The KML content you've added is considered a layer in ArcGIS Explorer. As such, you can toggle its visibility, zoom to the extent of all its features, and control the transparency of its text and symbols. As you may know, KML and KMZ files can contain a hierarchical organization of places in folders and subfolders. When you add KML content to ArcGIS Explorer you'll only see its topmost element in the Contents window. In some cases, this element represents a single place, but in many instances it's the topmost folder, within which are places and/or subfolders that contain places as well. You can see and manage the entire KML contents by right-clicking the node representing the KML content you added and then selecting KML Contents on the context menu that appears:
Selecting KML Contents displays a floating window that displays the organization of the selected KML or KMZ file. Each folder and subfolder appears with a small plus (+) or minus (-) sign icon to its far left and a check box for toggling the visibility of the places within it. Each place also has its own check box. To expand a folder or subfolder click its icon.
Note Unlike the Contents window, checking or unchecking a place's check box in the KML Contents window will not toggle its visibility immediately. You must press the Apply button for any changes to take effect.
To hide all the places in a subfolder, check off the subfolder's check box, then click the Apply button which becomes enabled when visibility changes are pending. You'll notice that the places' checks change color.
If you click or double-click a place in the KML Contents window and the place has descriptive text associated with it, the text will appear in a popup window. Single-click actions will place the popup in the upper left corner of the map display; double-click actions will fly to the place and display the popup next to the location, for example:
At the top of the KML Contents window you'll see the Fly and Stop buttons:
You can use these buttons to fly from one visible location to another in the order that the KML author specified or stop the tour of places in mid-flight. Clicking the Fly button restarts the tour.
| To do this | Take this action |
| Zoom to a place | Double-click the place in the KML Contents window. If a popup window is associated with the place it will display. |
| Show/hide all places in a folder | Check/Uncheck the folder name and then press the Apply button. |
| Show/hide an individual place | Check/Uncheck the place name and then press the Apply button. |
| Fly from one place to another | Check on or off the places to include on your tour, press the Apply button, and then press the Fly button: |
| Stop flying in the middle of a tour | Press the Stop button: |
| Display a popup window containing descriptive information associated with a place | Click the place's icon on the map or click the entry for the place in the KML Contents window. |