Add Drawings with KML and GPX File Import

Mapme provides multiple ways to add drawings to your interactive maps, depending on your data source and level of detail:

1. Built-in drawing tools for manually creating lines and shapes
2. Mapme Geo Library for adding predefined regions (countries, states, cities, and more)
3. File import for geographic data (KML and GPX files) not available in the Geo Library

When to Use the KML & GPX Import Feature

If manual drawing is impractical or the geography you need isn’t available in the Geo Library, you can import KML or GPX files to quickly add precise geographic data to your map.

This is especially useful for:

• Detailed route mapping between locations
• Custom area definitions such as real estate or development sites
• Bulk imports of multiple administrative areas
• High-precision geographic boundaries
• Integrating professional GIS data

How to Import KML or GPX Files

From the Drawing Layers page:

1. Click Import KML / GPX
2. Upload one or more files
3. Choose how you want to import them:
   • Create a separate drawing layer for each file
   • Or combine all files into a single drawing layer

Drawing layers are automatically named based on the imported file names.

Tip: After creating a drawing layer, you can also import additional KML or GPX files directly from the layer settings.

Supported File Types

KML Files

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is commonly used with Google Maps and GIS tools. Mapme supports the following KML geometries:

• LineString
• Polygon
• MultiPolygon
• MultiLineString
• MultiGeometry

Common KML Sources

• Google Earth exports
• Converted GIS formats (e.g., Shapefiles)
• Mapme’s pre-made KML files for countries and regions

GPX Files

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is primarily used for routes and tracks collected from GPS devices and apps. Mapme supports:

• Tracks
• Routes

Common GPX Sources

• Maps-to-GPX exports (based on Google Maps directions)
• AllTrails and other outdoor activity apps
• GPS devices and tracking applications

Customize Your Imported Drawings

Once imported, drawings behave like any other Mapme drawing layer. You can:

• Control visibility and interactivity
• Adjust styling (color, line width, transparency)
• Edit shapes and lines directly on the map

Learn more about drawing customization.

Import Guidelines

Limits

• Maximum file size: 1MB
• Up to 20 files per upload
• Recommendation: Keep files as small as possible, especially for editable drawings

Optimizing Large Files

If your file exceeds the size limit:

1. Simplify geometry using tools like Mapshaper
2. Remove unnecessary data points
3. Include only essential geographic information

Best Practices

1. Optimize Before Import

   • Simplify complex geometries
   • Remove redundant data points
   • Confirm file format compatibility

2. Choose the Right File Type

   • Use GPX for routes and tracks
   • Use KML for areas, boundaries, and complex shapes

3. Review After Import

   • Verify geographic accuracy
   • Apply consistent styling
   • Test visibility and interactivity on different devices