One geographic description, two ways to share it
KML is an XML-based format for describing geographic features. A file can describe placemarks, lines, polygons and associated information. KMZ is a ZIP archive that packages KML and any referenced assets together.
A route can be described in either form. Choosing KMZ does not make the underlying coordinates more accurate, nor does compression validate the captured survey.
When KML is useful
A plain KML file is convenient when you need a readable geographic document and the receiving tool supports it. It can be inspected as text, which helps identify feature names, coordinate ordering and attached descriptive information.
When KMZ is useful
KMZ is useful for sharing a KML document with related assets as one file. A receiving tool must support the packaged format and resolve the included resources. Confirm the requirements of the person or system receiving the export.
Check the output before sending it
- Confirm the correct project, route and revision.
- Open the export in the intended receiving application.
- Check that geometry and labels appear in the expected locations.
- Confirm whether descriptions or attachments contain sensitive information.
- Keep measurement review separate from the successful opening of the file.
KML coordinate tuples use longitude, latitude and optional altitude. Reversing longitude and latitude can place a route in the wrong location. See Google’s KML reference and KMZ documentation for format behavior.
Try an illustrative file
Download the Delhi sample KML. Its route is synthetic and uses fictional project identifiers. It demonstrates a shareable geographic file rather than a surveyed or commissioned network.
Lumacorp’s field-survey workflow generates measurement sheets and KML/KMZ from captured data. Review the contents needed by your delivery team in a field-survey demonstration.