The symbology is not preserved when exported to KML in ArcGIS Pro

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, when converting a layer or a map to Keyhole Markup Language (KML), the resulting KML file does not retain the original symbology of the feature layer. Preserving the symbology is necessary to ensure consistent data presentation across different applications and accurate data interpretation. However, the KML file does not export the layer as symbolized in ArcGIS Pro.

The image below shows a comparison of the symbology of the feature layers in ArcGIS Pro and as KML layers. In some instances, the symbology appears blank or incomplete.

Cause

This is expected behavior, as KML does not support the advanced symbology options available in ArcGIS Pro. Advanced symbology includes patterned fills, line effects, multilevel symbols, and 3D symbols, among others. Upon exporting, the symbol is simplified to a basic representation to match the KML symbology capabilities. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Convert to KML for more information.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the suitability and complexity of the symbology, use one of the following options to export the layers as raster images to preserve the symbology. When the layers are converted to raster images, the layers are not selectable, and data attributes are not preserved. This may also reduce the resolution quality of the output KML or KMZ when viewing data at a small scale, especially for line and polygon layers. To achieve the best output and preserve the attributes, use simple symbology.

Use the Return single composite image parameter of the Layer To KML tool

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Click Analysis on the ribbon. In the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Layer To KML (Conversion Tools).
4. In the Layer To KML pane, on the Parameters tab, click the drop-down menu for Input Layer and choose the layer to be exported.

Note:
Alternatively, click Browse  and navigate to the feature layer in the Input Layer window.

5. For Output File (KML or KMZ), specify a name and click Browse to select a save location for the KML layer.
6. Expand Additional Output Settings and check the Return single composite image check box.
7. Click Run.

Use the Convert features to images parameter of the Map To KML tool

1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Click Analysis on the ribbon. In the Geoprocessing group, click Tools.
3. In the Geoprocessing pane, search for and click Map To KML (conversion Tools).
4. In the Map To KML pane, on the Parameters tab, click the drop-down menu for Input Map and choose the map to be exported.
5. For Output File (KMZ), specify a name and click Browse to select a save location for the KML file.
6. Expand Additional Output Settings and check the Convert features to images check box.
7. Click Run.

Export the feature layers to KML with a simple symbology

In some instances, the KML layer fails to convert complex symbology, such as patterned fills and 3D symbols, into images. Therefore, it is advisable to use simple symbology, such as simple color fills, simple lines, and 2D symbols when exporting feature layers to KML. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Apply symbology to feature layers to change the symbology before converting to KML.