Posted on February 22, 2023 (Updated on July 10, 2025)

KML file with multiple ground overlays

Hiking & Activities

What are placemarks in KML?

A Point Placemark is the only way to draw an icon and label in the 3D Viewer of Google Earth. By default, the icon is the familiar yellow pushpin. In KML, a can contain one or more geometry elements, such as a LineString, Polygon, or Model.
 

How do you overlay plans on Google Earth?

Step 1: Make an overlay

  1. Open Google Earth Pro.
  2. Position the 3D viewer in the location where you want to set the overlay image.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Enter a name.
  5. Upload an image:
  6. Enter a description.
  7. Click Refresh to set the refresh properties for your overlay image.
  8. Use the slider to set the default transparency for the image.

How do I add multiple KML files to Google Earth?

To add multiple KML layers:

  1. Place your KML or KMZ files on the server or servers that will host them.
  2. Create a new parent KML file that contains NetworkLink references to each of your KML or KMZ files.
  3. Place the parent KML file on the Earth server.

What are the geometry types in KML?

KML Reading



Supported geometry types are Point , Linestring , Polygon , MultiPoint , MultiLineString , MultiPolygon and MultiGeometry .

What is KML vs KMZ?

KML can include both raster and vector data, and the file includes symbolization. KML files are like HTML, and only contains links to icons and raster layers. A KMZ file combines the images with the KML into a single zipped file.
 

How do I combine two KML files?

Go to File, then Open and select all the kmz or kml files you wish to merge. They will show up in your “Temporary Places” folder. 2. For better organization, Create a new folder by right-clicking My Places or Temporary Places →Add → Folder and drag all the files you wish you merge into that folder.

Can I add layers to Google Earth?

Open or create a map. You’ll see your layers in the box on the left. Make the changes you want. Add a layer: Click Add layer.

How do I overlay a KML in Google Maps?

How to import a KML into Google Maps?

  1. Open Google My Maps.
  2. Create a new map.
  3. Press import.
  4. Open your KML file or drag your KML file into the import window.
  5. Congratulations! You have successfully imported a KML file into Google Maps.


What is a Google Earth Super Overlay?

Super-overlays are a form of KML in which data is broken up into regions. This allows Google Earth to refresh/request only particular regions of the map when the view area changes. Super-overlays are used to efficiently publish large sets of data.

What is a placemark?

Noun. placemark (plural placemarks) A marker indicating a place on a map or elsewhere. synonym ▲ Synonym: placemarker.

Where is the placemark in Google Earth?

On your computer, open Google Earth. Navigate to the place you want to save. In the new window, next to “Name,” enter a placemark name. To choose a different placemark icon, to the right of the “Name” field, click the button.

How do I add a placemark to Google map?

Add a place

  1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
  2. Open or create a map. A map can have up to 10,000 lines, shapes, or places.
  3. Click Add marker .
  4. Select a layer and click where to put the place. A layer can have 2,000 lines, shapes, or places.
  5. Give your place a name.
  6. Click Save.