Introduction
In this tutorial, you are going to learn how to export your AutoCAD designs to Google Earth and create an almost real-life tour, even from the inside of your construction. This way a better understanding of your design or proposals can be achieved for you and your clients, and you can even investigate how your model will dynamically interact with its real-life environment.
This can be achieved in 6 simple steps:
Step 1: Georeference your drawing
Step 2: Export your drawing into Google Earth
Step 3: Create the path your tour will follow
Step 6: Use your video for presentation purposes
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Step 1. Georeference your drawing
Each time you use Plex-Earth, your drawing must be georeferenced in order for the software to know the exact location of your design. Click here to see how to georeference your drawing.
Step 2. Export your drawing to Google Earth
With Plex-Earth you can export an AutoCAD project to Google Earth. This can be accomplished using either the Export KML/KMZ command or the Export 3D KMZ command.
Note that the Export KML/KMZ command should be used when publishing 2D projects or simple 3D drawings, while the Export 3D KMZ command should be used for projects that include complex 3D geometry with textures, materials, surfaces, etc.
Click here for more information on how to export your design to Google Earth.
Step 3: Create the path your tour will follow
Once you have your model in Google Earth, you must define the path that you want your tour video to follow.
In order to do this, zoom in or out to any side of your construction you want to include in your presentation, and in that place create a Placemark. The specific angles you choose are stored with each Placemark. Create multiple Placemarks for views from various sides and at various levels.
There are absolutely no limits. You can even show the view from inside your construction.
Once you create all your Placemarks, you must uncheck them. Otherwise, the name or the selected icon of the Placemark will appear in your tour video.
Step 4: Record your tour
- Click on the Record a Tour icon on Google Earth.
- On the small window that will pop up, click on the record button.
- Click on the Placemarks you created before in order for Google Earth to switch between these views.
- Once you finish the recording, click on the record button again.
You do not necessarily have to wait for each camera transfer to take place, although you have to make sure that you show the sides of the building that you want to present. Remember that you will make a single recording, so plan the order in which you will preview your placemarks beforehand.
Step 5: Save your tour video
Now you will be able to playback your video and save it.
- Click on the save icon in the Record a Tour window, give a name to your video and choose OK.
- Close the Record a Tour window.
- Go to Tools -> Movie Maker.
- On the Movie Maker window, choose the tour you saved in the previous step.
- Select the folder in which your video will be saved, define your video parameters and finally click Create Movie for your video to be saved on your computer.
Step 6: Use your video for presentation purposes
Now that you have the video on your computer, you can literally use it in any way possible, from a PowerPoint presentation to a YouTube upload to send to your clients. Like the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words so there is no saying what a video showcasing your plans is worth!
Conclusion
Showcasing your AutoCAD design in Google Earth can significantly improve your design process and enable you to receive informed feedback timely, saving a lot of time and reducing subsequent and unproductive iterations. If you follow the above steps, you’ll find yourself creating realistic videos and immersive live tours that can engage your partners, impress your customers, and involve stakeholders, allowing them to understand your ideas from the early stages of your design.
We hope that you have found this tutorial on how to create live tours on Google Earth, helpful. Feel free to contact us at support@plexscape.com for any questions you may still have.
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Compatibility includes:
AutoCAD, Civil 3D®, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D: 2026 , 2025 , 2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020
BricsCAD (Pro, Mechanical, BIM, Ultimate): V25 , V24 , V23 , V22 , V21