Convert KML to BMP

Understanding KML and BMP file formats

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based file format used to display geographic data in mapping applications such as Google Earth and Google Maps. KML files contain information about placemarks, paths, polygons, and other geographic features.

BMP (Bitmap Image File) is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images, independently of the display device. BMP files are widely supported and store images in an uncompressed format, making them large but high-quality.

Why convert KML to BMP?

Converting a KML file to a BMP image is useful when you need a static, high-quality image representation of your geographic data for use in reports, presentations, or further graphic editing. Since KML is a data format and BMP is an image format, the conversion involves rendering the map data visually and then exporting it as an image.

How to convert KML to BMP

Direct conversion from KML to BMP is not possible because KML is not an image format. The process involves two main steps:

1. Open the KML file in a mapping application that can render the data visually.
2. Export or capture the rendered map as a BMP image.

Recommended software for KML to BMP conversion

Google Earth Pro is a popular choice for visualizing KML files and exporting map views as images. However, it does not natively export to BMP, but you can export to other image formats and convert them to BMP using an image editor.

• Google Earth Pro (Windows, Mac):
  File → Open to load your KML file.
  Adjust the view as needed.
  File → Save → Save Image to export the map as a JPEG or PNG.
  Open the exported image in an image editor (such as IrfanView or GIMP) and save it as BMP.
• QGIS (Windows, Mac, Linux):
  Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer to import your KML.
  Style the map as desired.
  Project → Import/Export → Export Map to Image and choose BMP as the output format.

Online converters

There are currently no direct online converters from KML to BMP, as the process requires rendering the map. However, you can use online tools to convert PNG or JPEG images (exported from mapping software) to BMP, such as Convertio or Online-Convert.

Summary

To convert a KML file to a BMP image, first render the KML in a mapping application, export the view as an image, and then convert that image to BMP using an image editor or online converter. QGIS is recommended for its direct BMP export capability.