Download Contour Lines as KML for Google Earth

What is KML Format?

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based file format designed for displaying geographic data in Earth browsers like Google Earth, Google Maps, and other 3D visualization applications. Originally developed by Keyhole Inc. (acquired by Google in 2004), KML has become an open international standard maintained by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC).

For contour lines, KML stores elevation data as styled LineStrings that drape over Google Earth's 3D terrain, creating stunning visualizations of topography. The format supports rich styling including colors, line widths, and descriptions, making it ideal for public presentation and exploration of terrain features.

Why Choose KML for Contour Lines?

• 3D Visualization: View contours draped over Google Earth's 3D terrain model for immersive exploration
• Interactive Exploration: Fly through terrain, tilt views, and rotate perspectives to understand landscape features
• Easy Sharing: Share KML files via email or cloud storage - recipients just double-click to open in Google Earth
• Rich Styling: Contours display with professional colors, labels, and descriptions
• Free Software: Google Earth is free for desktop, web, and mobile, no expensive GIS licenses required
• Context Integration: Overlay contours on satellite imagery, street maps, and other geographic layers

Software That Uses KML

Google Earth Applications

• Google Earth Pro: Free desktop application with advanced KML features and printing
• Google Earth Web: Browser-based Earth viewer at earth.google.com
• Google Earth Mobile: iOS and Android apps for field exploration
• Google Maps: Limited KML support for web mapping

GIS and Mapping Software

• QGIS: Import and export KML for GIS analysis
• ArcGIS: Convert KML to/from other formats
• Global Mapper: Full KML support with editing capabilities
• Marble (KDE): Open-source virtual globe with KML support

GPS and Navigation Devices

• Garmin BaseCamp: Import KML waypoints and tracks
• Gaia GPS: Mobile app with KML layer support
• Avenza Maps: Field mapping app with KML import

How to Download Contour Lines as KML

1. Navigate to the Tool: Visit NZ Elevation Tools and locate your area using the interactive map
2. Draw Your Area: Click and drag to create a rectangle around your region of interest (up to 100 km²)
3. Set Contour Interval: Choose an appropriate interval:
   • 5-10m: Detailed terrain visualization for hiking areas
   • 10-20m: Balanced detail for regional exploration
   • 20-50m: Large area overview, mountainous regions
4. Select KML Format: Choose "KML" from the export format dropdown menu
5. Download: Click download to generate contours from LINZ LiDAR data
6. Open in Google Earth: Double-click the downloaded KML file, or open Google Earth and use File → Open to import

Using KML Contours in Google Earth

Google Earth Pro makes exploring KML contours engaging and informative:

1. Import: Double-click the KML file or drag it into Google Earth. The contours appear in your "Places" panel
2. View in 3D: Tilt the view (Shift + scroll wheel) to see contours draped over 3D terrain
3. Explore: Fly through valleys, rotate around peaks, and understand terrain relationships intuitively
4. Toggle Layers: Turn contours on/off in the Places panel, adjust transparency for combining with satellite imagery
5. Measure: Use Google Earth's ruler tool to measure distances along terrain features
6. Save Views: Create placemarks and saved views for important locations or viewpoints

Common Use Cases for KML Contours

Adventure Planning and Exploration

Plan hiking, tramping, and mountaineering adventures by exploring New Zealand's terrain in 3D. Visualize the Tongariro Alpine Crossing's dramatic elevation changes, explore Fiordland's remote valleys, or study approach routes to Southern Alps peaks. The 3D perspective reveals terrain features that are harder to understand on 2D maps.

Education and Presentations

Teachers, tour operators, and presenters use KML contours in Google Earth for engaging presentations. Fly through terrain features while explaining geological processes, demonstrate watershed boundaries, or showcase adventure destinations to clients. Screen recording tours creates compelling video content.

Property and Land Assessment

Real estate professionals, farmers, and landowners use KML contours to assess property topography remotely. Understand slope patterns, identify building sites, evaluate drainage, or plan farm infrastructure. Share KML files with clients for collaborative remote viewing.

