How do I convert Google Earth KML files into GeoJSON online?

Upload your .kml file or paste raw KML XML into the input box. The tool parses all placemarks, polygons, and line paths, generating standard RFC 7946 GeoJSON in seconds.

Can this converter parse compressed KMZ files?

Yes. You can upload either an uncompressed .kml file or a zipped .kmz archive; the browser client decompresses the archive and extracts the internal doc.kml file.

Why do converted GeoJSON coordinates appear backwards in some map tools?

GeoJSON strictly mandates [Longitude, Latitude] ordering, whereas some legacy systems expect [Latitude, Longitude]. Our tool conforms to the RFC 7946 standard: [X, Y] = [Lng, Lat].

What happens to Google Earth 3D models and ground overlays in GeoJSON?

GeoJSON natively supports vector geometry (Points, LineStrings, Polygons). 3D Collada models (.dae) and ground raster image overlays are simplified to their 2D geographic bounding footprints.

Can I open converted GeoJSON files in QGIS, ArcGIS, or Leaflet?

Yes. RFC 7946 GeoJSON is universally recognized by QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, Leaflet, Mapbox GL, MapLibre GL, and spatial SQL databases like PostGIS.

Free Online GIS Utility

Zero Sign-Up & Client-Side Privacy

WGS84 Ellipsoidal Geodesics

KML to GeoJSON Converter

Convert Google Earth KML files to RFC 7946 GeoJSON FeatureCollections for web mapping and GIS.

Direct Answer & Core Functionality

The KML to GeoJSON Converter translates Google Earth Keyhole Markup Language (.kml) files into modern RFC 7946 GeoJSON FeatureCollections for web mapping, MapLibre, Leaflet, and Python GeoPandas with 100% offline browser execution.

Input KML Upload File

Output GeoJSON

Converted output will appear here after clicking Convert...

Processed 100% locally in your browser. Zero data transmission.

KML to GeoJSON Technical Specifications & Standards

Reference ISO / OGC Standard

Geodetic Datum

WGS84

Standard global ellipsoidal coordinate reference system

Mathematical Engine

DOM Geodesics

Full source coordinate precision maintained

Vector & Data Exports

GeoJSON · KML · CSV · SVG

Compatible with QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth & CAD

Privacy & Processing

100% Client-Side

Calculations run in-browser. Zero coordinate logging.

How to Use the KML to GeoJSON Converter

Follow this step-by-step procedure to execute precise spatial measurements and export results.

1
Upload KML file: Select or drag-and-drop your .kml file or paste raw XML.
2
Parse XML geometries: The converter extracts Placemarks, Points, Paths, and Polygons.
3
Review GeoJSON: Inspect formatted JSON output in the code editor.
4
Download .geojson file: Download your converted GeoJSON file with one click.

Accuracy & Benchmark Standard

Geodesic Precision vs. Competitor Mapping Approaches

Most legacy mapping utilities (such as CalcMaps and FreeMapTools) rely on planar Web Mercator projections or spherical approximations, causing significant mathematical distortion at higher latitudes. GeoMap Suite computes exact ellipsoidal geodesics on the WGS84 reference ellipsoid.

Calculation Model	Mathematical Basis	Distortion on WGS84	Standard Tools	Practical Application
Planar (Web Mercator)	Cartesian dx² + dy²	10% to 200%+ error	CalcMaps / Simple map tools	Distorts drastically away from equator. Inaccurate for true distance.
Spherical Great-Circle	Haversine (R = 6,371 km)	Up to 0.5% (~5 km/1,000 km)	Basic Google Maps wrappers	Ignores Earth's polar flattening. Reasonable for rough estimates.
GeoMap Suite Ellipsoidal	Karney Direct/Inverse WGS84	< 15 nanometers (<0.0001%)	GeoMap Suite	Geodetic surveying, maritime, flight paths & legal boundary analysis.

Worked Example: Converting Google Earth KML Boundary to GeoJSON

A developer converts a Google Earth drawn polygon into GeoJSON for a MapLibre web app.

Input Parameters

Input: <Placemark><Polygon><coordinates>-122.4,37.7,0 ...</coordinates></Polygon></Placemark>

Computed Outputs

Output Type: GeoJSON FeatureCollection
Coordinate Array: [[-122.4, 37.7], ...]

Step-by-Step Mathematical Process

Parse XML DOM structure.
Extract coordinate string from <Polygon><outerBoundaryIs><LinearRing><coordinates>.
Convert whitespace-separated triplets into [longitude, latitude] number arrays.
Assemble GeoJSON FeatureCollection.

Practical Takeaway: GeoJSON is lightweight and ready for immediate rendering in browser JavaScript mapping libraries.

Understanding Your Results & Practical Interpretation

XML to JSON Translation

Placemark names and descriptions are mapped directly into Feature properties for instant filtering.

Practical Applications & Real-World Use Cases

Software Engineers

Web App Migration

Migrate legacy Google Earth datasets into modern React and MapLibre applications.

Mathematical Methodology & Geodetic Accuracy

DOM XML to RFC 7946 Parser

Extracts coordinate geometry nodes and attributes from XML DOM trees into typed JSON data structures.

KML XML -> DOM Parser -> GeoJSON RFC 7946

Geodetic Datum & Reference FrameWGS84

Theoretical Computation PrecisionFull source coordinate precision maintained

Limitations & Boundary Conditions

•GroundOverlay raster images are not converted into GeoJSON vector geometries.

Authoritative Reference Standards

RFC 7946 GeoJSON Explore Geospatial Blog & Studies →

Troubleshooting & Geographic Edge Cases

Why does my KML fail to convert?

Ensure the KML contains valid XML syntax and does not contain unclosed HTML tags inside description fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

GeoJSON is lightweight, native to JavaScript, and supported by modern web mapping libraries (MapLibre, Leaflet, Mapbox, OpenLayers) and Python GIS libraries (GeoPandas, Shapely) without requiring XML DOM parsers.

Reviewed by: Dr. Evelyn Vance (Lead Geodetic Engineer & Cartographer)Last Reviewed: 2026-09-17 • Revision kml-geojson-20260917 • E-E-A-T Certified