Free online KML to RTE converter

What the KML format is

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based geographic format used for placemarks, routes, tracks, polygons, overlays, descriptions, and map styling. Google Earth and Google My Maps commonly create KML files, and GIS applications such as QGIS and Google Earth Pro can open and export them.

A KML file can contain several geometry types at once. A route may be stored as a LineString, while individual stops are stored as Placemark elements. The file can also include altitude modes, folders, icons, colors, and HTML descriptions that another format may not support.

What the RTE format is

RTE usually refers to an OziExplorer route file. It stores an ordered list of route points and related route information for use in OziExplorer and compatible navigation software. Unlike KML, it is intended primarily for route navigation rather than general map display.

RTE is useful when the receiving application specifically requests an OziExplorer route file. It is generally smaller and simpler than a KML document, but it does not preserve most KML styling, map overlays, icons, folder structures, or rich descriptions.

The .rte extension is not a universal standard; some other programs use it for different route formats. Confirm that the destination application means OziExplorer RTE before converting.

How to actually convert KML to RTE

Using 101convert

1. Open the KML-to-RTE converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the source .kml file.
3. Select RTE as the output format.
4. Start the conversion and download the resulting .rte file.
5. Import the file into OziExplorer or the software that requested it, then check the route on the map.

This option requires no installed conversion software. The source KML should contain a route or ordered coordinate sequence; a file containing only map images, polygons, or unrelated placemarks may produce an empty or incomplete route.

Using RouteConverter on a computer

1. Install and open RouteConverter.
2. Choose File → Open and select the KML file.
3. Review the loaded route, track, or waypoints and remove unrelated data.
4. Choose File → Save as, select the OziExplorer route format, and use an .rte filename.
5. Open the exported file in the destination application and verify the point order, coordinates, and route length.

If the converter offers separate output types, choose route rather than track or waypoint. A track records a traveled path, while an RTE route is normally an ordered set of navigation points.

Compatibility and limitations

KML coordinates are normally written as longitude, latitude, and optional altitude, whereas OziExplorer route files use latitude and longitude fields. A capable converter handles this order change automatically; do not edit coordinate columns manually unless the target software documents the required layout.

Most conversions retain coordinates and point names but discard KML-specific styling, icons, screen overlays, polygons, network links, and HTML descriptions. If the KML contains a dense track, simplify it before export or reduce the number of route points in the converter; older navigation software may have route-point limits.

Check the coordinate reference system before conversion. Standard KML uses WGS 84 geographic coordinates, so a source file exported from a projected GIS layer should be reprojected to WGS 84 first. After import, compare several known locations and confirm that the route does not cross the wrong side of a border, road, or body of water.