How to create a KML file for points, lines, areas and parcels
KML is one of the simplest ways to share field geometry, but layer names and coordinate handling matter.
Field takeaways
- KML can carry points, lines, polygons and simple styling.
- KML coordinate tuples are longitude, latitude and optional altitude.
- Use clear layers for parcels, routes, measured areas and notes.
- MapLab Survey helps export field data to KML/KMZ.
- CAD/GIS delivery may also need DXF, CSV or GeoJSON.
What KML is good for
Parcel boundaries, walked routes, sampling points, working areas, site limits and simple map data shared with a client. The OGC KML standard describes points, lines and polygons, which makes KML more than "a Google Earth file" — it is a portable map language for the field. It can hold features you drew on the map or points you measured on the ground; the file looks the same either way, so record the source separately. Determining an official boundary is licensed survey engineering work; the app speeds up the field side and does not replace the side that signs.
Creating one in MapLab Survey
- Open the project and name the job clearly.
- Pick the point, line or polygon layer.
- Measure in the field or draw the reference on the map.
- Keep layer names readable: parcel_ref, field_survey, route, photo_note.
- Do a final visual check on the map before exporting KML/KMZ.
The coordinate order trap
Inside a KML the sequence is longitude, latitude and optional altitude, on WGS84. If data arriving from Excel or CSV has latitude and longitude swapped, the point lands in another country. For Türkiye, latitude is expected around 36-42 degrees and longitude around 26-45 — that simple sanity check catches many errors before anyone drives anywhere. If your data lives in a projected system, the export transforms it, so verify one point afterwards.
KML or KMZ?
KML is a plain text file; KMZ is a compressed package of the KML plus extras. For lines and points alone, KML is enough. For photos, icons or a tidier single package, choose KMZ.
The delivery note
Put the job name, date and purpose into the filename, and if the data was transformed from a TM project, say so in the report. "boundary.kml" helps nobody; "20260618_field_scouting_WGS84.kml" saves time at both ends.
Try these steps on your own phone.
MapLab Survey handles RTK/GNSS point capture, drawing, area and volume calculations and coordinate conversion, then exports to DXF, KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, Shapefile, GeoPackage, NCZ or CSV. Capture, calculation and export work offline. Live NTRIP corrections and online basemaps need a connection.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone create KML?
Yes, MapLab Survey can export field geometry as KML/KMZ.
What is KML coordinate order?
Longitude, latitude and optional altitude.
Can parcels be shared as KML?
Yes, as references.
KML or DXF?
KML for map viewing, DXF for CAD delivery.
Technical references
The field guidance in this article is aligned with the technical and official references below.
Related: Open KML file · What is KMZ? · Parcel query layer · MapLab Survey