GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are increasingly used to store and exchange geolocation data . Whether you're a hiker, runner, or just interested in mapping, it's important to know what a GPX file is and how to open it .
In this article, we will first define what a GPX file is and how it can be useful. We will also see several methods for opening this type of file , whether with mapping software, a website or a text editor. Finally, we will see what GPX files can contain and how they are structured.
What is a GPX file?
A GPX file is a file used to store and exchange geolocation data . It is mainly used by GPS devices, mapping software and websites to display location information on a map.
How to open a GPX file?
There are several ways to open a GPX file:
1. Use mapping software
If you have a GPS device or mapping software installed on your computer, you should be able to open a GPX file using this tool. Many mapping software programs, such as Google Earth , Basecamp , and Mapsource , support GPX files and allow geolocation data to be viewed on a map . To open a GPX file in one of these software programs, you generally simply select “Open” from the “File” menu and select the GPX file to open.
Here is a tutorial video for importing a GPX file to Google Earth!
2. Use a website:
If you don't have a GPS device or mapping software, you can use a website to view data from a GPX file on an online map . Several websites, such as GPS Visualizer and visugpx.com , allow you to display data from a GPX file on an online map. To open a GPX file on one of these sites, you usually just need to upload the file to the site and follow the instructions to view the data on a map.
3. Use a text editor:
If you just want to read the contents of a GPX file or edit it manually, you can use a text editor. As GPX files are based on the XML standard , they can be opened and read with a text editor, although their contents may be difficult to understand without mapping software or another data visualization tool. To open a GPX file with a text editor , you usually simply select “Open” from the “File” menu and select the GPX file to open.
It is important to note that to open a GPX file, you will usually need a tool compatible with this file format . If you use software or a website that does not support GPX files, you may experience problems opening or viewing the data.
4. Use an application on Android
It is also possible to open a GPX file on a mobile device , such as a smartphone or tablet . For this, you will usually need an application compatible with GPX files . There are many free and paid applications available on the Google Play Service or Apple Store that allow you to open and view geolocation data contained in a GPX file, such as MapMyRun , AllTrails and Gaia GPS .
Here is an explanatory video for importing and exporting a GPX file with the Visorando application
To open a GPX file on a mobile device, it is usually as simple as downloading the file to the device (for example by transferring it via USB cable or downloading it from a website or email) and opening it with compatible application. Some applications can also allow you to directly download a GPX file from the internet or create it from geolocation data saved on the device.
It's important to note that to open a GPX file on a mobile device, you will usually need an internet connection and a compatible app. If you are using an application that does not support GPX files, you may experience problems opening or viewing the data.
What do GPX files contain?
GPX files can contain various geolocation information, depending on how they were created and used. Here are some examples of data that may be present in a GPX file:
Waypoints
A waypoint is a geolocated landmark , generally used to mark a specific location on a map. A GPX file can contain one or more lists of waypoints, each including the geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the point, as well as other optional information, such as its name, its description, its symbolization (icon used on the map) and its metadata (date of creation, modification, etc.).
Roads
A route is a route defined by a series of waypoints. A GPX file can contain one or more lists of routes , each including the waypoints that compose it, as well as other optional information, such as its name, its description, its symbolization (color used on the map) and its meta-data ( date of creation, modification, etc.). Roads can be used to define travel routes , hiking routes , or any other path to follow on a map.
Traces
A track is a series of geolocation points recorded over time. A GPX file can contain one or more lists of tracks, each including the geolocation points that compose it, as well as other optional information, such as its name, its description, its symbolization (color used on the map) and its meta- data (date of creation, modification, etc.). Tracks can be used to record hiking, running, or other travel on a map.
Other data present on a GPX file
It is important to note that GPX files are not limited to these three data types and may contain other information, depending on the tool used to create and use them. For example, a GPX file can also contain geolocation points with weather data , information about points of interest, or any other type of geolocation-related data.
Structure of a GPX file
A GPX file is based on the XML standard and follows a very specific structure. It generally contains the following elements:
- A header with information about the file, such as its name and version
- Waypoints with their coordinates and possibly other information, such as their name or description
- Routes with a list of waypoints and possibly other information, such as their name or description
- Traces with a list of geolocation points and possibly other information, such as their name or description
- A footer with copyright and reference information .
Why use GPX files?
There are many reasons why GPX files are useful:
- They allow geolocation data to be stored and exchanged in a simple and standardized way.
- They are compatible with many GPS devices and mapping software , making them easy to use.
- They can be read and modified easily thanks to their structure based on the XML standard.
- They allow you to visualize geolocation information on a map , which can be very useful for planning hikes, creating travel routes or simply to better understand the environment in which we find ourselves.
Examples of using GPX files
Here are some examples of using GPX files:
- Recording a hike or a run : many GPS devices allow us to record a trace of our route in the form of a GPX file. This can be useful for analyzing our performance, sharing our journey with others or simply remembering our route.
- Creating travel routes : Using mapping software or a website, it is possible to create a travel route by saving waypoints and routes to a GPX file. This can be useful for planning our trip and sharing it with other people.
- Crowdsourced mapping : Many crowdsourced mapping projects, such as OpenStreetMap, use GPX files to store geolocation data collected by contributors. This helps create accurate and up-to-date maps of different regions around the world.
Conclusion
GPX files are powerful tools for storing and exchanging geolocation data . They are compatible with many GPS devices and mapping software, and their structure based on the XML standard makes them easy to read and modify. Whether you're a hiker, runner, or just interested in mapping, it's important to know these files and how to use them.
