File Extension KML

File extension: KML or .kml

Author of the .kml file extension: Keyhole, Inc. / Google

Category: Mapping

Programs that use the .kml file type: Google Earth, Keyhole Pro

Explanation of .kml file extensions:

The .kml file extension stands for Keyhole Markup Language. Keyhole, Inc. was acquired by Google in October 2004. This system delivered a 3D digital model of Earth over the Internet using Earthstream technology which allowed delivery of a high-performance viewer for individual PCs. KML is now used in Google Earth.

Information is stored in XML format with geographical data such as points, polygons, images, and lines. KML is used for creating different camera angles, identifying and labeling locations, overlaying textures, and adding HTML content.

When you use Google Earth and customize a map, you can save it by going to File, Save, Save Place. This creates a .kml file that you can then reference later or send to friends.

Typical problems associated with the .kml file extension:

One of the most common problems with .kml files is trying to open them.

Another problem with .kml files is when they are created manually by users. A simply typo can cause problems with the .kml displaying properly. For example, the author of the file may have used lowercase when uppercase letters should have been used or made an error when using the programming language's tags.

Solutions/Recommendations:

If someone sends you a .kml file, you must have the appropriate program on your computer installed in order to view the file. Google Earth is one of the most popular applications that uses this format. However, you must download it first.

If you are creating your own .kml files using the KML markup language, take care with syntax, tags, and the use of upper and lowercase letters. Google has a KML support group where you can learn how to use the KML programming language properly.

Run a registry cleaner to resolve many common .kml errors.

Associated links:

Google Earth Download - http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

KML Developer Support - http://groups.google.com/group/kml-support