Geolocation File Checker for Verra Projects

Check a carbon project's KML, or polygons drawn on the map, against our reading of Verra's geolocation file requirements before submission: names, folders, attributes, coordinates and shape errors, with a rebuilt file to download. Independent; not made or endorsed by Verra.

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How it works

  1. Drop your project KML or KMZ onto the map, draw polygons on it, or try the sample file to see what the checker finds.
  2. Each rule shows as passed, warning or problem, and overlaps and self-crossing outlines are marked in red on the map.
  3. Enter your Verra project ID and download a rebuilt KML with the expected names, folders, centroid and area. Fix overlaps, self-crossings and missing dates at the source.

Everything runs in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to our servers.

Input and output

Input
A KML or KMZ project file, or polygons drawn on the map.
Output
A passed, warning or problem result for each rule, overlaps and self-crossings marked on the map, and a rebuilt KML to download.

Example

Input

sample-project-9999.kml, the sample file on the page: a made-up project (ID 9999) with four plots and mistakes put in on purpose.

Output

4 instances · 6 problems · 2 warnings · 11 passed
Problem · Document name: Found "9999_KML_9June2026".
Problem · Instance names and folders: "Plot 4" should be named 9999_I#.
Problem · Instance attributes: 9999_I2: missing InstanceImplementationDate
Warning · Coordinate precision: Up to 7 decimal places. Verra recommends 5 (about 1 m), which keeps the file small.
Problem · No self-crossing outlines: 9999_I3: crosses itself at 1 point
Problem · No overlapping instances: 9999_I1 and 9999_I2 overlap by 3.71 ha
Warning · Stated area and centroid match the shape: 9999_I1: says 15 ha, the shape measures 19.78 ha
Problem · No personal data spotted: Field "Owner"

Limits

  • The checks follow our own reading of Verra's geolocation file requirements v5.0. Verra and your validation/verification body still review the file.
  • It checks what software can check: names, folders, attributes, coordinates and shapes. It can't tell whether a boundary is right on the ground or whether land rights are proven.
  • The coordinate check confirms values fall in latitude and longitude ranges; it can't confirm the datum is WGS84.
  • The personal data scan reads field names, values and descriptions; it can't prove a file holds no personal data.
  • The rebuilt KML needs shapes it can read and a single project area folder; files with several methodologies aren't rebuilt yet.
  • Files over 250 MB, or a KMZ whose KML is over 250 MB unzipped, are too large to check in the browser.

Questions

What does Verra require in a geolocation file?

Under version 5.0 of Verra's geolocation file requirements, a project submits a KML or KMZ file (unless its methodology says otherwise) in WGS84 decimal degrees. It holds the project area with each project activity instance in named folders, plus project geodata, eligibility areas for grouped projects and land-rights areas where they apply. Each instance carries its ID, activity and implementation date; a point instance gives its coordinates, and a polygon gives its centroid and area in hectares. Shapes must be valid: no self-crossing outlines, overlaps or duplicates. The file goes in at registration, and an updated one at verification or crediting period renewal when instances or geodata are added, removed or reshaped, earlier information is corrected, or land-rights areas change. Always read Verra's own document for the full rules.

Does a clean result mean Verra will accept my file?

No. This is an independent tool, not made, endorsed or reviewed by Verra, and its checks follow our own reading of the requirements. It catches the common, machine-checkable mistakes so they do not come back from your validation/verification body, but your VVB and Verra still review the file.

Is my project file uploaded anywhere?

No. The file is read and checked in your browser and never leaves your computer.

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