kmz

KMZ is a file format used to store geographic data for Google Earth and related applications. The .kmz extension designates a compressed archive that packages a KML file together with associated resources such as images, icons, textures, and sometimes 3D models. A KMZ is effectively a ZIP archive in which the primary KML content is typically named doc.kml, with referenced resources placed alongside or in subdirectories. When opened in Google Earth, the software reads the KML content and loads the embedded resources, allowing for a self-contained distribution of placemarks, overlays, tours, and 3D content.

KMZ originated with Keyhole, the company that developed the initial Keyhole Markup Language and was later acquired by Google; KMZ became a common way to package KML data for Google Earth. The KML inside defines the geographic features—points, lines, polygons, and their styles—while the accompanying resources provide icons, textures, and other assets.

Creation and compatibility: KMZ files are created by zipping a KML file (usually doc.kml) with any supporting resources. The MIME type is application/vnd.google-earth.kmz. Google Earth Desktop and mobile devices support opening KMZ files. Many geographic information systems (GIS) tools can read KMZ directly or convert it to KML or other formats; some viewers may require extraction to access internal files.

Limitations and considerations: While widely supported, some KML features or resource references may not render in all viewers, and tools may not preserve internal directory structures. If a KMZ contains only a single KML without resources, it functions similarly to a basic KML within a ZIP, but standard practice uses doc.kml with associated assets.