Creating_KML_files
KML files for displaying in the Flarm map (Flarm radar) can be created using Google Earth.
These instructions were created for Google Earth 6.1. With newer versions, there may be minor differences.
Creating a KML file
Zoom to the area you want to create the KML file for. Under "My places" in the sidebar, create a folder (right-click on "My places" and choose "Add", "Folder"). Give the folder a name and press OK. You should make sure that the folder entry is checked in the "Places" view, or the elements may not be visible in Google Earth. Select the folder so new elements are created in the folder (you may also drag other elements into the folder).
To add a marker, select "Placemark" from the "Add" menu (or use the pushpin symbol in the task bar). Set the name of the placemark; it will be displayed in the Flarm map. You can also set the color and the opacity under "Style, Color". Other attributes are currently ignored.
To add a polygon, select "Polygon" from the "Add" menu (or use the respective symbol in the task bar). Set the name of the polygon; it will currently not be displayed in the Flarm map. While the polygon window is open, draw the polygon by clicking in the map. A left click adds a point after the current point, a right click removes the current point and a left click on a point selects that point (it becomes blue). You can set the outline color, outline width, outline opacity, area color, and area opacity under "Style, Color". You can also select whether the outline, the are or both are drawn. Other attributes are currently ignored.
Paths (select "Path" from the "Add" menu) are like polygons, except that they are not closed (i. e. there is no line from the last point to the first point) and they can not be filled.
To add an image, select "Image Overlay" (not "Photo"!) from the "Add" menu (or use the respective symbol in the task bar). Set the name of the image; it will currently not be displayed in the Flarm map. Inter the file name under "Link" (or use the "Browse" button). The image has to aligned. It is useful to reduce the opacity to about 50% for the purpose; remember to change it back when finished aligning. While the window is open, in the map, use the corners or edges of the image to resize it, the cross at the center to move it or the diamond shape at the side to rotate it. Align the image with the map. Then, set the opacity to the desired value. Do not press "Convert to LatLonQuad" - such an image will not work.
Images can be created in any way, for example from Google Earth or OpenStreetMaps, or by scanning an airfield map.
Saving a file
Right click the folder under "My places" and choose "Save place as". Set the file type to KML (not KMZ!) and save the file. If you are using images, all of them should be in the same folder as the KML file. The images will not be embedded into the KML file. If you want to copy the KML file, you must copy the images as well.
Loading a file in Google Earth
You can load a KML file into Google Earth by choosing "Open" from the "File" menu. Its contents will be displayed in "Temporary places" and can be edited and saved again like described above.
Using a KML file in Startkladde
You can select a KML file in the settings dialog on the "Flarm" tab. Its contents will be loaded the next time the Flarm map is opened. Note that the KML data will only be displayed in startkladde if valid GPS data is being received!
