Import data into Google Earth

Google Earth lets you bring in your own geospatial data to view, analyze, and share. You can import data in several ways, depending on the file type, size, and how you want to use it:

  • As data layers (Experimental): Ideal for large datasets: KML, GeoJSON, Shapefile (.zip). Layers are optimized for performance and are embedded within your Google Earth project, stored in Google Drive. They can be styled using various methods.
  • As map features: Suitable for simple KML/KMZ files with a limited number of features (up to ~10,000). Features are added directly to your Earth project in Google Drive and are editable.
  • As local KML files: Open KML/KMZ files stored on your computer's browser storage. These are not part of a Drive-based project and are only visible on the device where they were opened.

For more information about the differences between layers, map features, and local files, see Learn about Earth projects and local KML files.

If you are migrating data from Google Earth Pro on desktop to Google Earth on web, see Migrate data from Google Earth Pro on Desktop to Google Earth Web.

Import as a data layer (Experimental)

This method is best for visualizing large datasets.

Supported file formats:

  • KML, KMZ
  • GeoJSON
  • Shapefile (.zip)

To import a file as a data layer:

  1. On your computer, open Google Earth and ensure you are signed in.
  2. You can start an import in several ways:
    • From the home screen: Click New  >  Import file.
    • From the menu in a project: Click File  >  Import....
  3. Choose your file from your device or Google Drive.
  4. In the import dialog, select Import as a data layer. This option may be pre-selected or the only option if your file is large or not suitable for map features.
  5. The file will be uploaded and processed. You can track the progress in the import widget. Large files may take some time.

Once complete, the layer will be added to your open project or a new project if none was open.

Imported data layers are subject to storage quotas based on your Google Earth plan. For more information, see Manage imported data layers and storage.

Import features into a Google Earth project

This method is suitable for simple KML or KMZ files.

To import the file into an existing project:

  1. On your computer, open Google Earth and ensure you are signed in.
  2. In the home screen, click an existing project.
  3. At the top left, click File  >  Import file to {Project name}.
    • To add a file from Google Drive, click Import from Drive.
    • To add a file directly from your computer, click Upload from device.
  4. Select the file you want to import.
  5. If prompted to choose an output type, select Import as project features.

After you select the file you want to import, it will automatically be added to an existing Earth project.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

Import a file into a new project

You can import a simple KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth to a new project.

To import the file into a new Google Earth project:

  1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
  2. At the top left, click New  >  Import file to project.
    • To add a file from Google Drive, click Import from Drive.
    • To add a file directly from your computer, click Upload from device.
  3. Select the file you want to import.

After you select the file you want to import, it will automatically create a new project saved in Google Drive.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

Open local KML files in Google Earth

You can open a simple KML or KMZ file from an older version of Google Earth as a local KML file. To open local KML files in Google Earth:

  1. On your computer, open Google Earth.
  2. At the top left, click New  >  Open local KML file.
  3. Select the KML file you want to open.

After you select the file you want to open, it will automatically save to your local KML files.

To go to the home screen, click Earth Google Earth logo.

Import other file formats

Google Earth for web and mobile primarily supports KML, KMZ, GeoJSON, and Shapefile (.zip) for direct import.

For other vector or raster formats (for example, CSV or GPX), you may be able to convert these files to KML using tools like Google Earth Pro on desktop or other third-party GIS software or online converters. Once converted to KML, you can import them into Google Earth.

Learn how to use KML features.

Migrate data from Google Earth Pro on Desktop to Google Earth Web

If you are moving from Google Earth Pro (Desktop) to the web version, you can bring your "My Places" data with you.

Prepare your data for migration

Before importing, you must export your data from Google Earth Pro:

  1. Open Google Earth Pro on your computer.
  2. In the "Places" panel on the left, right-click on My Places or a specific folder.
  3. Select Save Place As....
  4. Save the file as a .kmz or .kml to your computer.

If you cannot open Google Earth Pro or need to find the raw source files (typically named myplaces.kml), they are stored in the following directories.

Windows

Copy and paste the following path into your File Explorer address bar: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google\GoogleEarth.

macOS

Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and paste this path: ~/Library/Application Support/Google Earth.

What to look for:

  • myplaces.kml: This is your current, live data.
  • myplaces.backup.kml: A backup created the last time you launched the app.
  • myplaces.kml.tmp: A temporary file created during a session.

Import capabilities and limitations

When migrating "My Places," your choice of import method depends on the complexity of your data. For a detailed breakdown of supported KML elements, refer to the Google Earth KML Import Guide.

  • Feature Counts: If you intend to import your data as project features (allowing you to edit icons, lines, and shapes), there is a limit of approximately 10,000 features per project.
  • Large "My Places" Files: For Google Earth Pro on desktop users that have "My Places" files that exceed 10,000 features or contain several megabytes of data we recommend you:
    • Split your data: Divide your "My Places" into smaller, thematic folders in Earth Pro and save each as a separate .kmz file.
    • Import as Data Layers: If you have tens of thousands of points and don't need to edit them individually, use the Import as a data layer option.
  • Copy and Paste: You can also copy individual features or folders from Google Earth Pro and paste them directly into a Google Earth project. Simply select the feature in the desktop version, right-click to Copy (Ctrl + C or Cmd + C), go to your Google Earth browser tab, and Paste (Ctrl + V or Cmd + V) while a project is open.

Other viewing options

For temporary, local-only access, you can also open your KML files directly in Google Earth on web through the local KML editor experience.

To see data from multiple projects on the map at once, you can use the reference projects feature.