.KMZ File Type
File extension: KMZ or .kmz
Author of the .kmz file extension: Keyhold Software/Google
Category: Data files
Programs that use the .kmz file type: Google Earth
Explanation of .kmz file extensions:
The .kmz file extension is a zipped file containing map locations that are viewable in Google Earth. Google Earth is a global mapping program that gives a birdseye view of locations around the world. Users can create placemarks which can include custom names as well as latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of the location.
KMZ files can include limited 3D model data (in a .skp file) that has been extracted Google Sketchup or from ArchiCAD. This 3D the model can be placed on the map to give an idea of how the building will look in that area.
Typical problems associated with the .kmz file extension:
One of the most common problems with .kmz files is being able to open them. You must have the appropriate software in order to work with .kmx files. When you have Google Earth installed, the .kmz file is designed to open automatically.
Solutions/Recommendations:
If you want to open and work with .kmz files, you will need a program such as Google Earth or Blender installed on your system.
To create your own .kmz files, open Google Earth and create a Placemark. Save the Placemark by right-clicking inside the "places" box and then choosing "save as." Choose the path and save the file as .kmz.
Once created, you can email the .kmz file to other Google Earth users.
If you receive a .kmz file from a friend, you will need Google Earth in order to view it. You may need to set the file association if it doesn’t automatically open with Google Earth. Do this by right-clicking the .kmz file and choosing “open with.†Find Google Earth in the list and highlight it. Click the box down at the bottom of the dialog box to make Google Earth the default application for opening this type of file.
You can also use Windows Explorer to find the .kmz file. Rename the file from ".kmz" to ".zip" which will allow you to use WinZip to unzip the file. From here, you will find a file called "doc.kml" which can be opened and edited with a text editor.
Associated links:
Google Earth Download - http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html
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