An overview of the KML toolset

The KML toolset contains tools to convert Keyhole Markup Language (KML) to layers, and maps and layers to KML.

KML is an XML-based language provided by Google for defining the graphic display of spatial data in applications such as Google Earth and Google Maps. KML enables these applications to support the open integration of custom data layers of GIS users.

KML is a popular format for sharing data across the internet and for use in online mapping applications. Its default projection of WGS84 allows it to be displayed and used in a variety of GIS applications. Translating KML and KMZ files into feature classes in a geodatabase allow these common features to be used in ArcGIS.

Tools in the KML toolset

Tool	Description
KML To Layer	Converts a KML or KMZ file into feature classes and a layer file. The layer file maintains the symbology found within the original KML or KMZ file.
Layer To KML	Converts a feature or raster layer into a KML file containing a translation of Esri geometries and symbology. This file is compressed using ZIP compression, has a .kmz extension, and can be read by any KML client including ArcGIS Earth, ArcGlobe, and Google Earth.
Map To KML	Converts a map to a KML file containing geometries and symbology. The output file is compressed using ZIP compression, has a .kmz extension, and can be read by any KML client including ArcGIS Earth and Google Earth.