Vector
The KML reader and writer provide full support for all KML vector geometry types. Vector features are read/written as <Placemark> elements.
Raster
KML supports raster images via three types of overlay elements:
- <GroundOverlay>
- <ScreenOverlay>
- <PhotoOverlay>
Reader
The KML reader can read overlays as either null or raster geometry. If the raster is read as null geometry, the location of the image tile is available in the kml_icon_href attribute.
By default, <GroundOverlay> elements are read with raster geometry, and the other overlay types are read as null geometry. In addition, the KML reader will use the <GroundOverlay> element's <LatLonBox> values to georeference the image.
Writer
Features with either null or raster geometry can be used for writing any of the supported overlay elements. If no raster geometry is provided, it is important to ensure that the feature has the appropriate format or element attributes specifying the location of the image file.