Search and Rescue Planning

SAR teams use Google Earth with KML contours for mission planning and briefings. Visualize terrain complexity, identify access routes, assess sightlines, and communicate terrain challenges to team members. The 3D view helps non-technical personnel understand terrain quickly.

Conservation and Environmental Studies

Ecologists and conservation groups overlay KML contours with habitat data, protected areas, or wildlife observations. Google Earth's free accessibility makes it ideal for community engagement and public education about environmental projects.

Tips for Working with KML Contours

Optimize for Google Earth Performance

For large areas, use larger contour intervals (10-20m) to reduce file size and improve Google Earth performance. Very detailed contours with fine intervals can slow down rendering, especially on older computers or mobile devices.

Combine with Other KML Layers

Create comprehensive visualizations by combining contour KML with other spatial data. Add hiking tracks, hut locations, viewpoints, or photography locations as additional KML layers. Google Earth's layer management makes it easy to toggle different datasets on and off.

Create Tours and Animations

Use Google Earth Pro's tour recording feature to create flythrough animations of terrain. Combine with KML contours to create educational videos, adventure previews, or planning presentations. Tours can be saved and shared with others.

Share with Non-Technical Users

KML's simplicity makes it perfect for sharing with clients, friends, or colleagues who don't have GIS software. Recipients just need free Google Earth to explore your contour data. Include clear naming and descriptions in your KML for better understanding.

Mobile Field Use

Install Google Earth mobile on your smartphone or tablet and load KML contours for field reference. While not a replacement for proper navigation tools, Google Earth can provide quick terrain context when cell coverage is available.

KML vs Other Formats

KML vs GeoJSON

KML is optimized for Google Earth and 3D visualization, while GeoJSON excels in web mapping and GIS analysis. Choose KML when you want immersive 3D exploration or need to share with Google Earth users. Choose GeoJSON for QGIS, web maps, or programmatic analysis.

KML vs DXF

DXF is designed for CAD software and engineering work, while KML is for visualization and presentation. Use DXF for AutoCAD design work, use KML for client presentations and public engagement.

KML vs PDF

PDF is for static printing and sharing, while KML enables interactive 3D exploration. PDF is better for field maps and printed references, KML excels for digital exploration and presentations.

About LINZ LiDAR Data

The KML contour lines are generated from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) LiDAR elevation data, providing professional-quality terrain information. When displayed in Google Earth, these contours combine with Google's own terrain model to create accurate 3D visualizations.

LINZ LiDAR coverage includes most of New Zealand's populated and recreational areas. The vertical accuracy of ±0.5 to 1 meter ensures your Google Earth visualizations faithfully represent real-world terrain, from Auckland's volcanic cones to the Southern Alps' dramatic peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Google Earth?

No! Google Earth Pro is completely free for desktop use. Google Earth Web and mobile apps are also free. You can download, install, and use Google Earth at no cost to view KML contour files.

Can I edit KML files?

KML is text-based XML, so technically editable in text editors. However, for spatial editing, use QGIS or specialized KML editors. Google Earth Pro allows adding placemarks and annotations but not editing imported contour geometries.

Will contours show in 3D?

Yes! KML contours automatically drape over Google Earth's 3D terrain model. Use the tilt function (Shift + mouse drag or Shift + scroll) to view terrain in 3D with contours following the landscape.

Can I use KML on my phone?

Yes, Google Earth mobile apps for iOS and Android can open KML files. Transfer files via email, cloud storage, or direct download. Mobile performance may be limited compared to desktop for very large or complex KML files.

How do I convert KML to other formats?

QGIS can import KML and export to virtually any GIS format including GeoJSON, Shapefile, or DXF. Use Vector → Save As and select your desired format.

Can I share KML files online?

Yes! Host KML files on web servers or cloud storage. Users can open them directly from URLs in Google Earth. This is perfect for sharing adventure routes, property visualizations, or educational content with wide audiences.

Related Resources

Explore our other format-specific guides for different use cases:

• Download Contours as GeoJSON - For QGIS and web mapping
• Download Contours as DXF - For AutoCAD and CAD software
• Download Contours as PDF - For printing topographic maps
• Download Contours as SVG - For graphic design
• Download Terrain as STL - For 3D printing terrain models