Imports and KML files

  • Updated on Jul 24, 2025
  • Published on May 19, 2025
  • 3 minute(s) read
  • MK
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In this document

We will show you how to import KML files or add additional map resources into your designs and how to convert the data into various object types.

Adding custom map resources

The energy system designer lets you add custom map layers to display georeferenced basemaps from public tile services directly in the 3D scene. This makes it easier to align the PV layout with relevant spatial data such as cadastral boundaries, protected zones, aerial imagery, or other thematic GIS layers.

Energy system designer supports tile services in XYZ or WMTS (GoogleMapsCompatible) format. The URL must follow the standard tile schema with {z}, {x}, and {y} placeholders.

  • The custom map URL is saved in the project configuration. When the design is reopened, the previously active custom map will load automatically.

  • Only one custom map can be set at a time. To change it, enter a new URL. To disable the custom map, select "Satellite" or "Topographic" to revert to a default basemap.

  • The custom map layer is displayed beneath the system layout and terrain mesh. It does not affect object visibility or simulations.

  • Visualise high-quality local data that is not available in standard basemaps.

  • Display cadastral overlays, protected zones, land cover, or other administrative and thematic layers.

  • Align the project design with aerial imagery published by municipalities or national agencies.

  • Only publicly accessible map services are supported. The service must not require authentication, tokens, or API keys.

  • Solargis does not provide or maintain a list of available tile services. You must find suitable sources via national geoportals or open data catalogues.

  • Map services that do not provide tiles for the current location or required zoom levels will not render correctly.

Uploading the map resource

Open the energy system designer and:

  1. Navigate to the File menu and select “Add map resources”.

  2. In the popup, paste the map resource URL to the dedicated field and save using the “Save” button.

If the map resource meets the criteria for supported formats, it will be loaded into the 3D scene.

Importing of location data (KML files)

If you have your geospatial design data in KML format, you can upload it directly to the Energy System Designer. Multiple KML files can be imported if needed.

To initiate a KML import, navigate to Imports in the main navigation menu:

  1. Click the “Import file” button to start the KML import wizard.

Important: Overlapping polygons cannot be converted to Segments. You can import them as raw/basic geometry, adjust their vertices to remove any overlaps, and then convert them to Segments once the overlaps are resolved.

In the KML import dialog, click the “Browse” button and upload the KML file. The KML boundary data will be loaded.

  1. The KML file object definitions are identified by our system from the file. They can help you determine the type of object it represents. They also determine what objects they can be converted into.

  2. You may Select how you want to import this object into your project. Available options are in the dropdown.

  3. When all object conversions are defined (4.), select the objects you want to import into the project canvas. Select “Save to imports“ for objects you do not want to place directly into the design but still want to add to the project imports. You can change this later if required.

  4. Click “Continue” to confirm your selection. You can import up to 100 objects in one session.

After the confirmation, the system will check for overlapping data and verify which objects can be imported into the design. The overlapping data will be imported as raw data into the Imports, and you can work with it later. Click the “Import” button to import the KML data into your project.

Currently, the KML import has the following limitations that need to be considered when preparing your file:

  • Only files up to 5MB are allowed.

  • Elevation data for vertices of objects is ignored during import—only the positions of vertices are transferred to the currently selected terrain in ESD.

Managing your imports

All imported KML file data is stored in the Imports folder within the Site section in the main navigation menu. The total number of imported objects is also indicated.

Converting imported object types

If you want to convert an existing geometry in your design into a different one, navigate to Imports (click the Imports in the main menu):

  1. Open the three-dot menu of the object you want to convert.

  2. Select “Convert to”  and pick the new object type to which you want to convert it. The object type will change based on your selection.

Tip: If you want to edit the object, change its vertices, or rename it, proceed the same way you would for the segment objects.