simplekml

What it is and what it does

Simplekml is a Python library for generating KML files—the XML-based format used by Google Earth and other GIS applications to represent geographic features. It abstracts away the verbose KML schema, letting you create points, lines, polygons, folders, and documents with straightforward Python calls instead of hand-writing XML. The library has no external runtime dependencies, making it lightweight to install.

The package is in production-stable status but abandoned—its last release was in September 2021 with no ongoing maintenance. It covers the core KML elements most users need (Document, Folder, Point, LineString, Polygon) and claims to support everything in the KML Reference. For projects that need simple, static KML generation and can tolerate no future updates, it remains functional; for active development or evolving geographic requirements, the lack of maintenance is a significant constraint.

Use it for:

• Export point-based data (GPS coordinates, locations) to KML for viewing in Google Earth or similar GIS software
• Generate map overlays with lines and polygons from geospatial datasets for visualization
• Create simple geographic documents programmatically without writing raw XML or using heavy GIS libraries
• Batch-convert coordinate lists into shareable KML files for non-technical users

Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying

Simplekml generates KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files for geographic data visualization with minimal code, supporting basic elements like points, lines, polygons, folders, and documents.

Yes, but only for stable, low-maintenance use cases. Simplekml is lightweight, dependency-free, and works well for basic KML generation tasks. However, its abandoned status (no updates since 2021) means it will not adapt to future KML standard changes or Python version incompatibilities. Install it if your KML needs are fixed and simple; avoid it for active projects requiring ongoing support or compatibility with evolving standards.

Install

simplekml on PyPI

pip install simplekml

uv add simplekml

poetry add simplekml

Installing simplekml

Before you install

High install friction due to no runtime dependencies, but the package is abandoned—last release was 1793 days ago with no active maintenance signal. Suitable only for stable, unchanging use cases where KML generation requirements are fixed.

License in practice

Licensed under GNU Lesser General Public License v3+, a copyleft license. You may use and modify the package freely, but any derivative works must also be distributed under compatible terms; proprietary applications incorporating modifications require careful licensing review.

Quickstart

import simplekml
kml = simplekml.Kml()
kml.newpoint(name="Location", coords=[(18.432314,-33.988862)])
kml.save("output.kml")

Verify before relying

• Whether the package works reliably with current Python versions beyond 3.9, given its abandoned status
• Whether KML output conforms to current KML standards or only historical versions
• Real-world compatibility with modern GIS tools and mapping platforms

Package facts

Evidence: simplekml-1.3.6.tar.gz

Tags

More Python Modules packages