What is a key difference between GML and KML?

The distinction between GML (Geography Markup Language) and KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is primarily rooted in their intended uses and functionalities. GML is a standard for encoding geographic information in a manner that is comprehensible and interpretable by machines. It is focused on the representation of geographic features and their attributes, essentially facilitating the identification and characterization of objects and phenomena on the Earth's surface. This means that GML can describe complex geospatial data, including topological information, which is crucial for various types of geographic analysis.

On the other hand, KML is designed specifically for visual representation of geographic data in applications like Google Earth. It describes how geographic features should be presented visually, including their appearance and placement on a map. KML is utilized to create visualizations that can be easily shared and viewed by users, making it less about data analysis and more about presentation and communication of spatial information.

This distinction highlights the importance of context, as GML is utilized in environments where geographic data needs to be analyzed and processed, while KML excels in contexts where the visualization and user experience are paramount. The choice of GML vs. KML thus relates directly to the goals of the user—whether they are identifying and analyzing geographic