What is the Difference Between KML and KMZ?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) and KMZ (Keyhole Markup Language Zipped) are both file formats used in Google Earth and other mapping programs to display geographic data. The primary difference between the two is:

• KML: This is a file format for storing geographic data in XML format. It is used to store geographic data and can be used to display geographic data in three dimensions, including points, lines, polygons, and screen overlays.
• KMZ: This is a compressed file format that contains one or more KML files, as well as their associated resources (e.g., images, attachments, etc.). KMZ files are used for packaging and sharing KML files with associated resources. They have a smaller file size and faster download and upload time compared to KML files.

In summary, KML files are used to store and display geographic data, while KMZ files are used for packaging and sharing KML files with their associated resources. KMZ files are compressed, making them smaller and faster to transfer, but they can be unzipped to access the original KML content. Both file formats can be opened and read by Google Earth and Google Maps.

Comparative Table: KML vs KMZ

KML and KMZ are both file formats used in Google Earth and other mapping programs to display geographic data. Here is a table outlining the differences between the two:

In summary, KML is a file format for storing and displaying geographic data in XML format, while KMZ is a compressed file format that contains one or more KML files along with their associated resources. KMZ is a practical way to package and share KML data, making it easier to distribute and manage large volumes of geographic data.