Generate Google Earth KML documents
BatchGeo is a great tool for mapping addresses and then sharing the maps with others. You can embed our maps in your website, email them to friends, or even view them in our mobile applications. However, sometimes you have other ideas of how you'll use the underlying map data. In those circumstances, we provide KML export so you can view your maps in Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcMap, or a number of other popular mapping clients.
If you're familiar with this open, portable geographic data format, you're ready to follow the short steps to create your KML. Otherwise, scroll to learn more about KML and how you might use it to share and visualize geographic data.
How to create a KML file
To create a KML file from your spreadsheet data, just follow the steps below:
- Go to batchgeo.com
- Paste your data into the big box
- Click "Map Now"
- Wait for geocoding to finish, then click "Continue / Save"
- Fill out the title, description, and make sure to include your email address, then click "Save Map"
- Scroll to the bottom of the page, you will see a "Download Google Earth KML" button, click it and your done!
You can also use this URL trick: Any BatchGeo map URL, such as https://batchgeo.com/map/example-map, can be converted to a KML URL by adding “kml/” after “map/” to get https://batchgeo.com/map/kml/example-map
Pro users have two more ways to export KML:
- In My Maps, each of your maps has a KML button that will download your KML file
- While viewing a map, click your email address at the top of the screen and select “export to google earth"
Note: If you have more than 500 points on the map (only available to Pro users), you'll need to find your KML file under My Maps.
What is KML?
KML is an open, portable geographic data type. It contains both the data and rendering information in an XML file that is easy to read.
Originally known as Keyhole Markup Language, the technology was acquired by Google and subsequently submitted to the Open Geospatial Consortium to evolve as an implementation standard.
KML is more than a way to store map coordinates, it also contains instructions for how to display the location, such as marker color and style. Additionally, KML keeps your metadata coupled with the geographic data, which allows clients to filter and display additional information, such as what BatchGeo shows in the Marker Info Boxes.
While BatchGeo's use of KML is focused on points of geographic data, the standard can include lines (series of points), polygon shapes, and image overlays. Using a BatchGeo KML file in combination with other data sources could enhance your understanding of your data, a core principle of BatchGeo.
How to use your KML
The most popular way to use KML is with Google Earth, the application which originally spawned the format. You can open one or more KML files at a time in Google Earth, mixing and matching with the application's other layers, such as roads, places, and additional data sources.
Add your KML to Google Earth
- Open Google Earth
- Under the File menu, choose "Open"
- Locate your KML file on your hard drive
Google Earth will then add your map data as a layer under “Temporary Places” and zoom into a view of your data. To keep your data available during future Google Earth sessions, drag your layer from Temporary Places to “My Places” or right click (Ctrl+click on Mac) and choose “Save to My Places."
Add your KML to other applications
While Google Earth is the most popular place for your KML, you can use it in other ways and with other applications.
For example:
- ArcGIS, the popular GIS application from ESRI
- QGIS, a free and open source GIS application
You could also publish your KML on your website, making it discoverable to search engines.
Further, KML allows you to share the underlying data, including geographic coordinates that BatchGeo creates through our address geolocation tool, with friends, co-workers, or others who know how to parse, interpret, or apply the data.
Create your map now, then see what's possible with the KML export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a KML file and what can I do with it?
KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an open geographic data format used by Google Earth, Google Maps, ArcGIS, QGIS, and other mapping applications. It stores location coordinates, marker styles, and metadata in a portable XML file that you can share, archive, or import into other tools.
How do I export my BatchGeo map as a KML file?
After saving your map, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Download Google Earth KML." You can also add "kml/" to any map URL (e.g., batchgeo.com/map/kml/your-map). Pro users can also download KML from My Maps or from the map view menu.
Can I open a BatchGeo KML file in Google Earth?
Yes. Open Google Earth, go to File > Open, and select your KML file. Your map data will appear as a layer under "Temporary Places." Drag it to "My Places" to keep it available in future sessions.
Does the KML file include all my map data or just coordinates?
KML files include your geographic coordinates, marker styles, and all associated metadata from your spreadsheet. This means the same data visible in BatchGeo marker popups is available in the KML file for use in other applications.
Can I use KML files with GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS?
Yes. Both ArcGIS and QGIS can import KML files. This makes BatchGeo a quick way to geocode address data and export it for further analysis in professional GIS tools without writing code or using complex geocoding APIs.
