This help page is ahow-to guide. It explains concepts or processes used by the Wikipedia community. It is not one ofWikipedia's policies or guidelines, and may reflect varying levels ofconsensus. |
| Readers' FAQ |
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Wikipedia uses 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.
In 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:
For articles that 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.

Popular web-based mapping services that 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 Maps andGoogle Maps are the only linked web mapping services.
The raw KML file is available for download, for use in compatible mapping orgeospatial software. It is linked from theKML file link in the KML box.
The exact method for downloading the file will vary depend on youroperating system andweb browser.

If after clicking on theKML file link, a plain page full of code is displayed (see image for example):