MapKmlTools Logo
MapKmlTools

Fetch Elevation & Add Altitude to Maps

Add altitude data to KML points from global DEMs instantly. Free browser tool with no upload required for terrain analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elevation Tools free to use?

Yes, fetching altitude data is fully free.

Does Elevation Tools upload my files to a server?

No, the elevation lookup is processed locally with no upload required.

What file formats does Elevation Tools support?

Supports KML and KMZ files.

Which DEM is used?

The tool utilizes SRTM and ASTER global digital elevation models.

What is the source of the elevation data?

We use the SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) dataset at 30m resolution, which provides global coverage with excellent accuracy. The data is licenced from NASA and is publicly available.

How accurate is the elevation data?

SRTM is accurate to approximately ±5-16 metres vertically in most regions. It's sufficient for route planning, trail analysis, and general terrain study, but not for engineering-grade surveys.

Can I find the elevation of a single point?

Yes. Click anywhere on the map and the tool instantly returns the elevation in metres and feet for that exact coordinate.

Is my data uploaded to your servers?

Coordinates are sent to an elevation API to look up altitude values. Your full KML file is processed locally. No data is stored or logged.

What file size limits apply?

KML files with up to 10,000 coordinate points are supported for bulk elevation extraction. Larger paths are sampled at regular intervals to stay within API limits.

Earth Pro

Create, Edit & Share KML

Layout Creator

Print-Ready Map Layouts

Map Creator

Interactive Maps + Cloud

Select KML/KMZ with Points

or drag and drop them here

Select File
4.8(127 ratings)
Was this helpful?

🔗 Related Tools

Profile Generator
Slope Analysis Tool
Area Calculator
Quick Mapper

What is Elevation Tools?

Most KML files drawn on 2D maps are 'clamped to ground' and have no Z-coordinate. The Elevation Extractor queries global Digital Elevation Models (DEM) to find the real altitude for each latitude/longitude point.

This transforms flat 2D data into true 3D paths, enabling terrain analysis, volume calculations, and realistic Google Earth fly-throughs.

When Should You Use This Tool?

  • •You need to know the elevation of a specific GPS coordinate.
  • •Planning a hiking route and want to add real elevation to your KML path.
  • •Converting a 2D planning route into a 3D Google Earth animation.

How to Use Elevation Tools

  1. Click any point on the map to get its elevation instantly.
  2. Or upload a KML file with Points or a LineString path.
  3. The tool fetches elevation for every coordinate from global DEM data.
  4. Download the KML with altitude values added.