GPS Guides

Practical guides on GPS file formats, and on getting a Google Maps route onto the device or app you actually ride with.

Send a route to your device or app

• How to Convert a Google Maps Route to GPX Planned a route in Google Maps but need it on your GPS device? Here's the fastest way to turn it into a standard GPX file.
• How to Send a Google Maps Route to Garmin Google Maps doesn't export a route straight to Garmin. Convert it to GPX first, then load it as a course on your device.
• Google Maps to Garmin Zumo XT & XT2 The zūmo is a standalone motorcycle GPS, so it takes a GPX file directly. Convert your Google Maps route, then copy it across.
• Google Maps to BMW Motorrad Connected BMW routes travel through the Motorrad Connected app on your phone. Convert your Google Maps route to GPX, import it there, and it reaches the bike.
• Google Maps to TomTom Rider TomTom routes go through MyDrive. Convert your Google Maps route to GPX, import it there, and sync it to the Rider.
• How to Send a Google Maps Route to Wahoo Google Maps doesn't hand a route to Wahoo directly. Convert it to GPX first, then import it with the Wahoo app.
• Google Maps to Komoot Komoot imports a GPX file as a planned Tour, from the website or the mobile app. Convert your Google Maps route first, then upload it.
• Google Maps to Strava Strava can build a route from a GPX file. Convert your Google Maps route first, then upload it and save it as a Strava route.
• How to Use a Google Maps Route in OsmAnd OsmAnd doesn't open a Google Maps link directly, but it navigates from GPX tracks, which is exactly what SmartGPX generates.

GPS file formats

• GPX vs KML: Which Should You Use? GPX is built for GPS devices and tracking apps; KML is built for Google Earth and mapping. Here's how to tell them apart, and how to convert between them.
• GPX vs TCX: What's the Difference? TCX extends GPX with training data: heart rate, cadence, laps. Here's when you need one over the other.
• GPX vs FIT: Understanding the Difference FIT is a compact binary format built for fitness devices; GPX is a universal, text-based standard most GPS software reads. Here's how they compare.
• GPX vs GeoJSON: What's the Difference? GeoJSON is the standard for web mapping libraries; GPX is the standard for GPS devices and hiking/cycling apps. Here's when to use each.
• What Is a KMZ File? KMZ is just a KML file (Google Earth's format) zipped up, often with icons or images bundled in. Here's what that means for converting it to GPX.
• How to Simplify a GPS Track Without Losing Its Shape A GPX recorded every second can have thousands of points. Here's how simplification trims that down without distorting the route.
• How to Merge Multiple GPX Tracks Into One File Recorded a multi-day trip as separate GPX files? Here's how to combine them into a single track, or a single file with separate segments.