Free online KML to DWG converter

Map data from Google Earth or a GIS application often needs conversion before it can be edited in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or another DWG-based CAD system. DWG supports CAD geometry, layers, units, annotations, and engineering workflows that KML does not.

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based geospatial format used by Google Earth, GIS software, surveying tools, and mapping applications. It stores points, paths, polygons, folders, descriptions, styles, icons, images, and altitude information; a KMZ file is a compressed KML package.

KML coordinates normally use the WGS 84 geographic coordinate system in longitude, latitude, and optional altitude order. A file can contain both usable vector features and presentation elements such as labels, tours, camera views, ground overlays, and HTML descriptions.

What the DWG format is

DWG is Autodesk’s native binary drawing format for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, and related CAD applications. It stores editable objects such as lines, polylines, arcs, text, blocks, layers, dimensions, surfaces, and three-dimensional geometry.

DWG is the appropriate target when the converted data must be measured, layered, annotated, combined with survey information, or delivered to an architecture, engineering, or construction workflow. CAD software can associate a DWG drawing with a projected coordinate system, while the drawing itself uses defined linear units such as metres or feet.

How to convert KML to DWG

Using Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D

1. Start a new drawing and assign the project’s coordinate system before importing. In Map 3D or Civil 3D, use Map Setup → Coordinate System → Assign, or run MAPCSASSIGN.
2. Import the file with Insert → Import → Import KML when that command is available, or run KMLIMPORT. In versions using the general Map 3D importer, use Map Setup → Import/Export → Import and select the KML file.
3. Choose the feature types and layers to import. Review available options for points, lines, polygons, labels, and altitude handling.
4. Check the imported geometry against known coordinates or a reference layer. Assign CAD layers, object properties, and drawing units as required.
5. Use File → Save As and select the required DWG version.

Standard AutoCAD does not provide the same geospatial import tools in every release. Civil 3D or AutoCAD Map 3D is the safer Autodesk choice for coordinate-aware KML import; verify that the installed edition includes KMLIMPORT.

Using QGIS and a DWG editor

1. Open the KML in QGIS with Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer.
2. Check the source CRS and reproject the layer to the projected CRS required by the CAD project. Do not treat longitude and latitude values as metre or foot drawing coordinates.
3. Export the selected layers with Project → Import/Export → Export Project to DXF. Set the target CRS, drawing units, layer names, and available 2D or 3D options.
4. Open the DXF in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or another DWG editor, inspect the geometry, and use File → Save As to create a DWG file.

Using the built-in online converter

For a no-installation conversion, upload the KML file to 101convert.com, choose DWG as the output format, and download the generated file when processing finishes. This option is free and is suitable for straightforward file conversion, but coordinate systems, styling, altitude, and complex KML objects still require verification in a CAD application.

Quality and compatibility limits

Basic points, lines, and polygon boundaries usually transfer, but conversion may discard KML folders, icons, camera views, tours, HTML descriptions, ground overlays, and Google Earth styling. A KML polygon normally becomes CAD linework; it does not automatically become a configured Civil 3D surface, terrain model, solid, or survey object.

Confirm the CRS before importing or exporting. KML commonly contains WGS 84 geographic coordinates, whereas CAD projects usually require a local projected CRS in metres or feet. An incorrect or missing CRS can put valid geometry in the wrong location or make its scale appear incorrect.

Altitude also needs inspection. KML can define heights relative to the ground, sea level, or a reference point, while an importer may flatten them to 2D or place them at drawing elevations. Check layers, units, text, linework, elevation values, and feature locations in the target CAD application before using the DWG for design or construction.