What is a KML File?
A .KML file contains information in plain text about geographic modeling in the Keyhole Markup Language. The Keyhole Markup Language is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format that is based on the .XML file format. The information inside a .KML file can include points, placemarkers, images, lines, and even polygons. These files are primarily used to categorize and label locations, develop various camera perspectives, apply texture overlays, and incorporate HTML information.
Over time, the KML format evolved into a universally accepted format for geographic annotation and visualization in 2D and 3D global mapping applications. The Google Earth online application and Google Earth Pro desktop program are the main applications that use KML files. Other various mapping programs also support the KML file format, like ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Blue Marble Geographics Global Mapper.
Since such files are in plain text, anyone can edit or create them using any text editor. To create them using Google Earth, click the “Projects” icon in the left pane, click “Create,” and then click “Create KML file.”
Download KML Sample Files
Here are a few .KML sample files for you to download.
