KML / KMZ
Also known as: .kml file, .kmz file, Keyhole Markup Language, Google Earth file
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML format for geographic data — placemarks, paths, and overlays — made popular by Google Earth and Maps. KMZ is a zipped KML that bundles the map data with its images and icons.
- XML format for geographic data (Google Earth)
- KMZ is a zipped KML with its images bundled
- XML-based, styling-rich alternative to GeoJSON
KML vs KMZ
A KML file is XML describing geographic features: placemarks with coordinates, lines, polygons, and styling, designed to display in Google Earth, Google Maps, and other GIS tools.
KMZ is simply a ZIP archive containing a KML plus any images, icons, or overlays it references. Bundling everything into one .kmz makes a map easy to share in a single file.
KML vs GeoJSON
KML is XML-based and rich in styling and presentation, which suits Google Earth; GeoJSON is JSON-based and lighter, which suits web maps and code. Mapping tools convert between the two readily.
KML files are small text; a KMZ grows if it bundles imagery. For sharing a tour or annotated map, KMZ keeps all the pieces together.