Keyhole Markup Language (KML)
Overview
Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is an XML-based file format used for storing and sharing geographic data, often used with Google Earth and other GIS applications for visualizing spatial information. KML was originally developed by Keyhole, Inc. (acquired by Google) and is now an OGC standard.
Key Concepts
Placemark is a point feature with name and description. Polygon/LineString are geometry types for areas and lines. Style defines appearance (colors, icons, line widths). NetworkLink references external KML files for dynamic content. Ground overlay places an image on the Earth’s surface. KMZ is a compressed (ZIP) archive containing KML and resources.
KML Structure
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
<Document>
<Placemark>
<name>Example Point</name>
<Point>
<coordinates>-74.006,40.7128,0</coordinates>
</Point>
</Placemark>
</Document>
</kml>Appendix
Created: 2025-12-13 | Modified: 2025-12-13