Format comparison
KML vs CSV: Google Earth Format vs Tabular Data
KML is a full geospatial format supporting rich geometry, styling, and 3D visualization for Google Earth. CSV is flat tabular data — it can encode point coordinates but nothing more complex. They serve different purposes.
Bottom line
Use KML for rich geospatial visualization. Use CSV for simple point datasets that need to work in Excel, databases, or non-GIS tools.
KML vs CSV: feature comparison
| Feature | KML | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry support | Points, lines, polygons, 3D | Points only (via lat/lon) |
| Styling | Rich inline styles | None |
| Human readable | Yes (XML) | Yes (plain text) |
| Opens in Excel | No | Yes |
| Google Earth support | Native | No |
| CRS | WGS 84 | Unknown (no metadata) |
KMLWhen to use KML
- Visualizing any non-point geometry in Google Earth
- Maps with icons, labels, and 3D extrusions
- Sharing GIS data with non-GIS users via Google Earth
CSVWhen to use CSV
- Point datasets shared with Excel or database users
- Data science and analytics workflows
- Quick data exchange where geometry is lat/lon only
Convert between KML and CSV
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert KML to CSV?
Yes. Maparz converts KML to CSV — point features export with lat/lon columns. Line and polygon geometry is exported as WKT in a geometry column.
Q.Can CSV be opened in Google Earth?
Google Earth can import CSV files as simple placemarks if they have lat/lon columns, but it does not support line or polygon geometry from CSV.