Export a map layout to KML from SAGA GIS

The contents of the Map Layout window in SAGA GIS can be exported as KML files and displayed in Google Earth. There is a catch, however: SAGA GIS will always create the KML files but it will not do an automatic coordinate system conversion to Geodetic Lat/Long.

Before creating the Map Layout window for export, all the data layers must be projected into the geographic Lat/Long coordinate system first. See my previous post on how to do reprojection.

The steps to export out as KML are below, assuming all the data layers are already in geographic Lat/Long.

1. Start up SAGA GIS. Load in one or more grid layers and display them in one map window.
   
   
2. Select Map | Show Print Layout.
   
   The Map Layout window appears.
   
3. In the Workspace pane, activate the Map tab.
   
   
4. In the Maps tree, mouse right click on the map name.
   
   A pop up menu appears.
   
5. Choose Save as Image.
   
   The Save As Image dialog box appears.
   
6. Specify an output file name and type, e.g. 9894CATD and PNG. Click Save.
   
   The Save Map as Image dialog box appears.
   
7. Toggle Save KML file on. Click Okay.
   
   The KML file is created.
   

The screenshot below shows how the KML file looks like in Google Earth.