Notes for Downloading & Using the Benchmark Map (KMZ file)
To use the Benchmark Map, first visit, download, and install the free Google Earth program.
Once Google Earth is installed on your computer, download the Hampton Benchmarks (KMZ) file. (Last Updated May 28, 2021)
After downloading, opening the file will automatically open Google Earth and add the city benchmarks to the map. You can also add the data by opening the file from within the Google Earth program, or by dragging and dropping the file into the Google Earth program window.
Important Note: If you are using Internet Explorer as your web browser, IE may automatically and erroneously change the file extension to ".zip". If this happens, be sure to select "Save As" and change the file extension back to ".kmz" while downloading, or rename the file after download. Other web browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, etc.) usually save the map file in its correct format, so this step can be skipped.
Once the map has been opened, the file will be listed on the left side of the Google Earth window, under the "Places" menu, and filed under "Temporary Places". Clicking the checkmark beside the name will turn the benchmarks on and off, and double-clicking the name itself will cause the map to automatically move to Hampton VA. You can permanently save the map file in Google Earth by right-clicking on the name and selecting "Save to My Places", or by closing Google Earth and selecting "Save" when it asks about the map file.
Please download the Benchmark File to Google Earth semi-annually to stay current with any revisions to the City of Hampton Benchmarks.
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