Free online SHP.ZIP to KML converter

Source format: shp.zip

shp.zip is a compressed archive that usually contains an ESRI Shapefile dataset. A shapefile is a widely used GIS vector format for storing geographic features such as points, lines, and polygons. It is commonly used by cartographers, surveyors, GIS analysts, urban planners, and environmental researchers. A typical shapefile dataset includes several companion files, most importantly .shp for geometry, .shx for the shape index, .dbf for attribute data, and often .prj for coordinate system information. The ZIP wrapper is often used because shapefiles are made of multiple files that need to stay together.

Target format: kml

KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language. It is an XML-based format used to describe geographic data for display in mapping applications, especially Google Earth and many other GIS and web mapping tools. KML is useful for sharing locations, paths, polygons, overlays, and styled map features in a format that is easy to view and distribute. Its main advantages are broad viewer support, human-readable structure, and simple sharing of geospatial data without requiring specialized GIS software.

How to perform the conversion

The most important requirement is that the ZIP archive must contain a complete shapefile dataset. If the archive is missing any of the core files, the conversion may fail or produce incomplete results.

1. Make sure your shp.zip file contains the shapefile components, especially .shp, .shx, and .dbf.
2. Use the built-in converter on 101convert.com to convert the archive to KML for free, without installing any software.
3. Upload the shp.zip file, choose KML as the output format, and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting .kml file and open it in a compatible viewer such as Google Earth, QGIS, or another GIS application.

If you prefer desktop software, QGIS is one of the best tools for this conversion. After loading the shapefile, export it to KML using Layer → Export → Save Features As... and select KML as the format. In many cases, you can also unzip the archive first and open the .shp file directly in GIS software.

Notes on quality, compatibility, or limitations

Coordinate system handling is the main limitation in this conversion. KML expects geographic coordinates in WGS 84 latitude/longitude, so data in projected coordinate systems may need reprojection during export. Good GIS tools usually handle this automatically, but the output should still be checked for correct placement.

Not every shapefile feature translates perfectly to KML. Complex attribute tables, advanced symbology, and some geometry types may be simplified or partially lost. KML is best for sharing map features and basic styling, while shapefiles are better for detailed GIS editing and analysis. Large datasets may also produce very large KML files and slower loading in viewers.