Export Google Maps Location Data to GeoJSON and KML for Spatial Projects

Where the friction starts

Location discovery happens in consumer tools. A project lead pins candidate sites in Google Maps, a field team saves access points and inspection locations, a planning team builds a shortlist from satellite imagery. Google Maps is fast, familiar, and works on any device.

The friction starts when the project moves from discovery to planning. QGIS, ArcGIS, and most project management tools that handle spatial data don't read Google Maps exports. And Google Takeout — the official way to get your data out — exports place names without coordinates. That leaves teams manually re-entering location data or rebuilding maps from scratch.

What spatial workflows actually need

Once a project moves into planning, location data needs to be in a format that GIS and operational tools can consume:

• GIS analysis — QGIS and ArcGIS work natively with GeoJSON and KML. Loading your candidate sites or inspection points as a layer lets you run proximity analysis, overlay infrastructure data, and do the spatial reasoning that drives project decisions.
• Field coordination — Field teams need offline-capable formats. GPX files load into OsmAnd, Gaia GPS, and Garmin devices and work without a data connection. Getting a surveyor or field inspector to the right location is simpler with a GPX waypoint than a Google Maps link.
• Reporting and handoff — Stakeholders and contractors who aren't working in GIS often need a visual map or a spreadsheet. KML renders in Google Earth without any software installation; CSV goes into any reporting tool.

The Takeout Tools workflow

Google Takeout exports your saved places as a CSV — names and categories, no coordinates. That's not enough for any spatial analysis tool.

Takeout Tools geocodes each place in your export, recovering latitude and longitude from the place name and address. The result is a structured dataset in whatever format your project workflow requires.

Which format fits which stage

GeoJSON

The right format for QGIS, ArcGIS, Felt, and any modern web-based GIS tool. Load directly as a layer, join with other datasets, and run spatial analysis without any conversion step. The best choice for teams doing active spatial work. Validate your file with the free GeoJSON validator.

KML

The right format for Google Earth and stakeholder deliverables. KML renders cleanly without GIS software and lets you share a styled visual map with people outside the project team. Convert from GeoJSON to KML or GPX to KML as needed.

GPX

The right format for field teams. Load waypoints onto any GPS-capable device or app for offline navigation to site locations. Works on Garmin devices, OsmAnd, and Gaia GPS without a data connection. Convert KML to GPX or GeoJSON to GPX if you're working from an existing file.

CSV

The right format for reporting, Airtable project tracking, and any workflow that needs coordinates as plain data columns alongside other project attributes. Convert GPX to CSV, KML to CSV, or GeoJSON to CSV as needed.

Convert between formats

Already have a geo file and need it in a different format? Use the free online converters:

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

Frequently asked questions