Posted on January 15, 2023 (Updated on July 10, 2025)

KML with raster in QGIS

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Is KML a raster file?

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 export raster to KMZ in QGIS?

QGIS Creating Google Earth KMZ

  1. Open the layer in QGIS containing the data you wish to export to Google Earth.
  2. Select the object or objects you wish to export to Google Earth in the Layers panel.
  3. Right click and “Save as…”.
  4. Select “Keyhole Markup Language [KML]” from the Format dropdown list.

Does QGIS accept KML files?

Open QGIS and click LAYER > ADD LAYER > ADD VECTOR LAYER. Select the KML file. Click on OPEN. You have now successfully imported a KML file into QGIS.

Is KML always in WGS84?

KML files are always WGS84/lat lon (EPSG:4326).
 

Can KML store both vector and raster?

A single KML file can contain features of different geometry types and can even contain both vector and raster data.

Is KMZ a raster or vector?

vector data

The KMZ file format supports both vector data (lines, points, polygons, triangles etc.) and raster data (images). When exporting raster data, the image shown in the XMS main graphics window is saved as a PNG image file with georeferencing data.

How to convert GeoTIFF to KMZ?

Upload your GeoTIFF (GTiff, TIF, TIFF) data (widely used in software like BEAM and ER Mapper) and convert them by one click to KMZ format (widely used in software like Google Earth and GPS devices). Notice to KMZ format – KMZ converter strictly transforms input dataset to WGS 84 coordinate reference system (if needed).

How do I export raster in QGIS?

To EXPORT the raster as a GeoTIFF, right click on the raster layer in the LAYER LIST, then SAVE AS. For WorldMap, set the CRS as WGS 84, EPSG 4326. Set Resolution to COLUMNS and accept the defaults.

How to add KML file to QGIS?

GIS: QGIS raster GeoTIFF file covert to kml? (2 Solutions!!)

What kind of file is KML?

You can use Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files to view and share Google Earth information. These files store geographic data and content associated with Google Earth. Learn more about KML files. If you have a KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth, you can open it in Google Earth.

Is Google Earth vector or raster?

The vector map is the same Google map your users are familiar with using, and offers a number of advantages over the default raster tile map, most notably the sharpness of vector-based images, and the addition of 3D buildings at close zoom levels.

What types of files are raster?

Digital photos and detailed graphics both come in raster form. Popular types of raster files include JPEG, PNG, and GIF images. However, because their pixel number is fixed, raster images can become distorted or blurry when resized to fill a bigger or smaller space.