3/30/2021 0 Comments Msts Route Riter
First, I use Google Earth to create a KML file, and then use either Route Riter or KML2Marker to convert it into the MKR file needed by the Route Editor.Creating KML Click on My Places From the Add menu, create a new folder with a meaningful name.
Markers. Click on the new folder name Start creating pushpins. Give your pushpin a name, and click OK They should be filed under your new folder If your pins didnt get filed correctly in the folder, you can drag one at a time over to the folder (which is a pain if you forget to click the folder name first and then set up 200-300 pins.) When youre done with pushpins, save the folder as a KML file by right clicking over the folder, and Save Place As The default name is the same as the folder name you created, or you can rename it if you want Pin Placement Decide early where you are going to place your pins. My preference is to place the pin on the outermost west or south rail, spaced about every 300-500 feet on straight sections, and closer together on curves. At locations where there is a turnout or a cross-over I place them where the points meet the rail, with separate pushpins on each turnout so its easier to remember which direction the crossovers go between. One option is to place all four (or more) corners of a building, or you can streamline and do opposing corners, i.e. NE and SW. For items like oil tanks and water towers, I place a pin at the center of the object. Something else to consider when putting down markers is to take measurements using the GE measurement tool. It makes picking out scenery objects easier, and if needed, building them from scratch. Ill have another tutorial on building construction in the future. Paths and Polygons KML2Marker will plot each point on a path or a polygon as an individual marker. Route Riter is supposed to handle this, but Ive never seen it work. Naming Convention Naming pins is important to me -- the Route Editor tends to mash things together, and long names can be difficult to see when there are lots of pins in close proximity (look two lines below the red latlong in the top center of the screenshot.): I try to use just one or two lettersnumbers whenever possible. Some examples of my naming convention: M main track, with M1 M2 M3 where theres a multiple track MC curve on the main S siding, using S1 S2 S3 where multiple tracks might comprise a siding Y yard, using Y0 Y1 Y2 Y3 to notate ladder tracks TO turnout XO is a crossover SB signal bridge ST signal tower B bridge abutment O overpass R road alignment GC grade crossing, followed by the number of lanes, e.g. GC4 for a 4 lane road Naming conventions are just a suggestion, and not an absolute. I will also abbreviate scenery objects occasionally, e.g. OT for oil tank, WT for water tower, CT for cell tower, PP for power pole, etc. ![]() When the file is done, youll be prompted to save the MKR file. It must be named after your route if the RE is going to pick it up Since Packerland is so huge, Im creating separate folders for each 50 mile stretch of track, and saving each as a separate KML file. That way, I can create a MKR file for where Im working, and not worry too much about running out of memory (I dont know that there is an upper limit on how many the RE will show, but Ive had issues with markers not always displaying). When working in complicated areas like Green Bay, I use dedicated folders just for scenery placement --- one for vegetation, one for buildings, and one for power lines, etc. The only downside of using Google Earth is you need an internet connection.
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