed by Forsite