File Extension Library


.KML File Extension

  • Category: GIS Files
  • Format: XML

What are .KML files and how to open them?

Can't open .KML file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .KML file.

What is a .KML file extension?

.KML file extension has been classified as GIS Files. The format of .KML file is XML

.KML is Keyhole Markup Language File

A KML file stores geographic modeling information in XML format. It includes points, lines, polygons, and images. KML files are used to identify and label locations, create different camera angles, overlay textures, and add HTML content.

KML file open in Google Earth 7

KML files were originally used by Keyhole mapping software developed by Keyhole, Inc. The company was acquired by Google in 2004 and KML files are now used by used by Google Earth and other Earth browser programs.

NOTE: You can open a KML file in Google Maps by hosting it on an online location and then typing the URL in the Google Maps search box. For example, if you host your KML file at http://mywebsite.com/myfile.kml, then type this URL in the Google Maps search box to display it.

Alternatively, you can construct the URL yourself in Google Maps by prefixing your KML file's URL with http://maps.google.com/maps?q=. For example, to open the same KML file from above, you can use the following URL:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://mywebsite.com/myfile.kml

This procedure also works for Google Earth, the 3D earth-browsing plug-in you can add to your Web browser.

List of all softwares that can open the Keyhole Markup Language File
Windows
Google Earth
Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop
Merkaartor
Blender with Google Earth Importer plug-in
Mac
Google Earth
Merkaartor
Blender with Google Earth Importer plug-in
Linux
Google Earth
Merkaartor
Blender with Google Earth Importer plug-in
iOS
Geo Measure Area Calculator
Android
Google Earth
Geo Measure Area Calculator
Web
Google Maps

How to fix problems with .KML files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .KML files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .KML file format
  2. You need to check the .KML file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)