Notes:
To import a KML file, you must be logged-in to a Pro account. To learn how to upgrade, visit this link: How to upgrade to a Pro accountFor a specific instruction explaining how to import a KML file containing a polygon of a region, visit this link instead:
Import a KML file containing a polygon of a region (country, state, city, ZIP code, etc.)
Contents
Description and example of a KML file
(Option 1) Upload the KML file from your computer
(Option 2) Import the KML file from a URL
(Optional) How do I import or upload a KMZ file?
(Optional) Troubleshooting - Why isn't the data displayed in the Layers Panel?
(Optional) Troubleshooting - Why won't the KML file import or upload?
Description and example of a KML file
KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, a file format for displaying geographic data in online maps (2D) and Earth browsers (3D).
A KML file contains annotated geographic data in XML format. Examples of the data include: lines, polygons, captions, icons, and image overlays (via URLs).
An example use for a KML file is: you can transfer data for a hiking trail from Google Earth Pro into Scribble Maps.
To learn more about KML files, visit this external link: KML Documentation Introduction
(Option 1) Import the KML file from your computer
Note:
If you need sample data, you can download the KML file at this link:
data.gov > City of New York > Community Districts
- Login to your Scribble Maps account at:
https://www.scribblemaps.com/create(Optional) To learn how to login, visit this link:
How to login / register - Click the "MENU" button in the top toolbar.
- Under the "Share, Other" heading, click the button: "Import KML".
- Under the "KML File" heading, click the button: "UPLOAD FILE".
The "Open" window will appear.
- In your computer, find the KML file. Click to select the file. Then click the "Open" button.
A pop-up will appear displaying the message: "KML Imported".
- Click the "Ok" button.
- (Optional) In the Map View, you may need to move and zoom the map to see the imported data.
To move the map:
- Select the Hand Tool in the top toolbar.
- In the center of the Map View, you will see the crosshair reticle.
- In the Map View, click-and-drag the map so the chosen location is at the reticle.
When you later zoom-in, you will see the map zooms in to the location at the reticle.
To zoom-in/out, there are 2 options:Option 1In the top-right corner of the Map View, click the:- Zoom-in button, "+".
- Zoom-out button, "-".
Option 2Use the scroll wheel on your mouse.For Windows- Scroll forwards to zoom-in.
- Scroll backwards to zoom-out.
For Mac- Scroll backwards to zoom-in.
- Scroll forwards to zoom-out.
-
(Optional) You can center the map to display a specific:
- Folder/group of overlays.
- Single overlay.
To center the map:- (Optional) If the "LAYERS" Panel isn't open on the right-side of the browser window, click the vertical bar.
- Find the group or single overlay's row in the Layers Panel.
- Click the centering button.
The centering button is the gray circle with a dot at the center.
(Option 2) Import the KML file from a URL
- Login to your Scribble Maps account at:
https://www.scribblemaps.com/create(Optional) To learn how to login, visit this link:
How to login / register - Click the "MENU" button in the top toolbar.
- Under the "Share, Other" heading, click the button: "Import KML".
- Copy the web page's URL. For example: "https://developers.google.com/kml/documentation/KML_Samples.kml"
Copy by clicking-and-dragging to highlight the URL. Then use your keyboard to press:
- Ctrl + C (for Windows).
- Command + C (for Macs).
- Paste the URL in the "Import KML" window.
Paste by clicking the "KML URL" field. Then use your keyboard to press:
- Ctrl + V (for Windows).
- Command + V (for Macs).
- Click the button: "IMPORT".
- Click the "Ok" button.
- (Optional) In the Map View, you may need to move and zoom the map to see the imported data.
To move the map:
- Select the Hand Tool in the top toolbar.
- In the center of the Map View, you will see the crosshair reticle.
- In the Map View, click-and-drag the map so the chosen location is at the reticle.
When you later zoom, you will see the map zooms to/from the location at the reticle.
To zoom-in/out, there are 2 options:Option 1In the top-right corner of the Map View, click the:- Zoom-in button, "+".
- Zoom-out button, "-".
Option 2Use the scroll wheel on your mouse.For Windows- Scroll forwards to zoom-in.
- Scroll backwards to zoom-out.
For Mac- Scroll backwards to zoom-in.
- Scroll forwards to zoom-out.
-
(Optional) You can center the map to display a specific:
- Folder/group of overlays.
- Single overlay.
To center the map:- (Optional) If the "LAYERS" Panel isn't open on the right-side of the browser window, click the vertical bar.
- Find the group or single overlay's row in the Layers Panel.
- Click the centering button.
The centering button is the gray circle with a dot at the center.
(Optional) How do I import or upload a KMZ file?
A KMZ file is a zipped folder containing usable KML file(s).
A KMZ file cannot be used in Scribble Maps.You can extract the KML files for import/upload in Scribble Maps.
To extract the usable KML file(s), unzip the KMZ file by using an online service, such as:
www.ezyzip.com > Extract KMZ file
(Optional) Troubleshooting - Why isn't the data displayed in the Layers Panel?
If the data doesn't appear in the Layers Panel, you may need to perform a hard refresh in your browser. Then start the import procedure from the beginning.
- Windows - "Chrome"/"Firefox"/"IE"/"Edge"
Hold down the "Ctrl" key, and press the "F5" key.
- Mac - "Chrome"/"Firefox" / "Safari"
Hold down the "command" key, and press the "R" key.
(Optional) Troubleshooting - Why won't the KML file import or upload?
To import/upload a .kml file into Scribble Maps, the .kml file must contain the actual data. Open the KML file to make sure it doesn't contain a list of links to KML files.
See also
Import spreadsheet data to produce markers on a map - (MS Excel/Google Sheets/etc.)
Import map data from a GeoJSON file - "Menu > Import GeoJSON"
Import map data from Google My Maps
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