Google Maps to KMZ Converter

Convert Google Maps saved places to compressed KMZ format by default (or KML optionally).

Key Features

• 🗜️ Default KMZ output (5-10x smaller than KML)
• ⚡ Single command conversion
• 🔄 Supports both CSV and ZIP inputs
• 📍 Optional reverse geocoding
• ❌ Tracks failed conversions

Basic Usage

python convert.py input.csv output.kmz

Options:

• --kml - Output KML instead of default KMZ
• --geocode - Add address details
• --debug - Enable verbose logging

Examples

# Default KMZ output
python convert.py saved_places.csv my_places.kmz

# Force KML output
python convert.py --kml saved_places.csv output.kml

# Process ZIP archive
python convert.py takeout.zip outputs/

# With geocoding and debug
python convert.py --geocode --debug input.csv output.kmz

Output Details

• KMZ is the recommended format (smaller, single file)
• Failed conversions are included with error details
• Maintains original place names and URLs
• Creates a layers subdirectory with:
  • Individual KML/KMZ files for each category (Sleep, Eat, Do)
  • Both KML and KMZ versions of each layer
  • Organized by place type (hotels, restaurants, activities)

How It Works

The script processes Google Maps data through these steps:

1. Input Parsing:

   • Handles both CSV files and ZIP archives
   • Extracts place names, URLs, and coordinates
   • Supports Google Takeout exports and manual exports

2. Data Processing:

   • Categorizes places into layers (Sleep/Eat/Do)
   • Optionally reverse geocodes coordinates to addresses
   • Preserves original metadata and URLs
   • Tracks failed conversions with error details

3. KML Generation:

   • Creates valid KML 2.2 structure
   • Uses appropriate Google Maps icons for each place type
   • Organizes places into logical folders
   • Includes clickable links back to Google Maps

4. Output Options:

   • Default KMZ output (compressed KML + resources)
   • Optional KML output for compatibility
   • Creates both combined and layer-separated files
   • Generates a layers subdirectory with categorized outputs

Layer Organization

Places are automatically categorized into:

• Sleep: Hotels, motels and other lodging
• Eat: Restaurants, bars and cafes
• Do: All other activities and places

Each layer maintains:

• Google Maps icons
• Original place metadata
• Clickable map links