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.
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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.