| KML Size | Features | Tile Type | Max Zoom | Output Size | Time (16-core) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 5 MB | 200 lines | Raster (PNG) | 14 | 48 MB | 2 min | | 50 MB | 15,000 points | Raster (JPEG) | 12 | 120 MB | 15 min | | 200 MB | 5,000 polygons | Raster (PNG) | 15 | 1.2 GB | 3 hours | | 50 MB | 15,000 points | Vector (MVT) | 14 | 35 MB | 45 sec |
Verdict: For large point datasets, Vector MBTiles (tippecanoe) is 40x faster and smaller.
Same as above. Also install python3 and gdal2tiles (included with GDAL full install). convert kml to mbtiles
Open the file in:
# Quick command-line test (shows tile count)
sqlite3 output.mbtiles "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM tiles;"
This guide explains what KML and MBTiles are, why you might convert between them, tradeoffs, and several reliable, practical ways to convert KML (vector or raster overlays) into MBTiles (tile-container format). It includes command-line and GUI options, step-by-step commands, recommended settings, common pitfalls, and how to validate results. | KML Size | Features | Tile Type
Best when clients expect raster tiles or you want exact styled look.
Option A — QGIS (GUI, easier):
Option B — Mapnik + TileMill (or renderd) (command-line):
Notes:
Before we dive into the "how," let’s look at the "why."