What is GPX?
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML schema designed for transferring GPS data between software applications and devices. Created by TopoGrafix in 2002, GPX has become the universal interchange format for waypoints, tracks, and routes recorded by handheld GPS receivers, cycling computers, running watches, and mobile fitness apps.
A GPX file organises data into three primary element types: waypoints (individual named locations such as trailheads or campsites), tracks (ordered sequences of timestamped GPS fixes representing a recorded path), and routes (ordered lists of waypoints describing a planned path for navigation). Each element can carry elevation, time, speed, heart rate, cadence, and other sensor data through the GPX extension mechanism.
The current version, GPX 1.1, uses WGS 84 coordinates (latitude, longitude, and optional elevation in metres). Its XML structure makes it human-readable and easily parseable, while the extension system allows device manufacturers to embed proprietary data (power output, temperature, etc.) without breaking compatibility.
Key Features of GPX
- Waypoints, tracks & routes: Three distinct element types cover every GPS workflow — marking locations, recording activities, and planning navigation.
- Timestamped trackpoints: Each point in a track segment carries a UTC timestamp, enabling speed, pace, and elapsed-time calculations.
- Elevation data: Built-in support for altitude values, critical for hiking profiles, cycling climbs, and aviation flight logs.
- Extension mechanism: The
<extensions>element allows manufacturers to embed heart rate, cadence, power, temperature, and other sensor metrics. - Universal device support: Garmin, Wahoo, Suunto, Coros, Polar, and virtually every GPS manufacturer supports GPX import and export.
- Platform interoperability: Strava, Komoot, AllTrails, Ride with GPS, and Gaia GPS all import and export GPX files.
- Open XML standard: Plain-text format that is easy to inspect, parse, and transform with standard XML tools.
Convert FROM GPX
Export your GPX data to other geospatial and mapping formats.
Convert TO GPX
Create GPX files from other formats for use on GPS devices and fitness platforms.
Common Use Cases for GPX
Hiking & Trail Navigation
Download trail routes as GPX files and load them onto your Garmin, Suunto, or smartphone app for turn-by-turn navigation in the backcountry.
Cycling Route Planning
Create custom cycling routes on platforms like Ride with GPS or Komoot, then export as GPX for your Wahoo or Garmin cycling computer.
Running & Fitness Tracking
Export runs from Strava or Garmin Connect as GPX to analyse pace, elevation gain, and splits in third-party tools or to share with coaches.
Geocaching
Download geocache locations as GPX waypoints from Geocaching.com and load them onto your GPS receiver for treasure hunting.
Drone Flight Logging
Record drone flight paths as GPX tracks for regulatory compliance, mission review, or integration with photogrammetry software.
Fleet & Vehicle Tracking
Export vehicle GPS logs as GPX files for route analysis, mileage reporting, and integration with fleet management dashboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a GPX track and a GPX route?
A track is a recorded path — a dense sequence of timestamped GPS fixes captured during an activity. A route is a planned path — a sparse list of waypoints that a GPS device connects with turn-by-turn navigation guidance. Tracks describe where you went; routes describe where you intend to go.
Does GPX support heart rate and power data?
Yes, through the GPX extensions mechanism. Garmin's TrackPointExtension namespace is widely used to embed heart rate, cadence, temperature, and power data within trackpoints. Most fitness platforms preserve these extensions during import and export.
Can I convert a GPX file to view it on Google Earth?
Yes. Convert your GPX file to KML using MapfileConverter, then open the resulting KML in Google Earth. Your waypoints will appear as placemarks and tracks as coloured paths draped over the terrain.
Will elevation data be preserved during conversion?
Yes. MapfileConverter preserves elevation values when converting between formats that support altitude, such as GPX, KML, and GeoJSON (as the third coordinate value).
How large can a GPX file be?
GPX files can grow quite large for long-duration recordings at high sample rates. Files of 10-50 MB are common for multi-day hikes or ultra-distance rides. MapfileConverter handles large GPX files efficiently using in-browser processing.
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