KML vs GPX vs GeoJSON: Which Format Should You Use?

Choosing the right format for your location data can be confusing. KML, GPX, and GeoJSON each have their strengths, and picking the wrong one means extra conversion work or lost features. This guide breaks down exactly when to use each format so you can make the right choice the first time.

Quick Comparison Table

What is KML?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based format originally developed for Google Earth. It's now an international standard maintained by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

KML Structure Example

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2">
  <Document>
    <name>My Saved Places</name>
    <Style id="customStyle">
      <IconStyle>
        <Icon><href>https://example.com/icon.png</href></Icon>
      </IconStyle>
    </Style>
    <Folder>
      <name>Restaurants</name>
      <Placemark>
        <name>My Favorite Cafe</name>
        <description>Best coffee in town</description>
        <styleUrl>#customStyle</styleUrl>
        <Point>
          <coordinates>-122.4194,37.7749,0</coordinates>
        </Point>
      </Placemark>
    </Folder>
  </Document>
</kml>

KML Strengths

• Rich visualization: Custom icons, colors, labels, and polygon fills
• 3D capabilities: Altitude, camera angles, and virtual tours
• Folder organization: Group places into hierarchical categories
• Google ecosystem: Native support in Google Earth and Google Maps
• Multimedia: Embed images, links, and HTML descriptions

Best Use Cases for KML

• Viewing saved places in Google Earth
• Creating presentation-quality maps
• Sharing visually styled location data
• Building virtual tours and fly-throughs
• Archiving location data with rich metadata

Want to export to KML? See our complete KML export guide. Or convert from other formats using our free GPX to KML or GeoJSON to KML converters.

What is GPX?

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML schema designed for GPS data. It can represent waypoints, tracks, and routes, but device and app support varies.

GPX Structure Example

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="Takeout-Tools.com"
     xmlns="http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1">
  <metadata>
    <name>My Saved Places</name>
    <time>2026-01-13T12:00:00Z</time>
  </metadata>
  <wpt lat="37.7749" lon="-122.4194">
    <ele>10</ele>
    <name>My Favorite Cafe</name>
    <desc>Best coffee in town</desc>
    <type>Restaurant</type>
  </wpt>
</gpx>

GPX Strengths

• GPS-focused data model: Supports waypoints, tracks, and routes
• Outdoor-app support: Many GPS devices and outdoor apps support GPX, subject to the product and model
• Track recording: Designed for recording routes with timestamps
• Elevation data: Built-in support for altitude information
• Simplicity: Straightforward structure, easy to understand

Best Use Cases for GPX

• Loading waypoints onto Garmin or other GPS devices
• Importing into hiking/cycling apps like OsmAnd or Gaia GPS
• Sharing routes with outdoor enthusiasts
• Offline navigation in areas without cell service
• Fitness tracking and activity logging

Want to export to GPX? See our complete GPX export guide or our streamlined Google Maps to GPX landing page. Convert from other formats using our free KML to GPX, GeoJSON to GPX, or GPX validator tools.

What is GeoJSON?

GeoJSON is an IETF standard, defined by RFC 7946, for representing geographic features in JSON. It is commonly used by web developers and mapping applications.

GeoJSON Structure Example

{
  "type": "FeatureCollection",
  "features": [
    {
      "type": "Feature",
      "properties": {
        "name": "My Favorite Cafe",
        "description": "Best coffee in town",
        "category": "Restaurant"
      },
      "geometry": {
        "type": "Point",
        "coordinates": [-122.4194, 37.7749]
      }
    }
  ]
}

GeoJSON Strengths

• Web-native: Works seamlessly with JavaScript and web APIs
• JSON-based: Convenient for JavaScript and many web APIs
• Flexible properties: Store any custom data alongside coordinates
• Library support: Native support in Leaflet, Mapbox, D3.js, and more
• API friendly: Easy to parse, generate, and transmit over HTTP

Best Use Cases for GeoJSON

• Building custom web maps with Leaflet or Mapbox
• Integrating location data into web applications
• Data analysis with tools like Kepler.gl or QGIS
• Storing location data in databases
• Building location-aware APIs and services

Want to export to GeoJSON? See our complete GeoJSON export guide. Convert from other formats using our free KML to GeoJSON, GPX to GeoJSON, or GeoJSON validator tools.

