Using the CZML Export Plugin

This plugin enables you to export supported STK objects and graphics from an STK Scenario to Cesium. See Supported STK Objects and Graphics.

Accessing the CZML Export Plugin

The functionality of the CZML Export plugin is exposed through a toolbar:

CZML Export Toolbar

If the toolbar is not visible, go to the View menu, and select Toolbars-->CZML Exporter.

Exporting a CZML File

To export an STK Scenario to Cesium using Connect, see the ExportCZML Connect command.

  1. Click CZML Export Toolbar to open the Export to CZML window:

  2. Set the URL from which Cesium will load the 3D models. 3D models, because they can be very large files, are not embedded directly into the exported CZML file. Instead, they are stored on a Web server where Cesium can access them. By default, this value is set to the AGI public model server, which contains Cesium loadable versions (glTF) of all 3D models that ship with STK.

  3. Click the Export CZML button to create the CZML file. By default, the CZML file is saved to your <STK user area>/<scenario folder>.

  4. To display the CZML file in the Cesium Viewer, drag and drop the file from Windows Explorer to the Cesium Viewer (http://cesiumjs.org) and click Tap to Interact.

STK Objects and Graphics Supported by the CZML Export Plugin

General Objects and Graphics

  • 3D Models, including vehicle attitude and STK model articulations
  • Access lines
  • Chains
  • Covariance ellipsoids (excluding curvilinear ellipsoids)
  • Text label for each object
  • Routes / Trajectories / Orbits (in the default reference frame)
  • Routes over terrain for ground vehicles

Line Target

  • Lines over WGS84 ellipsoid

Extruded border walls are not supported.

Sensor (requires STK Web Visualization Library to view exported sensor information)

  • Supported sensor types: complex conic, half power, rectangular, simple conic, and custom
  • All sensor location options supported
  • All sensor pointing options supported
  • Range constraint supported
  • Supported graphics options: color, translucency, and pulse

The SAR sensor type is not supported.

Antenna / Transmitter / Receiver / Radar

  • There are no graphical features. Data is exported for use by access lines, chains, etc.

MTO

  • MTO markers
  • MTO track lines

MTO 3D models are not supported.

Unsupported Objects and Graphics

  • Vectors
  • Communication graphics
  • Interplanetary graphics
  • Coverage objects
  • Central bodies other than the Earth
  • Volumetric objects
  • 3D model flame articulations
  • KML - Cesium supports KML natively, but not through CZML files
  • External image file overlays on the Earth
  • Graphical display of external terrain files (PDTT and DEM files) on the globe

    • Data computed against terrain (routes, access lines, etc.) is supported.

Legacy Default MDL Models Not Supported

STK does not support exporting the following legacy models to CZML: aircraft.mdl, facility.mdl, groundvehicle.mdl, launchvehicle.mdl, missile.mdl, satellite.mdl, and ship.mdl.

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