GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are increasingly used to store and exchange geolocation data . Whether you're a hiker, runner, or simply interested in mapping, it's important to know what a GPX file is and how to open it .
In this article, we'll first define what a GPX file is and how it can be useful. We'll also look at several methods for opening this type of file , whether with mapping software, a website, or a text editor. Finally, we'll 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 primarily 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 that tool. Many mapping programs, such as Google Earth , Basecamp , and Mapsource , support GPX files and allow you to view geolocation data on a map . To open a GPX file in one of these programs, you generally just need to select "Open" from the "File" menu and then select the GPX file you want to open.
Here's a tutorial video on how to import a GPX file into Google Earth!
2. Use a website:
If you don't have a GPS device or mapping software, you can use a website to display the data from a GPX file on an online map . Several websites, such as GPS Visualizer and visugpx.com , allow you to display GPX file data on an online map. To open a GPX file on one of these sites, you generally just need to upload the file to the site and follow the instructions to display the data on a map.
3. Use a text editor:
If you simply want to read the contents of a GPX file or edit it manually, you can use a text editor. Since GPX files are based on the XML standard , they can be opened and read with a text editor, although their content may be difficult to understand without mapping software or another data visualization tool. To open a GPX file with a text editor , you generally just need to select "Open" from the "File" menu and then select the GPX file you want to open.
It's important to note that to open a GPX file, you'll generally need a tool compatible with this file format . If you use software or a website that doesn't support GPX files, you may encounter problems opening or viewing the data.
4. Using an app on Android
It is also possible to open a GPX file on a mobile device , such as a smartphone or tablet . To do this, you will generally need an application compatible with GPX files . Many free and paid applications available on the Google Play Store or Apple Store that allow you to open and view the geolocation data contained in a GPX file, such as MapMyRun , AllTrails , and Gaia GPS .
Here is an explanatory video on how to import and export a GPX file with the Visorando application.
To open a GPX file on a mobile device, you generally just need to download the file to the device (for example, by transferring it via USB cable or downloading it from a website or email) and open it with a compatible application. Some applications may also allow you to directly download a GPX file from the internet or create one from geolocation data stored on the device.
It's important to note that to open a GPX file on a mobile device, you'll generally need an internet connection and a compatible app. If you use an app that doesn't support GPX files, you may encounter 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 can be found 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, description, symbol (icon used on the map) and metadata (creation date, modification date, etc.).
Roads
A route is a path defined by a series of waypoints. A GPX file can contain one or more lists of routes , each including its constituent waypoints, as well as other optional information such as its name, description, symbol (color used on the map), and metadata (creation date, modification date, etc.). Routes can be used to define travel itineraries , hiking trails , 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 its constituent geolocation points, as well as other optional information such as its name, description, symbology (color used on the map), and metadata (creation date, modification date, etc.). Tracks can be used to record hiking routes, running routes, or any other movement performed on a map.
Other data present in a GPX file
It is important to note that GPX files are not limited to these three types of data and can 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
- Tracks 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 , which makes them easy to use.
- They can be easily read and modified thanks to their structure based on the XML standard.
- They allow you to view geolocation information on a map , which can be very useful for planning hikes, creating travel routes , or simply for better understanding the environment in which we find ourselves.
Examples of using GPX files
Here are some examples of how to use GPX files:
- Recording a hike or run : many GPS devices allow you to record a track of your route as a GPX file. This can be useful for analyzing your performance, sharing your route with others, or simply remembering your itinerary.
- Creating travel routes : Using mapping software or a website, it's possible to create a travel route by saving waypoints and routes in a GPX file. This can be useful for planning your trip and sharing it with others.
- Participatory mapping : Many participatory mapping projects, such as OpenStreetMap, use GPX files to store geolocation data collected by contributors. This allows for the creation of accurate and up-to-date maps of different regions of the world.
Conclusion
GPX files are powerful tools for storing and sharing geolocation data . They are compatible with many GPS devices and mapping software, and their XML-based structure makes them easy to read and edit. Whether you're a hiker, runner, or simply interested in mapping, it's important to understand these files and how to use them.
