EPSG:3997 · Middle East
Dubai DLTM to KML & KMZ
Convert Dubai DLTM eastings and northings to latitude and longitude, and save them as a Google Earth KML or KMZ. Try a single point here, or convert a whole spreadsheet in the web app.
- Converter already set to EPSG:3997
- Datum shift to WGS 84 applied automatically
- Whole sheets with photos and boundaries in the web or Windows app
About Dubai DLTM
Dubai Local Transverse Mercator (DLTM) is the grid used by Dubai Municipality and most Dubai developers and contractors for site surveys, setting-out and land records. It is defined directly on WGS 84, so converting DLTM eastings and northings for Google Earth needs no datum shift — only the projection.
Where it's used: Dubai emirate: site surveys, setting-out, affection plans and as-built records.
Convert a whole spreadsheet
- Open the web app or the Windows app, and paste your rows from Excel or open a CSV file.
- Under Coordinate system, search for “3997” and pick WGS 84 / Dubai Local TM.
- Check one point you know on the map, then press Save KML or Save KMZ (with photos) and open it in Google Earth.
Check points for Dubai DLTM
Five points inside the area of use of Dubai DLTM, with their latitude and longitude on WGS 84 and their easting and northing in this grid (metres). Enter an easting and northing in the converter above: you should get the latitude and longitude shown, to a few centimetres.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Easting | Northing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle of the area of use | 25.09500° N | 55.19500° E | 486,045.99 | 2,776,584.80 |
| Towards the north-west | 25.24200° N | 54.98200° E | 464,602.51 | 2,792,907.93 |
| Towards the north-east | 25.24200° N | 55.40800° E | 507,522.78 | 2,792,863.73 |
| Towards the south-west | 24.94800° N | 54.98200° E | 464,517.81 | 2,760,339.89 |
| Towards the south-east | 24.94800° N | 55.40800° E | 507,540.78 | 2,760,296.07 |
Common mistakes with Dubai DLTM
- Easting and northing swapped. In Dubai DLTM the middle of the grid is near easting 486,045.99 and northing 2,776,584.80. If your easting column holds numbers like 2,776,584.80, the columns are the wrong way round and every point lands far away: swap them before converting.
- Feet entered as metres. Dubai DLTM is in metres. Coordinates copied from a drawing in feet must be converted first, or every point moves outwards from the grid's origin.
- Looking for a datum shift that isn't there. Dubai DLTM is defined on WGS 84, the datum Google Earth uses, so no shift is applied. If points are off by tens or hundreds of metres, the data is probably on another grid.
- Points outside the grid's area. Dubai DLTM is meant for United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Dubai municipality. Points well outside that area convert with growing error; the converter flags them so you can choose the right grid.
- A local site grid. If every point is off by the same distance and direction, the drawing may be on a local site grid. Calibrate on three or more known control points instead.
Before you rely on it
Older Dubai drawings may use a pre-DLTM local grid. If points land a few hundred metres away, check which grid the drawing was issued in. Always check one known control point before sending a file out.