How to upload a kml to Google Maps

Several days ago a friend sent me a question regarding on uploading maps that can be deployed in Google Maps without being putting with the API here I dedicate a while to do so.

1. Create a kml

A kml can be created almost any mapping program, it can be ArcGIS, Manifold, Bentley Map, GvSIG or AutoCAD Map.

You should only do file/export/kml or something

In this case, I’ll export this geometry.

The type of line, fill, and other characteristics will go with the file, the more… the larger.

2. Open it with Google Earth

To view the file in Google Earth: File / open

3.  Upload to Google Maps

To upload to Google Maps, you must have a gmail account and only have to add Google Maps to your profile. Next you need to login when getting to Google Maps.

Then choose the option create new map and import. After clicking on the picture you can add data, including photos or web content.

You can upload a kml, kmz or GeoRSS files up to 10 MB

4.  Deploy it in Google maps

Once uploaded, you can see and even share the link so that others will also see it if you decide that is publicly available.

And as Gerardo said in the comments, if you have the file stored somewhere, knowing the URL, you can type in the “search map” area and voila, it unfolds. As long as not being a very large file… 10 MB, I guess.

To solve the size problem, we can simplify the geometry from GIS software, making sure the topology is maintained.

For example here I leave the map of Honduras’ 298 municipalities in kml format, the normal export measures 104 MB, this has been simplified using Manifold GIS to be in a size of 12 MB… one of these days we talked about how it is done in Manifold.