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Viewing any IMS Map360 Crime Scene in Google Earth

IMS Map360 has a feature which allows users to export a kml file which instantly allows viewing in Google Earth. You can view points, descriptions and linework projected onto the ground in Google Earth. You can also email the kml file to clients or colleagues so they can see the results in Google Earth.

Google Earth

For step by step instructions pick the scenario that matches your requirements:

If your scene was collected using dedicated RTK GPS Equipment:

If you are using RTK GPS equipment with Evidence Recorder the process will be quite seamless and the points will be highly accurate. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Measure your scene using RTK GPS equipment

2. Use the SyncWizard Routine to import points and linework into a Map360 Drawing as you would normally do. Pick Here for a video showing how to do this.

3. MsPoints | Other Program Ties | Export to Google Earth Pick Here for a video showing how to use the Google Earth Export tool.


If your scene was collected using a Total Station and you have a Nautiz or other data collector with built in GPS:

If you wish to visualize old Map360 drawings in Google Earth or if you wish to display a new scene collected using a total station in Google Earth you will need to take a few extra steps. Many modern data collectors have built in GPS that makes this process quite simple. Here are the steps you will want to follow:

1. Determine what coordinate system to choose for your GPS measurements. You can consult with a local surveyor or equipment dealer, or if you are unsure you may also need to refer to this map and choose a UTM zone that corresponds to your location.

2. Measure your scene using Evidence Recorder and your total station. Take note of the numbers used for the reference point and reference measurement point (these are 1 and 99 by default)

3. While on the scene, or if you return to an old scene, you will need to use the Nautiz to measure a GPS position for the Reference point and Reference Measurement point, which are normally permanently marked with a concrete nail. Pick Here for a video showing how to do this.

4. Use the SyncWizard Routine to import points and linework into a Map360 drawing as you would normally do. Pick Here for a video showing how to do this.

5. Add the "shiftgps" lisp routine to MapScenes. Pick Here for the download and instructions.

6. Save your Map360 project with a different name so that your original data is left unmodified.

7. Perform the "Shiftgps" procedure. Pick Here for a video showing the steps.

8. MsPoints | Other Program Ties | Export to Google Earth Pick Here for a video showing how to use the Google Earth Export tool.


If your scene was collected using a Total Station and you have a smart phone or handheld GPS Device:

If you wish to visualize old Map360 drawings in Google Earth or if you wish to display a scene collected using a total station in Google Earth you will need to take a few extra steps. The results can be quite spectacular and modern smart phones make it relatively simple to collect enough GPS information to allow for visualization in Google Earth. Here are the steps you will want to follow:

1. Determine what coordinate system to choose for your GPS measurements. You can consult with a local surveyor or equipment dealer, or if you are unsure you may also need to refer to this map and choose a UTM zone that corresponds to your location.

2. Measure your scene using Evidence Recorder and your total station. Take note of the numbers used for the Reference point and Reference Measurement point (these are 1 and 99 by default)

3. While on the scene, or if you return to an old scene, you will need to use a smart phone or handheld GPS to measure a GPS position for the Reference point and Reference Measurement point, which are normally permanently marked with a concrete nail. These two measurements are recorded manually. See the video in Step 5 for an overview of this procedure.

4. Use the SyncWizard Routine to import points and linework into a MapScenes drawing as you would normally do. Pick Here for a video showing the how to do this.

5. Manually enter your GPS measurements in MapScenes. Pick Here for a video showing the process.

6. Add the "shiftgps" lisp routine to Map360. Pick Here for the download and instructions.

7. Perform the "Shiftgps" procedure. Pick Here for a video showing the steps.

8. MsPoints | Other Program Ties | Export to Google Earth Pick Here for a video showing how to use the Google Earth Export tool.

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  1. Louise Anderson

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