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What is a KML file?

KML, or Keyhole Markup Language, is an XML-based file format commonly used for displaying geographic data in mapping applications. Developed by Keyhole, Inc., which was later acquired by Google, KML is an open standard maintained by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). It is widely used for visualizing spatial information in tools like Google Earth, Google Maps, and other Geographic Information System (GIS) software.

p>KKML files can contain various elements to represent geographic features such as points, lines, and polygons, as well as attributes like names, descriptions, and styles. This makes KML a versatile format for creating interactive and dynamic maps. Users can create custom maps by defining placemarks, paths, and overlays, and they can also incorporate additional data layers for more detailed and informative visualizations.

KML files are human-readable, as they are written in XML, and they can include elements for describing 3D structures, photo overlays, and time-based data. This flexibility makes KML a valuable tool for a range of applications, from simple map annotations to complex geospatial presentations.

KML Structure Explained

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) data is structured using XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which is a widely used markup language for encoding data in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. Here is a brief overview of the key components and structure of KML data:

KML File Example

KML File Example

Which software opens GML files?

Associated filename extensions

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