About KML and KMZ files
What is a KML file?
A KML file describes shapes on a map, including where those shapes are located and what they are called.
KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language. It is commonly used by Google Earth, county parcel viewers, survey software, drone mapping tools, and other mapping programs.
What is a KMZ file?
A KMZ file is a zipped KML file. It may also include images or icons.
Duranta accepts both .kml and .kmz files. You do not need to unzip a KMZ file before uploading it.
What does Duranta use a KML file for?
Duranta uses a KML or KMZ file to set the boundary of a property.
When you upload the file, Duranta draws the lot outline on the map and centers the map on that boundary, so you do not have to trace the property by hand.
Which parts of my KML file does Duranta read?
Duranta reads only closed shapes, or outlined areas.
Duranta ignores other parts of the file, including:
Pins and placemarks
Paths and lines
Labels and descriptions
Photos, colors, and line styles
A file that contains only a pin for the address may upload without an error, but it will not create a property boundary.
Importing a property boundary
Where can I upload a KML or KMZ file?
You can upload a KML or KMZ file when defining an area.
You can upload it in:
Add property — select Upload files (.kml, .kmz) below the map before entering an address
New project — drop the file into the upload area
How do I import a property boundary from a KML file?
Open the client and select Add property.
Select Upload files (.kml, .kmz) instead of typing an address.
Choose your file.
Duranta reads the boundary and moves the map to it.
Check the outline against the aerial imagery.
Use Adjust lot if a corner needs to be moved.
Select Confirm.
Do I need to enter an address first?
No. You can upload the file before entering an address.
Duranta determines the address from where the boundary is located.
Can I upload more than one file at once?
Yes. You can select multiple KML or KMZ files together.
Duranta merges them into one boundary. This is useful when one property covers multiple parcels that were exported separately.
The size limit applies to the merged result, not to each file individually.
Can I import a KML file from the mobile app?
No. KML import is available on the web app only.
In the mobile app, you can add a property by address and adjust the lot by hand.
Can I import a shapefile, GeoJSON, DXF, or PDF site plan?
No. Duranta accepts only KML and KMZ files for boundary import.
Export your boundary as a KML or KMZ file from the program that created it, then upload that file to Duranta.
Upload errors
Why do I see “Must be .kml or .kmz format”?
This means the selected file is not a KML or KMZ file.
Re-export the boundary as .kml or .kmz from the original program, then try uploading it again.
Why do I see “Could not read the file”?
This means the file name ends in .kml or .kmz, but Duranta could not read the contents.
This can happen if:
The file download was incomplete
The file was renamed instead of exported correctly
The archive does not contain a valid map document
Re-download or re-export the original file, then try again.
Why do I see “No polygons found in the file”?
This means Duranta read the file, but it did not find any closed areas.
Common causes include:
The file contains only a pin or placemark
The boundary was drawn as a path or line
The shape was not closed
The export included labels or photo markers, but not the actual boundary
Open the file in Google Earth and confirm the lot appears as a filled area. If it is only a path, redraw it with the polygon tool and export it again.
Boundary behavior
Does my property boundary keep holes or excluded areas?
Yes. If the shape has an inner ring, such as a pond or excluded parcel, Duranta keeps that hole when the boundary is imported.
Does importing a KML file change properties I already created?
No. Uploading a KML or KMZ file is part of adding a property.
Boundaries you already confirmed are not changed.
Getting a KML file
Where can I get a KML file for a property?
Common sources include:
Your county’s GIS or parcel viewer
Your surveyor or engineer
Drone mapping software
Google Earth
County GIS or parcel viewers usually export the legal parcel boundary and are often the most accurate source.
How do I draw a boundary in Google Earth?
Open Google Earth.
Search for the property address.
Select the polygon tool.
Click each corner of the lot.
Close the shape where you started.
Give the polygon a name.
Save or export it as a KML file.
Upload the file in Duranta.
Use the polygon tool, not the pin or path tool. Pins and paths are the most common reason for the No polygons found in the file error.
Getting help
How can I get help with a KML file?
Contact Duranta support if you have questions or if your file is not importing correctly.
If you are setting up Duranta for the first time, you can also schedule a demo call after signing up.