Milwaukee Community Map in Google Earth

The whole Milwaukee Community Map is accessed through Google Earth on your computer. Download Google Earth for Desktop. Download the link to the Milwaukee Community Map. Explore away! We highly recommend our guides to help you navigate.


Accessing the Map in Google Earth is as easy as 1-2-3.


1. Download Google Earth Pro on Desktop. >>> 2. Download our KMZ Network Link. >>> 3. Open the file and explore!

Accessing the Map in Google Earth on Desktop is the best way to experience the “whole enchilada.” But there are many ways you can explore stories and layers curated in the Milwaukee Community Map. Return to the main page to learn more.

Note: Sometimes if you just click on the downloaded file, your computer will try to open the KMZ Network Link with the wrong program and you may get an error message. If this happens, open Google Earth first and open the KMZ file from Google Earth.

Remember, this file opens in Google Earth on Desktop. This is different than the Google Earth version that runs in the Chrome browser.


Guides & Helpful Info

The MCM was last updated in June 2022.

Download the KMZ here!
One-page User’s Guide to Google Earth*
One-page Discussion Guide
Guide to the Map With Activity/Inquiry Suggestions
Details & Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Index

*This quick read will really help you learn to navigate Google Earth Pro on Desktop.


Video Tours

Want to explore the fruits of the Milwaukee Community Map without diving into Google Earth? No problem. We’ve created some really nifty short videos narrated by Water Storyteller Miranda. Each shares a different facet of Milwaukee’s Water Story. Click the header to link to an assortment of videos to choose from. They give you a taste of what you can explore in Google Earth.

Have you ever wondered where our water comes from and where it goes? Milwaukee Water Storyteller Miranda takes you on a two-minute tour of the Milwaukee-area watersheds. A perfect intro for any audience.

Enjoy 10 other short videos that highlight water stories with interactive features showcased here with more to explore in the Milwaukee Community Map in Google Earth. Thematic explorations ranging from water history to underwater science.


Learn More


Overview & Tutorial Webinar Video

We hope you are now really excited about exploring the Milwaukee Community Map in Google Earth on Desktop! To help you in that exploration, we encourage you to check out this longer tutorial video. We include common tips and tricks to navigating Google Earth itself that can help first-time users become seasoned explorers in no time! Like anything, Google Earth takes a bit of practice to really learn. The video’s about 20 minutes, but we hope you find the time well spent.


Questions? Contact Map Curator Michael Timm