DGN (Microstation) to KML
Convert DGN (Microstation) files to KML format
🔒 All processing happens locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
What is DGN to KML conversion?
DGN is Bentley Microstation's native CAD format, used heavily in civil engineering, surveying, and infrastructure design. KML is Google's open format for geographic data, optimised for viewing in Google Earth and Google Maps. Converting from one to the other turns a CAD drawing into something a non-technical audience — a planning officer, a client, a board member — can fly around in 3D in Google Earth.
KML expects coordinates in WGS 84 longitude/latitude. If the DGN drawing is already georeferenced (most modern Microstation drawings are), the conversion is direct. If the DGN is in a local survey grid without a CRS tag, the geometry ends up at the origin — use our Assign CRS tool first to attach the correct projection.
Common uses for DGN to KML
Showing engineering plans on Google Earth
Overlay a road, pipeline, or utility design on Google Earth imagery for stakeholder presentations. Far more accessible than a CAD viewer.
Planning consultation visuals
Council and planning bodies often want to see proposed works in context. KML in Google Earth gives that context immediately.
Site reconnaissance with field teams
Push the KML to a phone running Google Earth or a KML-capable app so the surveyor or inspector can see the design layered on the real world.
Sharing through Google My Maps
Upload the KML to Google My Maps for a browser-based collaborative view with comments and basic editing.
How to convert DGN to KML
- Drag your
.dgnfile onto the converter above, or click to browse for it. - Click “Convert” — the file is parsed in your browser and a KML is generated.
- Download the
.kmlfile and double-click to open in Google Earth. - If the geometry is in the wrong place, your DGN may lack georeferencing — assign a CRS first and re-convert.
How DGN entities map to KML
DGN point
Becomes a KML Placemark with Point geometry — shows as a pushpin in Google Earth.
DGN line / polyline
Becomes a KML Placemark with LineString geometry — drawn as a coloured line on the map.
DGN closed shape
Becomes a KML Placemark with Polygon geometry — fills the area in Google Earth.
DGN levels
Each level is written as a KML Folder so you can toggle visibility per level in the Earth sidebar.
Text labels
Annotated as Placemark names where the geometry has a text attribute attached.
Dimensions and styles
CAD-specific styling is stripped — KML uses its own simpler styling model.
DGN to other formats
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a DGN file to KML?
Drop your .dgn file onto the converter above and download a .kml file in seconds. Open the result in Google Earth, Google My Maps, or any KML viewer. The conversion runs in your browser — your file is never uploaded.
Will my DGN open in Google Earth after conversion?
Yes. The output is standard KML 2.2, the format Google Earth has supported as its native format since 2008. Double-click the .kml file and it opens in Google Earth Desktop, or import it into Google My Maps for browser viewing.
Do I need the drawing to be georeferenced?
Yes — KML uses WGS 84 longitude/latitude. If your DGN drawing is in a local survey coordinate system without a GCS tag, the KML may end up in the wrong place. Use the Assign CRS tool first to attach the correct coordinate system, then convert.
Are DGN V7 and V8 both supported?
Yes. The converter reads both Bentley DGN V7 (the older ISFF-based format) and DGN V8 (the more recent compound-file format) via the GDAL DGN driver.
How are DGN entities mapped to KML?
DGN points become KML Placemarks with Point geometry. Lines and polylines become Placemarks with LineString geometry. Closed shapes become Placemarks with Polygon geometry. DGN levels are preserved as KML Folders so the level structure is visible in the Earth sidebar.
Is my DGN file uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion is performed in your browser using GDAL compiled to WebAssembly. Nothing leaves your device — important for engineering deliverables or any commercially sensitive drawing.
Can I share the result through Google My Maps?
Yes. Google My Maps accepts KML uploads (up to 5 MB per layer at the time of writing). Convert your DGN to KML here, then import the KML into a My Maps layer to share with collaborators via a link.
What if I need DGN to DXF or DGN to Shapefile instead?
Use our DGN to DXF page (for AutoCAD-style editable output) or DGN to Shapefile (for GIS software). KML is for visualisation in Google Earth — DXF and Shapefile are better suited if you need to edit or analyse the data.
Need to convert multiple DGN files?
Use our batch DGN to KML converter to process dozens or hundreds of files in a single run — Pro feature, files never leave your browser.
More DGN (Microstation) Conversions
Convert DGN (Microstation) files to other popular formats
to GeoJSON
.geojson
to Shapefile
.zip
to CSV
.csv
to GPX
.gpx
to GeoPackage
.gpkg
to FlatGeobuf
.fgb
to JSON-FG
.json
to MVT
.mvt
to PostgreSQL Dump
.sql
to PMTiles
.pmtiles
to MBTiles
.mbtiles
to DXF
.dxf
to PDF
to GML
.gml
to Excel (XLSX)
.xlsx
to OpenDocument Spreadsheet
.ods
to GeoRSS
.xml
to MapInfo TAB
.tab
to File Geodatabase
.gdb.zip
to SpatiaLite
.sqlite
to GeoJSON Sequences
.geojsonl
to S57 Nautical Charts
.000
Convert to KML From Other Formats
Convert other geospatial formats to KML
from GeoJSON
.geojson
from Shapefile
.zip
from CSV
.csv
from GPX
.gpx
from GeoPackage
.gpkg
from FlatGeobuf
.fgb
from JSON-FG
.json
from MVT
.mvt
from PMTiles
.pmtiles
from MBTiles
.mbtiles
from DXF
.dxf
from TopoJSON
.topojson
from GML
.gml
from OpenStreetMap
.osm
from Excel (XLSX)
.xlsx
from OpenDocument Spreadsheet
.ods
from SVG
.svg
from GeoRSS
.xml
from MapInfo TAB
.tab
from File Geodatabase
.gdb.zip
from SpatiaLite
.sqlite
from Esri JSON
.json
from GeoJSON Sequences
.geojsonl
from S57 Nautical Charts
.000
Visualize Your Data
View your geospatial files on an interactive map
Coordinate Conversion Tools
Convert between different coordinate systems