A KMZ file is a file containing geographic data visible in Google Earth, a global mapping software. It can include markers, custom names, and 3D models of places on the map. A KMZ file is essentially a compressed KML file, making it easier to share.
If you have received or downloaded a KMZ file and want to open it, you have several options. In this article, we will explain how to open a KMZ file easily and quickly using various software programs and online services.
Opening a KMZ file with Google Earth
Download and install Google Earth on your computer if you haven't already. You can find it on the official website: https://www.google.fr/earth/ or access Google Earth online without downloading .
- Launch Google Earth and click on File > Open.
- Select the KMZ file you want to open and click Open.
- The KMZ file is displayed in the Google Earth window. You can zoom in, zoom out, rotate, and pan the map to view the KMZ file data. You can also click on the markers to display additional information.
This is what a KMZ file looks like when opened in Google Earth:
Opening a KMZ file with Google Maps
Google Maps is an online service that lets you view maps of the world. You can also search for addresses, directions, businesses, and points of interest. Google Maps can also open a KMZ file, but you must first upload it to a website.
To open a KMZ file with Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Upload your KMZ file to a website that allows you to store and share files online. For example, you can use Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive.
- Copy the URL of the KMZ file you uploaded. For example, if your file is hosted at http://mysite.com/myfile.kmz, copy this address.
- Open Google Maps in your web browser: https://www.google.fr/maps/
- Paste the URL of the kmz file into the Google Maps search field and press Enter.
- The KMZ file is displayed on the Google Maps map. You can zoom in, zoom out, and pan the map to view the KMZ file data. You can also click on the markers to display additional information.
Opening a KMZ file with other software
Other software programs can open KMZ files, including geomatics, 3D modeling, and data visualization software. Here are a few examples:
- Global Mapper is a geomatics software that allows you to visualize, analyze, and convert geospatial data. It can open KMZ files and convert them to other formats such as shapefile, GeoTIFF, or GeoJSON. You can download a free trial version from the official website: https://www.bluemarblegeo.com/products/global-mapper.php
- Blender : This is a 3D modeling software that allows you to create and animate 3D objects. It can open KMZ files and import the 3D models they contain. You can download a free and open-source version from the official website: https://www.blender.org
- ezyZip : This is an online service that allows you to compress and decompress files online. It can open a KMZ file and extract its contents into a ZIP archive. You can access the service on the official website: https://www.ezyzip.com/ouvrir-le-fichier-kmz-en-ligne.html
How to create a KMZ file from Google Maps?
You can create a KMZ file from Google Maps using the “Export to KML/KMZ” function. This function allows you to save the data displayed on the map to a file that you can then open with Google Earth or other software.
To create a KMZ file from Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps in your web browser: https://www.google.fr/maps/
- Display the area you want to save on the map. You can use the search, zoom, and pan tools to adjust the view.
- Click on the menu in the top left corner (the three horizontal bars) and then on “Your addresses”.
- Click on the “Export to KML/KMZ” button in the bottom right corner.
- Choose the KMZ format and check the options you want to include in the file (landmarks, routes, etc.).
- Click on “Download” to save the file to your computer.
Summary table
| Software | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Google Earth | – Software dedicated to the KMZ format – 3D visualization – Advanced features | – Requires installation – May be slow to load |
| Google Maps | – Online service accessible from any browser – Quick and easy viewing | – Requires hosting the KMZ file on a website – Does not support 3D models |
| Global Mapper | – Versatile software for geospatial data – Ability to convert KMZ files to other formats | – Requires installation – Paid software |
| Blender | – Powerful 3D modeling software – Ability to import 3D models from KMZ files | – Requires installation – Complex software to use |
| ezyZip | – Simple and fast online service – Option to extract the contents of the KMZ file into a ZIP archive | – Does not allow viewing of the KMZ file data |
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions on the subject:
What is the difference between a KML file and a KMZ file?
A KML file is a file containing geographic data in XML format. A KMZ file is a KML file compressed into a ZIP archive. Compression reduces the file size and makes it easier to share.
How do I create a KMZ file?
You can create a KMZ file using software like Google Earth or Global Mapper. Simply save your geographic data in KML format and then compress it into a ZIP file using software like WinZip or 7-Zip. You can also rename the ZIP file extension to .kmz.
How do I edit a KMZ file?
You can edit a KMZ file by opening it with software like Google Earth or Global Mapper. You can also extract the contents of the ZIP file with software like WinZip or 7-Zip and then edit the KML file with a text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text.
How to convert a KMZ file to PDF?
You can convert a KMZ file to PDF using an online service like Zamzar or CloudConvert. Simply upload your KMZ file and then choose PDF as the output format. You can then download your converted PDF file.
How do I send a KMZ file by email?
You can send a KMZ file by email by attaching it to your message just like any other type of attachment. If your file is too large, you can also host it on a website and then send the file's URL to your recipient.
Conclusion
A KMZ file is a format used to store and share geographic data visible in Google Earth. To open this type of file, you have several options depending on your needs and preferences. You can use Google Earth for 3D visualization, Google Maps for quick and easy viewing, Global Mapper for conversion to other formats, Blender for importing 3D models, or ezyZip for extracting the contents of the zip file. If you want to open a GPX file , another geographic data format used by GPS devices and hiking apps, you can also use Google Earth or Global Mapper, or convert the GPX file to KMZ with an online tool like GPS Visualizer.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to open a KMZ file easily and quickly. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the section below.
