KML & KMZ Files
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format developed for Google Earth. KMZ files are compressed KML archives that can include images and icons.
Importing KML/KMZ
- Open the Import/Export panel
- Click the Import tab
- Drag and drop your KML or KMZ file
- Review the import settings
- Click Import
Import Settings
- Single Layer — All features go into one layer
- Group by Name — Features grouped by their KML folder/name
- Preserve Fill Colors — Keep original polygon colors
- Show Borders — Display polygon outlines
What Gets Imported
- Placemarks (points with icons)
- Paths (lines)
- Polygons (filled areas)
- Feature names and descriptions
- Style information (colors, icons, line widths)
- Folder structure (as layer groups)
KMZ Icons
KMZ files can contain embedded icons for point markers. MapEdit will:
- Extract and use embedded icon images
- Use external icon URLs if specified
- Fall back to default markers if icons aren't available
Icons must be valid image URLs (http/https) or data URIs. Local file paths are not supported.
Exporting to KML
- Open the Import/Export panel
- Click the Export tab
- Select the layers you want to export
- Choose "KML" as the format
- Click Export
KML Compatibility
Exported KML files are compatible with:
- Google Earth Pro
- Google My Maps
- ArcGIS
- QGIS
- Other GIS applications
What Gets Exported
- All geometry types including MultiPolygon, MultiLineString, MultiPoint (via MultiGeometry elements)
- Polygon holes preserved as inner boundary rings
- Custom properties written as ExtendedData elements (visible in Google Earth)
- Fill and stroke colors with opacity
- Icon URLs preserved in IconStyle
- Elevation (Z coordinates) preserved when present
- Feature names and descriptions
Limitations
- Time-based animations (TimeStamp, TimeSpan) are not supported
- Network links are not followed
- Ground overlays (image overlays) are not imported