Convert KMZ to Shapefile Online — Free & Instant
Converting KMZ to Shapefile brings Google Earth data into the standard GIS desktop format used by QGIS, ArcGIS, and MapInfo. Maparz decompresses your KMZ, converts the embedded KML geometry, and delivers a ZIP archive with all Shapefile components ready to use.
Converter
When to convert KMZ to Shapefile
- Converting Google Earth survey data to Shapefile for GIS analysis
- Importing KMZ boundaries from field teams into ArcGIS Desktop
- Converting GPS track data exported as KMZ to Shapefile
How to convert KMZ to Shapefile
- 1
Upload KMZ
Drop your .kmz file on the upload zone.
- 2
Select Shapefile
Click Shapefile .zip in the format panel.
- 3
Download and unzip
Unzip and open the .shp in your GIS application.
About KMZ format
KMZ is a ZIP-compressed version of a KML file. It typically contains a doc.kml file at its root along with any referenced images, icons, or overlays. KMZ files are smaller than their KML counterparts, making them easier to share by email or embed on web pages. They are supported by Google Earth, QGIS, ArcGIS, and many online mapping tools. KMZ files can be uploaded directly to Google My Maps.
Strengths
- +Smaller than raw KML
- +Can bundle images and overlays
- +Widely accepted by mapping tools
About Shapefile format
Shapefile (SHP) is the de-facto standard vector format developed by Esri. A shapefile is actually a collection of at least three files: .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes), and .shx (index). Despite its age, it remains the most widely-supported format across GIS desktop software including ArcGIS and QGIS. Shapefiles support points, lines, and polygons but are limited to 2 GB in size and 10-character field names. When sharing shapefiles, always bundle them into a .zip archive.
Strengths
- +Universal compatibility with all GIS software
- +Stable, well-documented format
- +Supported natively by QGIS, ArcGIS, GRASS
Frequently asked questions
Are both KML and KMZ accepted?
Yes. You can upload either .kml or .kmz files for conversion to Shapefile.
Will the Shapefile include my KMZ placemark names?
Yes. Placemark names and descriptions from the KMZ are stored as attribute fields in the Shapefile .dbf.