Format comparison
KMZ vs CSV: Google Earth Format vs Tabular Data
KMZ is a compressed Google Earth map format supporting rich geometry and styling. CSV is flat tabular data limited to point coordinates. The choice depends entirely on what you need to do with the data.
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Bottom line
Use KMZ for Google Earth visualization with any geometry type. Use CSV when you need to share point data with Excel, databases, or non-GIS tools.
KMZ vs CSV: feature comparison
| Feature | KMZ | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry support | Points, lines, polygons, 3D | Points only (lat/lon columns) |
| Styling | Rich (KML styles) | None |
| Opens in Excel | No | Yes |
| Google Earth support | Native | Limited (points only) |
| File size | Compressed | Small (plain text) |
KMZWhen to use KMZ
- Rich geographic visualization in Google Earth
- Maps with icons, labels, and 3D
- Portable single-file map distribution
CSVWhen to use CSV
- Point data shared with Excel or databases
- Data science and analytics workflows
- Non-GIS users who don't have Google Earth
Convert between KMZ and CSV
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert KMZ to CSV?
Yes. Maparz converts KMZ to CSV — points export with lat/lon columns and line/polygon geometry exports as WKT.