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8.2.10 Import
Level of expertise required for this Chapter: Intermediate; specifically for LUPMIS @ TCPD
a) Import KML
KML ('keyhole markup language') is a version of the XML definition for geographic presentation on browsers. Originally, it was developed for Google Earth, but is now used by many browsers and support by many GIS software.
b) Download and Import OSM
Open Street Map (OSM) is a fast growing standard of open-source GIS data. With this Tool you can download OSM files and automatically converted them from lat/long to UTM. This Tool will access the OpenStreetMap online GIS database (through their API) and download all features for the defined area.
Drawing Tools > Import > Import OSM >
Define the area with minimum and maximum x and y [3]. OpenStreetMap limits the area to a maximum of 50 km, but also the number of features (currently, 50,000). If the area defined is too large or there are too many features, a message will tell you to decrease the size.
In the sample below, we are interested in all streets with their streetnames [4]:
'Continue' [5] to run the process, which might take a while for the download.
If you import street names, be aware, this is open-source data - not official. It is the Assembly which has the authority to define street names, not Google or a contributor to OpenStreetMap.
The result is a DRA line file, if selected with streetnames, from OpenStreetMap (very similar to Google data):
An alternative approach, if you already have the OSM file or want to download it directly from the Internet, is the 'Import OSM' option:
www.openstreetmap.com: Export [1] > Define the area of interest by zooming, paning or by lat/long figures in the entry box [2] > Export [3} > Define location and file name on your computer.
If the 'Export' button [3] does not appear or 'File not found', define a smaller area of interest, and repeat.