How to create a KML file for your project boundary

Draw your site boundary in Google Maps and export it as a KML file to send to TraceAir for project setup.

Written by Raymond Fuorry
Updated this week

What is a KML file?

A KML file is a geographic boundary file that tells TraceAir exactly where your project site is. You'll need one when setting up a new project — it defines the area that will be scanned and processed.

The easiest way to create a KML file is by drawing your site boundary directly in Google Maps. No special software is needed — just a Google account and a web browser.

Before you start

You'll need the street address or cross streets of your project site, and a Google account to access Google My Maps. The entire process takes about five minutes.

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Go to maps.google.com in your web browser.

Step 2: Open the menu

Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the upper-left corner of the search bar.

Step 3: Go to Saved

In the menu that appears, click Saved.

Step 4: Open the Maps tab

At the top of the Saved panel, click the Maps tab.

Step 5: Create a new map

Scroll to the bottom of the Maps tab and click Create Map. This opens Google My Maps in a new browser tab.

Step 6: Confirm the new map

A pop-up will appear about saving map data to Google Drive. Click Create to continue.

Step 7: Search for your project location

In the search bar at the top of Google My Maps, type your project's street address or cross streets (for example, "Main St and 5th Ave") and press Enter. The map will zoom to that location.

Step 8: Switch to satellite view

Click Base map in the lower-left corner of the map panel, then select the Satellite imagery option. This makes it much easier to see the actual site boundaries when drawing your shape.

Step 9: Start drawing your boundary

In the toolbar below the search bar, click the Draw a line icon (it looks like a line with dots), then select Add line or shape from the dropdown.

Step 10: Trace your project boundary

Click around the perimeter of your project site to place points that outline the boundary. Click each corner or turning point to create the shape. When you reach the starting point, click on it to close the shape.

Tip: You don't need to be perfectly precise — just capture the general boundary of the site. TraceAir will use this to define the scan area.

Step 11: Name and save the boundary

After closing the shape, a pop-up will appear. Type your project name in the text field and click Save.

Step 12: Export as KML

Now you'll download the boundary as a KML file:

1. In the left panel, click the three dots (menu icon) to the right of "Untitled layer."

2. Hover over Export data.

3. Click KML/KMZ.

Step 13: Download as KML

In the export pop-up, check the box labeled Export as KML instead of KMZ, then click Download.

Important: Make sure you check the "Export as KML" box. TraceAir requires a .kml file, not a .kmz file.

Step 14: Locate the file and upload to TraceAir

Click the download icon in the upper-right corner of your browser to find the file, or open your Downloads folder. Upload the KML file to your Project Setup wizard.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don't have a Google account?

You need a Google account to use Google My Maps. If you don't have one, you can create a free account at accounts.google.com. Alternatively, ask your TraceAir Customer Success specialist about other ways to submit your project boundary.

Does my boundary need to be exact?

No. The boundary is used to define the general scan area for your project. It does not need to match your property lines precisely — just outline the area you want TraceAir to cover.

What's the difference between KML and KMZ?

KML is an open geographic data format that TraceAir can read directly. KMZ is a compressed version of KML. When exporting from Google Maps, always check the "Export as KML" box so you get the correct file type.

Can I update my project boundary later?

Yes. If your project boundary changes, create a new KML file following these same steps and send it to your Customer Success specialist. They will update the boundary in TraceAir.

I accidentally downloaded a KMZ file. What do I do?

Go back to Step 12 and export again. This time, make sure you check the "Export as KML instead of KMZ" box before clicking Download.