About KML

KML is an XML-based file format used to represent geographic features in applications such as ArcGIS Explorer and Google Earth. KML allows you to draw points, lines, and polygons on maps and globes and share them with others. Using KML you can also designate text, pictures, movies, or links to other GIS services that appear when the user clicks the feature. Many KML client applications, including the map viewer, are free and provide a familiar, user-friendly navigation experience.

Sharing your KML

You can add an uncompressed .kml or a compressed .kmz file to the website through the Add Item button on the My Content page. For more information, see Adding files from your computer. You can also reference the KML URL of a .kml or .kmz file. For more information, see Adding items from the web.

Once you've added your KML, you can share it with groups you belong to or make it public by sharing with everybody. For more information, see Sharing items. When others discover your KML, they can choose to open it in the map viewer or download the file to their computer. For more information, see Opening content.

Adding a KML layer to your map

If you know a specific KML document on the web that you want to include in a web map, you can add it by entering its URL. For more information, see Adding layers from the web.

Considerations for using KML in your map

KML was originally created to view features in three-dimensional Earth browsers such as Google Earth. It is now supported in a number of two-dimensional web browser clients including the map viewer. There are some aspects of KML that do not work well on 2D screens and some limitations to what web browser clients can support.

Supported functionality

The map viewer supports a subset of KML elements and functionality. The list below will expand as Esri continues to develop support for KML.

• Placemarks
• Network links to import data dynamically
• Ground overlays
• Folders
• Polylines and polygons
• Styles of polylines and polygons, including color, fill, and opacity
• Print KML layer
• Icons
• Descriptive HTML
• KMZ (compressed KML, including attached images)
• Embed KML layer in website
• ExtendedData in pop-up descriptions
• Network links with refresh parameters

Limitations

Below are the current limitations of using KML layers in the map viewer. For more information, see Troubleshooting.

• The following elements do not display in a map: regionated KML, view-based and time-based refresh parameters, regions inside network links, and screen overlays.
• Ground overlays and network links without refresh properties do not print.
• Image overlays that cover large areas may appear distorted.
• There is a 30-minute cache delay on displaying updates to your KML layer.
• KML layers cannot be used as a basemap.
• You cannot set the visibility range for KML layers.
• KML layers cannot be reordered in the map contents.
• Configuring pop-up windows aren't supported in KML layers. Any feature data in the layer is automatically displayed in pop-up windows; you cannot configure or disable them.
• If the portal website is installed on the same network as a KML layer, then the KML layer will be accessible in the portal website and map viewer; otherwise, internal KML layers are not supported.
• KML layers larger than 10 MB cannot be added to maps.