Guide

Open KML and KMZ files on Android

A KML or KMZ from Google Earth, My Maps or a land survey, on a real map — and ready to follow or convert.

KML and KMZ in a word

KML is Google Earth's format: lines, shapes and placemarks, often sorted in folders. KMZ is the same file zipped, sometimes with its icons and photos. Google Earth for Android opens them, but it does not measure, follow or convert them.

Open it

1. Install GPX Atlas from Google Play.
2. Tap the .kml or .kmz file in your email, messages or files, and choose GPX Atlas — or use Open a file in the app.
3. The lines show on the map with their length; placemarks become waypoints with their name, description and icon.

What you can do with it

• Switch to satellite or hybrid to see the line on the ground;
• read the elevation profile, or Terrain elevation when the KML has no altitudes;
• follow the line with guidance and an off-track alert;
• export it to GPX for a GPS or a watch — see Convert GPX and KML.