OpenStreetMap to KML converter
Upload your OpenStreetMap file and get KML in a couple of minutes: osm2cdr reads the geometry of your file and hands you a ready KML straight away. Processing runs on our servers, the result is ready to download as soon as it finishes, and files up to 50 MB are supported. And if you have no file of your own, or need a fresh map of an area, osm2cdr builds KML straight from the OpenStreetMap map: you simply pick an area on the map, choose the KML format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data — with layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How OpenStreetMap differs from KML
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenStreetMap | .osm / .pbf | OSM geodata | Map source: roads, buildings, POI, boundaries |
| KML | .kml | GIS | Viewing in Google Earth, geodata sharing, creating tourist routes, presentations |
How to get KML on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the KML format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready KML file
KML format properties
| Extension | .kml |
| Type | GIS |
| Purpose | Viewing in Google Earth, geodata sharing, creating tourist routes, presentations |
When you need KML
The main scenario is simple: you already have a OpenStreetMap file — upload it and osm2cdr returns KML, ready to use in a dedicated program (editing, printing, analysis, embedding in a project). The alternative is for when you have no file at hand or need a fresh map of an area: the same KML is then built straight from up-to-date OpenStreetMap data for your chosen area, split into layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
What changes when going OpenStreetMap → KML
Drop in a OpenStreetMap file and osm2cdr reads its geometry and returns KML; and with no file of your own, the same KML is built straight from the OpenStreetMap map for your chosen area. Either way the data model changes. The first source is tagged, connected OpenStreetMap geodata, and KML is built from it directly, with no intermediate OpenStreetMap file. KML keeps both geometry and feature attributes, split into layers (buildings, roads, water, POI) — the format is meant for further spatial analysis and GIS work.
Upload your OpenStreetMap extract → KML
Upload your OpenStreetMap extract — an .osm or .pbf dump — in the form above and osm2cdr will convert it to KML for you. Files up to 50 MB are supported. If your file is too large, or you just want a fresh map of an arbitrary area, you can skip the upload entirely: pick an area on the home page and download KML with up-to-date OSM data right away.
FAQ: OpenStreetMap → KML
Can I upload my OpenStreetMap file?
Yes, now you can: upload your OpenStreetMap file right on this page and osm2cdr will read the geometry and convert it to KML. Files up to 50 MB are supported. If the data comes from OpenStreetMap, you can skip the upload entirely — we'll export the map straight into KML.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to KML on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the KML format and download the result.
Which programs open KML?
The KML format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the KML format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online OpenStreetMap → KML converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source OpenStreetMap file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds KML with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate OpenStreetMap file.