Google Earth: file formats and how to transfer routes
KML is native to Google Earth and to the My Maps feature of Google Maps. It is a format for viewing routes and places on a map rather than for navigating with a device.
Formats Google Earth reads
| Format | Extension | Use |
|---|---|---|
| KML / KMZ (recommended) | .kml, .kmz | Placemarks, paths and polygons, as KML or zipped KMZ; also Google Maps My Maps. |
Which format to pick
Pick KML, or KMZ when icons or overlays are bundled in one smaller file. The Google Earth 5 entry writes KML 2.2, which current Google Earth versions read.
How to get a route onto Google Earth
- Open the route, track or POI file in RouteConverter via File → Open.
- Pick Google Earth 5 in the Save as dropdown.
- Save it via File → Save as. Open the saved file in Google Earth, or import it into My Maps.
Download RouteConverter — Windows, macOS, Linux, free.