How to download the Wilmington District Google Earth (KMZ, KML) Files
Please make sure Google Earth software is installed on your computer before continuing, if not click here. Next, to download the Google Earth file you are interested in viewing, right click over the name of the KMZ file (see next page). Now choose "Save link as", or "Save target as", depending on the particular web browser you are using. Save the file somewhere you can remember its location. One recommendation is to save the file on your computer desktop. Then "double click" the Google Earth file to open it. Google Earth should automatically open and zoom to the data you downloaded. You should also see a new layer under "Temporary Places" on the left hand side of the screen. To save the informaton to your map, so it will be there next time you open Google Earth, right click on the new temporary place and click "Save to my places" or just close the software and when asked if you would like to save your unsaved items click "Yes". This will add the data to your map, and it will be available next time you open it.
The imagery shown within Google Earth may not be 100% accurate in terms of geographic location, but the Corps' coordinates supplied within the Google Earth KMZ files are exact. You may notice the Corps Google Earth file may not line up exactly with features shown in the Google Earth imagery, but this due to issues regarding how Google Earth manipulates the imagery to make it all display seemlessly. Do not use Google Earth information to determine specifically how close a boundary line or easement is to another object or location. If you need precise dimensions or coordinates, please have a professional survey conducted.
Explanation of Files
The Google Earth Files supplied by the Wilmington District are the most up to date information that we have available. The files are formatted so that when you download and save the files to your "My Places" in Google Earth, they will automatically update when changes are made to the Corps mapping layers. This eliminates users from having to continually check for updates and download the latest information. It ensures users have the latest most up to date mapping layers available. Several navigation mapping features are displayed within each Google Earth file, and each item can be selected to view general informaton about those features. Just zoom into an area on the map you are interested in viewing, and then click on the feature to see more information. For example, if you click on a specific navigation channel, you will see the navigation channel name, channel width, authorized channel depth, and a link to the Corps Navigation webpage where the hydrographic (bathymetric) survey for that particular channel can be viewed.
Important:
You will need to change several settings within Google Earth to properly view the KMZ links. Modifying the Google Earth settings can be easily completed by following the instructions provided here (PDF). Also, to ensure the KMZ displays properly, you need to turn the terrain off in the "Layer" tab, located in the bottom left-hand corner of the Google Earth window.
Google Earth accepts inputs of coordinates in several formats. Click here to download a PDF with the formats, and a short explanation of how to input them into Google Earth, so that they will zoom to the area identified.
Contact Information |
Land Use Coordinator |
(910) 251-4196 |
Chief of Geospatial Services |
(910) 251-4067 |
Chief of Navigation |
(910) 251-4822 |
US Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: Land Use Coordinator
69 Darlington Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403
Or Email questions to:
SAWWEB-WILLandUse@usace.army.mil
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any staff member listed above.
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