How to open a KML file

There are various programs that can be used to open a KML file. This file type, which stands for Keyhole Markup Language, contains geographical data and is used for Google Earth or Google Maps.

How to open a KML file

A KML file is a file format that contains various geographical data. The format is therefore used, for example, in programs such as “Google Maps” or “Google Earth”. The file contains, for example, satellite images with stored routes or waypoints.

• To open a KML file, you need one of the above programs. These are usually preinstalled on smartphones and the iPhone. On the computer, the program works directly in the browser.

• You can open the KML file in your Internet browser by going to “Google Maps”. Click on the preview at the bottom left to decide whether you want to see the map or satellite view.

• Now open the menu by clicking on the three horizontal lines to the left of the search. Select “Saved”. Google will now show you lists, labels and cards.

• Click on the “Maps” tab. This enables you to create new maps. To do this, click on “Create map” at the very bottom of the menu. Confirm the next dialog with “Create”.

• Now you have an empty world map, the so-called base map, available. You can import your own file in the white editing field. The program then reads your saved KML file with the geographical information it contains and opens it.

Open and edit KML files

KML files can also be opened to edit their content or convert them into other formats. Editors and converters are available to help with editing.

• If you want to view the contents of a KML file, use a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++. Since it is an XML-based file, it can be read like a programming language.

• A typical scenario for a KML conversion is to ensure compatibility with other software tools. Some programs cannot read KML files, but support other formats such as GPX, CSV or Shapefiles. A KML converter ensures that the file formats can be read.

• If you have designed maps with your own routes and now want to use them in a navigation device, you will usually need a GPX format. A KML-to-GPX converter solves this problem.

• KML files often need to be analyzed or evaluated in some other way. This is best done in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. In this case, you should convert the file into a CSV file, as both spreadsheet programs can read this format.