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Build KML files in plain Python

KMLB Docs

KMLB is a dependency-free Python KML builder for Google Earth. Write points, lines, polygons, styles, and folders in plain Python, then assemble them into a complete .kml

New to KMLB? Check out our Quick Start Guide and a tutorial that builds a KML of Boston waterfront attractions step by step.

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Example KML Script

Every feature is one Python call that hands back an XML element. Define a feature, style it, then bundle it all into a document. That's the whole library.

import kmlb

# CREATE A POINT
fountain = kmlb.point([-71.051904, 42.358988, 0], "Rings Fountain")

# WRITE KML FILE
kmlb.kml(
    "Boston Fountain",  # KML name
    [fountain],         # Features
    path="folder/boston_fountain.kml"  # Export path
)

Building footprints extruded into 3D and viewed in Google Earth, built with kmlb polygons.

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Reference

Function references

Every function in kmlb, grouped by what it does. Open any group for full signatures, parameters, and worked examples.

Features

Build placemarks from coordinates or a search, ready to drop into a folder or document.

Function	Description
point	Point placemark from a [lon, lat] (or [lon, lat, elev]) coordinate sets.
search_poi	Placemark located by an address or search string, geocoded by Google Earth.
line	Line or polyline from an ordered list of coordinates.
polygon	Polygon from one or more rings (first ring outer, the rest holes).

Styles

Define a reusable style once, name it, and reference it from a feature's style_to_use.

Function	Description
point_style	Reusable point style: icon, color, scale, and label.
line_style	Reusable line style: color and width.
polygon_style	Reusable polygon style: fill and outline.

Views & Export

Group features, set the camera, and write the document.

Function	Description
folder	Group features and other folders together.
kml	Assemble features and styles into a KML document and write it to disk.
look_at	Camera angle and view for a feature or document.
networklink_kml	Network-link KML that refreshes from a hosted URL.

Geodesy

Measure and project on the WGS-84 ellipsoid.

Function	Description
distance	Distance in meters between two coordinates.
bearing	Initial bearing in degrees between two coordinates.
destination	Coordinate reached from an origin along a bearing and distance.

Shapes

Higher-level geometry built on the core builders.

Function	Description
wedge	Pie-wedge (circular sector) polygon, a natural fit for cellular coverage.

Colors & Icons

Name colors and markers instead of hunting down hex tuples and icon URLs.

Function	Description
colors	Named color palette (colors.RED, or color="red").
icons	Built-in marker shorthands (icon="triangle", "red-paddle").