Google Earth Samples

This page contains various Keyhole Markup Language (kml) files and exported images I use during classroom demonstrations or as a reference for homework assignments. Google Earth uses the .kml and .kmz file formats to save and share data. Google Earth images are exported as .jpg files.

The term Keyhole refers to the original developer of Google Earth and the format they created. It is very similar to HTML/XML files. Keyhole Markup Lanaguage - Zipped (kmz) files are the preferred format. They are simply .kml files that have been compressed and may also include icons for markers and images to overlay. This compressed format allows all the data to be stored in a simple single file that can be easily shared.

To use these files, click the download link. Save them to an easy to access location such as your Desktop. Double-click the file and it will be imported into Google Earth. Be sure to read the file description for each file to determine what the file identifies and any other files specific instructions necessary to view additional data.