KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, and is a file format that is used to display geospatial data on a map. This might include information such as a series of markers or indicators on the map that identify specific locations, or it could be a simple polygon that outlines an area of interest. KML can be used to create complex visualizations for a range of information.
A KMZ file is simply a zip (compressed) file that contains a KML file along with its supporting files if there are any.
The KML/KMZ import feature allows MapBrowser users to import additional information into MapBrowser to view as an overlay on Nearmap imagery. As such, there are several KML elements that are not currently supported in MapBrowser, such as photo overlays, icons and text balloons. You can find more information in the official KML documentation.
MapBrowser supports basic KML files, which can be displayed as a single, non-editable layer over Nearmap Vertical and Panorama imagery. This includes:
- Files up to 10MB
- Simple geometry such as lines, paths and polygons
- Simple text annotations
- Indicators used to mark specific locations
Importing a KML/KMZ File
There are two ways to import a KML/KMZ file to MapBrowser.
- The first way is to drag and drop the file on to the map:
- The second way is to click the + next to Feature Layers, then select KML/KMZ File, and upload the file.
NOTE: If you select a KMZ file, MapBrowser will extract and upload the KML file only. As a default, MapBrowser extracts the doc.kml file, or the first KML file if there's no doc.kml in the KMZ file.
The KML file is then be added to a layer and displayed on the map, and can be viewed overlaid across Vertical, Terrain and Panorama imagery. You cannot make changes to the KML information imported into MapBrowser.
When you add a KML file to MapBrowser, all the measurement tools are disabled because the KML layer doesn't support lines or map markings. To enable the measurement tools, you will need to select a layer that can support line markings.
You can choose to hide or show the KML layer by clicking on the "eye" icon to the right of the KML layer.
Why doesn't my KMZ file display anything in MapBrowser?
- An uploaded KMZ file may not import anything if the size of the KML file contained within exceeds 10MB. This is possible even if the size of the KMZ file is less than 10MB.
- An uploaded KMZ file may contain unsupported KML elements such as images, XLS files, etc, which are removed when the KML is extracted, which may result in the underlying KML to not display as expected.
