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Wikipedia uses a variety of multimedia files to enhance content and explain concepts that are difficult to convey via text alone. Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files specify a set of features that can be displayed in compatible mapping or geospatial software, including web mapping services. On Wikipedia, KML files commonly accompany articles related to linear features such as roads, train lines, flight paths, and more; KML files may also be used with polygon features (area within a boundary), such as parks, towns, and more.
Articles with KML files[edit]
In articles with a related KML file, the following box is displayed, usually towards the bottom of the page:
Articles may display additional links at the top-right of the page:
Viewing[edit]
Display within Wikipedia
For articles which display links at the top-right of the page, click on the globe symbol (
)[1] to show a draggable, zoomable, and clickable map, with the linear feature from the KML file highlighted in blue.
Display on a web mapping service
Popular web-based mapping services, which directly support the display of Wikipedia's KML files, are linked in the KML box in the article. Additionally, links may also appear at the top-right of the page. Following the link to the specified web mapping service will load that website, with the map zoomed to the linear feature from the KML file, which will be highlighted.
As of September 2015, Bing Maps and Google Maps are the only linked web mapping services.
Display on Google Earth or Google Earth Pro
- Click on the KML file link
- Press Ctrl+A to select all, and then copy by CTRL+C, or using mouse to drag all content, and then right click, select "Copy"
- Open Google Earth or Google Earth Pro, and than paste it on "My Placemark " at left window
- Now you can enjoy the view on Google Earth or Google Earth Pro
Download the KML file
The raw KML file is available for download, for use in compatible mapping or geospatial software. It is linked from the KML file link in the KML box.
The exact method for downloading the file will vary depend on your operating system and web browser.
Method 1
- Either click on the KML file link, or right-click on the link and select "Download file as..." (or a similar option)
- A file index.php will be presented for download (containing the KML content)
- Rename the file so that it ends in .kml (index.kml for example)
- Download the file.
Method 2
.png)
If after clicking on the KML file link, a plain page full of code is displayed (see image for example):
- Select the entire contents of the page (Ctrl+A on Windows, ⌘ Cmd+A on Macintosh), and then copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, ⌘ Cmd+C on Macintosh)
- Paste the contents into a plain text editor such as Notepad
- Save the file, with a file name ending in .kml , and with the "Save as type" set to "all files" (or similar)
See also[edit]
- Help:Viewing media
- For editors:
- Meta:KML files
Notes[edit]
- ^ a b For image attribution, licensing, and information, see File:WMA_button2b.png
