Using KML file format in Google Earth
What KML stands for and how does it function?
KML i.e. keyhole markup language, is a type of file format used to display geographical data in a search system that includes Google Earth. This language interface is based on XML which has nested attributes and elements.
How to create KML files?
KML files are created using three main tools:
1] Google Earth: This is a very important tool used for creating KML files. With the help of Google Earth, it is possible to create paths, place marks, polygons and many more. When you create any of these objects, you will have to right click on the object in “Places” pane and then choose the option “Copy”. After copying, you will have to paste it into an XML editor or a text editor and then start editing it.
2] Text Editor: When an object is created in Google Earth, you will have to paste it into the text editor and then start editing it.
3] XML editor: KML is a XML language that is used to describe geographic content. This fancy text editor provides lot of tools to create XML documents that include tag completion, which ensures that KML elements are closed with proper close tags.
Who uses KML?
KML community is varied and wide as you will be able to see when you visit KML community forum. It is found that casual users do create KML files for documenting journeys, to place marks homes and for planning cycling ventures and cross country hikes. Scientists make use of KML files to give detailed mappings of models, resources and weather patterns, volcanic eruptions, mineral deposits and earthquake activity. City development agencies, architects, and real estate professionals make use of KML to propose and visualize construction plans. Teachers as well as students make use of KML for exploring places, events, and people, both current and historic. Organizations such as UNESCO, National Geographic, and Smithsonian have used KML for displaying their global data.
Why is that my KML files are not downloading properly from the web server?
Web servers must be told what type of file they are providing. There are browsers such as the Firefox browser, which makes guesses on the type of file. The internet explorer and other browsers completely depend on MIME type settings of web server. If you are managing your web server then you must modify your own configuration. Or else you will have to contact the concerned website hosting service to make those changes.
How are KML files opened?
A KMZ file is a compressed set of files for viewing in the Google Earth. These files are compressed by using zip format that can be opened with common zip tools such as “WinZip” or the compressed Folders tool of Windows XP or “zip” for Linux or Mac OS. You may have to modify the *.kmz file extension to .zip so that any zip tool will recognize the file. For using the file, you will have to change the extension back to *.kmz.
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