Detailed Comparison

File Size and Complexity

File size depends on the number of features, the geometry, properties, styling, and coordinate precision. Compare an export using your own data when download size or parsing performance matters.

Application Support

Winner: It depends - GPX wins for outdoor/GPS apps, GeoJSON wins for web development, KML wins for Google ecosystem.

Ease of Use

For Non-Technical Users:

1. GPX - Most apps handle it automatically
2. KML - Google Earth makes it simple
3. GeoJSON - Requires developer tools to view properly

For Developers:

1. GeoJSON - Native JSON, easy to parse in any language
2. GPX - Well-documented XML schema
3. KML - Complex XML with many optional features

Feature Support

Winner: KML - Most feature-rich for visualization; GeoJSON - Most flexible for custom data.

Which Format Should You Choose?

Use this decision tree to find your best format:

Choose KML if you want to:

• View your places in Google Earth
• Create visually styled maps with custom icons
• Build virtual tours or presentations
• Share maps with non-technical users who use Google products
• Use a format that supports folders when you create and manage them yourself

Choose GPX if you want to:

• Load places onto a Garmin or other GPS device
• Use outdoor navigation apps (OsmAnd, Gaia GPS, AllTrails)
• Go hiking, cycling, or camping with your saved places
• Have offline access in areas without cell service
• Share routes with outdoor enthusiasts

Choose GeoJSON if you want to:

• Build a custom web map or application
• Use modern mapping libraries like Leaflet or Mapbox
• Perform data analysis or visualization
• Store location data in a database
• Work with APIs or integrate with other software

Quick Decision Matrix

Can You Convert Between Formats?

Often, but check the result. The formats have different geometry, styling, hierarchy, extension, and metadata models, so conversion can require mapping and can discard information.

Already have a geo file? Use our free online converters to convert between formats instantly in your browser:

• GPX to KML, GPX to GeoJSON, GPX to CSV
• KML to GPX, KML to GeoJSON, KML to CSV
• GeoJSON to GPX, GeoJSON to KML, GeoJSON to CSV

Starting from Google Takeout? Takeout Tools handles the geocoding step that Google doesn't provide - upload your Google Takeout CSV files and export to any format with coordinates included.

This flexibility means you don't have to choose just one. Export to GPX for your Garmin, KML for Google Earth, and GeoJSON for your web project - all from the same source data.

Pro Tips

1. Start with your destination app - Check what format your target application prefers before exporting. Most apps list supported formats in their import documentation.

2. Keep the source export - Retain the original file alongside any converted format. No converted format is guaranteed to preserve every detail for every future use.

3. Treat conversion as potentially lossy - KML, GPX, and GeoJSON can represent different geometry, styling, hierarchy, extensions, and metadata. Keep the source file and check the converted output when those details matter. Takeout Tools exports saved places as flat point data, not KML folders or GPX categories.

4. Check coordinate order - GeoJSON and KML point coordinates use longitude before latitude. GPX stores latitude and longitude in separate waypoint attributes. Check the destination format before switching formats.

5. Test with a small sample - Before exporting hundreds of places, test with 5-10 to make sure your target app handles the data correctly. This saves time troubleshooting large files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a KML file in a GPS device like Garmin?

Which format preserves the most information from Google Maps?

Is GeoJSON better than KML for web maps?

Can I use GPX files for car navigation?

What format should I use for backing up my Google Maps places?

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Free Tools

Validate or convert your geo files instantly in your browser:

Validators - Check your files for errors and data quality issues:

• GPX Validator
• KML Validator
• GeoJSON Validator

Converters - Convert between any format:

• All converters - GPX, KML, GeoJSON, and CSV

See Other Export Guides

Want detailed instructions for a specific format?

• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as KML
• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as GPX
• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as GeoJSON