KML vs. KMZ: The key differences explained and when to use each

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) and KMZ (Keyhole Markup Language Zipped) are both file formats used for sharing geospatial data, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs. KML is a text-based XML format that is human-readable and ideal for transparency and hands-on editing, allowing users to inspect and modify geospatial content directly in a text editor, making it suitable for collaborative projects. However, its uncompressed nature can result in larger file sizes, complicating sharing. In contrast, KMZ is a compressed version that packages a KML file and its associated assets into a single archive, enhancing portability by reducing file size and minimizing the risk of broken links during transfer, but requiring extraction for editing. Both formats are inputs rather than destinations in GIS workflows, with their choice being crucial during data handoffs, sharing, or archiving, while their internal handling by GIS platforms renders format differences less significant once loaded. Tools like Felt facilitate collaboration by converting these files into interactive map layers and supporting real-time editing, thereby streamlining the use of KML and KMZ in modern Web GIS environments.

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