KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based file format used for expressing geographic annotation and visualization within three-dimensional Earth browsers. It is primarily utilized for mapping applications and geographical data visualization in various mapping and GIS software platforms. KML files can contain a wide range of data, such as points, lines, polygons, images, and textual descriptions, allowing for the representation of complex spatial information.
KML was originally developed for use with Google Earth, a popular virtual globe program, and has gained widespread support across multiple mapping applications. KML files can be created and edited using a variety of software tools, including text editors, dedicated KML editors, and GIS software.
One of the key advantages of KML is its ability to represent spatial information in a way that is both human-readable and machine-readable. This makes it easy to share and collaborate on mapping projects while ensuring compatibility with different software platforms. KML files can also be embedded with various metadata and attribute information, enabling the incorporation of additional details such as time stamps, styles, and extended data fields.
In summary, KML is an XML-based file format that allows for the representation and visualization of geographic data in mapping applications. It provides a flexible and interoperable format for sharing and exchanging spatial information, making it a key component in modern mapping and GIS workflows.
