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Create a Custom Shoreline from Google Earth

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This article will instruct you how to create a custom shoreline in Google Earth and then import that shoreline into AutoChart PC or AutoChart Pro.

Create a Shoreline in the Google Earth (Web)

  1. Launch Google Earth (Web)
    • Open a web browser and go to https://earth.google.com.
    • Click “Launch Earth”.
  2. Navigate to the Desired Location
    • Use the search bar or manually pan and zoom.
    • Zoom in until the shoreline or water boundary is clearly visible.
  3. Open the Projects Panel
    • Click the Projects icon (pin with layers) on the left-hand toolbar.
  4. Create or Open a Project
    • Click “New Project”.
    • Choose Create project in Google Drive or Temporary Project.
    • Give the project a descriptive name if prompted.
  5. Add a Path
    • With the project selected, click “Add feature”.
    • Choose Draw line or shape (this replaces the old “Add > Path” behavior).
  6. Name the Shoreline
    • Enter a name for the path (for example, Custom Shoreline).
    • Keep the editing panel open while drawing.
  7. Draw the Shoreline
    • Click along the water’s edge to place points and trace the shoreline.
    • Use closer points in curved areas for better accuracy.
    • Note: Drag‑to‑draw is not supported in Google Earth Web; clicking to place points is required.
  8. Finish the Drawing
    • Double-click the final point or click Finish to end the line.
    • Adjust the line color and width if needed using the style options.
  9. Save the Project
    • Changes save automatically when using a Google Drive project.
    • For a temporary project, ensure it remains open or export it.
  10. Export the Shoreline as a KML File
    • In the Projects panel, click the three‑dot menu next to the project or feature.
    • Select Export as KML file.

How to Create a Custom Shoreline in Google Earth Pro

  1. Open Google Earth Pro and Locate the Area
    Launch Google Earth Pro and navigate to the body of water where you want to create the custom shoreline.
  2. Select the Path Tool
    Click the Add Path icon in the toolbar (polyline icon), or use the menu: Add > Path.
  3. Name the Path
    When the “New Path” dialog box appears, enter a name for the shoreline (for example, Lake Shoreline).
  4. Begin Drawing the Shoreline
    With the dialog box still open, click along the water’s edge to start tracing the shoreline.
  5. Trace the Shoreline Carefully
    Continue clicking to add points along the shoreline.
    • Place points closer together in curved areas for smoother results.
    • Straight sections can use fewer points.
  6. Keep the Path Dialog Box Open
    Do not click “OK” while drawing.
    Keeping the dialog box open is required to continue adding or adjusting points.
  7. Style the Shoreline (Optional but Recommended)
    In the same dialog box, open the Style, Color tab to adjust line color, width, and opacity for better visibility.
  8. Finish and Save the Shoreline
    When finished tracing, click OK to finalize the path.
  9. Export the Shoreline as a KML File
    In the Places panel, right-click the saved path and select Save Place As.
    Choose .kml as the file format and save it to your desired location.

Import the Shoreline

  1. Open AutoChart
  2. On the Menu Bar, select "File" > "Import/Convert"
  3. Select the .kml file you saved in the previous section. This file will be converted now to an .acd file.
  4. On the menu bar, select ""File" > "Open". Then select the .acd file you created in the previous step.
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