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Wikipediauses a variety of multimedia files to enhance content and explain concepts that are difficult to convey via text alone.Keyhole Markup Language(KML) files specify a set of features that can be displayed in compatible mapping orgeospatial software,including web mapping services. On Wikipedia, KML files commonly accompany articles related to linear features such as roads, train lines, flight paths, and more; KML files may also be used with polygon features (area within a boundary), such as parks, towns, and more.
Articles with KML files
editIn articles with a related KML file, the following box is displayed, usually towards the bottom of the page:
Articles may display additional links at the top-right of the page:
Viewing
editDisplay within Wikipedia
editFor articles which display links at the top-right of the page, click on the globe symbol (
)[1]to show a draggable, zoomable, and clickable map, with the linear feature from the KML file highlighted in blue.
Display on a web mapping service
editPopular web-based mapping services, which directly support the display of Wikipedia's KML files, are linked in the KML box in the article. Additionally, links may also appear at the top-right of the page. Following the link to the specified web mapping service will load that website, with the map zoomed to the linear feature from the KML file, which will be highlighted.
As of September 2015,Bing MapsandGoogle Mapsare the only linked web mapping services.
Display on Google Earth or Google Earth Pro
edit- Click on theKML filelink
- Press Ctrl+A to select all, and then copy by CTRL+C, or using mouse to drag all content, and then right click, select "Copy"
- Open Google Earth or Google Earth Pro, and than paste it on "My Placemark" at left window
- Now you can enjoy the view on Google Earth or Google Earth Pro
Download the KML file
editThe raw KML file is available for download, for use in compatible mapping orgeospatial software.It is linked from theKML filelink in the KML box.
The exact method for downloading the file will vary depend on youroperating systemandweb browser.
Method 1
edit- Either click on theKML filelink, or right-click on the link and select "Download file as..." (or a similar option)
- A fileindex.phpwill be presented for download (containing the KML content)
- Rename the file so that it ends in.kml(index.kmlfor example)
- Download the file.
Method 2
edit
If after clicking on theKML filelink, a plain page full of code is displayed (see image for example):
- Select the entire contents of the page (Ctrl+Aon Windows,⌘ Cmd+Aon Macintosh), and then copy it (Ctrl+Con Windows,⌘ Cmd+Con Macintosh)
- Paste the contents into a plain text editor such asNotepad
- Save the file, with a file name ending in.kml , and with the "Save as type" set to "all files" (or similar)
See also
editNotes
edit- ^abFor image attribution, licensing, and information, seeFile:WMA_button2b.png
