How to Troubleshoot KML

Google Earth uses KML files to load map data.

The Keyhole Markup Language is an XML-based programming language by Google Earth and follows the same basic rules of the XML language. If you know the basics of XML, then it will be easier to troubleshoot KML files and formatting problems. If you don't, then you should check certain formatting elements to ensure the file has not become corrupted or that it is missing key tags.

Instructions

1. Check that the KML file was saved correctly or is formatted properly. Just because it has a KML file extension doesn't necessarily mean it is functioning as it should. Improperly formatted KML files will not open in Google Earth and result in an error message being displayed.

2. Open the KML file in a text editor and view the text of the code inside. The first two lines of the code should look like this:

   <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
   <kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">

3. Verify the file is closed properly with a closing KML tag that looks like this:

   </kml>

4. Check on the element tags to ensure they are also closed properly. For example, if there is a <Placemark> tag, there should also be a </Placemark> near the end of the element's code. A placemark should contain a description, point and coordinate tags to have proper formatting. Close any element tags that were not closed.

5. Use Google Earth whenever possible to code KML files. The program automatically formats KML files properly without having to know much about the code or opening the file in a separate text editor. For basic elements, such as placemarks, ground overlays, paths and polygons, these tasks can be completed in Google Earth.

References

• Google Code: KML Tutorial
• Google Code: KML Documentation Introduction
• Google Code: KML Reference
• Gdal.org: Keyhole Markup Language

Resources

• Google Code: KML Developer's Guide