GPX File Format Guide
Complete reference guide to GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files, their structure, compatibility, and best practices for GPS navigation.
📋 Table of Contents
🗺️ What is GPX?
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML-based data format for sharing GPS data between software applications and GPS devices. It's the standard format for exchanging waypoints, tracks, and routes between different GPS systems.
Key Features:
- Universal compatibility - Works with virtually all GPS devices and software
- Open standard - Free to use and implement
- Human-readable - XML format that can be viewed and edited in text editors
- Rich metadata - Supports timestamps, elevation, speed, and custom attributes
📝 GPX File Structure
Main Elements
📍 Waypoints
Individual points of interest with coordinates, names, and descriptions.
🛤️ Tracks
Recorded GPS traces showing where you've been, with timestamps.
🗺️ Routes
Planned paths for navigation, showing where you intend to go.
Sample GPX Structure:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="Online Maps to GPX">
<metadata>
<name>My Route</name>
<time>2024-01-22T10:00:00Z</time>
</metadata>
<wpt lat="41.4128" lon="2.1050">
<name>Start Point</name>
<desc>Beginning of route</desc>
</wpt>
<rte>
<name>Route to Destination</name>
<rtept lat="41.4128" lon="2.1050">
<name>Point 1</name>
</rtept>
<rtept lat="41.4444" lon="2.0665">
<name>Point 2</name>
</rtept>
</rte>
</gpx>🔗 Device & Software Compatibility
🧭 GPS Devices
📱 Software & Apps
⭐ Best Practices
✅ Do's
- • Keep file sizes reasonable (<5MB for most devices)
- • Use descriptive names for waypoints and routes
- • Include metadata like timestamps and descriptions
- • Test files on your target device before field use
- • Backup original files before editing
❌ Don'ts
- • Don't include too many waypoints (>1000 points)
- • Avoid special characters in names
- • Don't edit coordinates manually without validation
- • Avoid mixing different coordinate systems
- • Don't assume all devices support all GPX features
🔧 Common Issues & Solutions
GPS device won't import GPX file
Solutions:
- Check file size limits for your device
- Ensure GPX version compatibility (use 1.1)
- Validate XML structure using online tools
- Remove unsupported custom attributes
Missing waypoint names or descriptions
Solutions:
- Add <name> and <desc> elements to waypoints
- Check character encoding (use UTF-8)
- Verify device supports extended GPX features
Route not displaying correctly
Solutions:
- Check coordinate format (decimal degrees)
- Ensure points are in logical order
- Verify coordinate system (WGS84)
- Check for corrupted coordinate data
🔄 Alternative Formats
KML
Google Earth format
- • 3D visualization
- • Rich styling options
- • Google Earth integration
TCX
Garmin Training Center
- • Heart rate data
- • Training metrics
- • Garmin specific
FIT
Flexible and Interoperable
- • Compact binary format
- • Sports data focus
- • ANT+ compatible
Need to Convert Routes to GPX?
Use our free converter to create GPX files from Google Maps routes
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