Google Maps' map data format of option is KML, but they practise support many other formats including GPX.

GPX, also commonly referred to as GPS exchange format, is an open up standard XML blazon that contains Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates on top of additional map data. The format has seen increased growth and is used by many manufacturers as their preferred native format no matter the device.

Remember of GPX in the way that you would an epitome file format like JPG or PNG. There is no unmarried universal standard for an image file but almost would prefer the use of either JPG or PNG to any other format available. They're easiest to use and readily accepted on almost all platforms.

GPX is substantially the JPG of the map data globe. It makes it easy to share map data with an audience and allows that data to exist viewed on almost any device they choose.

Although Google Maps does support GPX, the file will notwithstanding need to be converted into the KML format. GPX is not considered to exist i of the easier formats to import into Google Maps and can face difficulties depending on the amount of data moved.

Google Maps will convert the GPX file automatically to varying results, hence the mentioned difficulty, or yous tin choose to pre-convert the file yourself prior to the import. Regardless, GPX is all the same widely pop and universally accepted on almost all devices that tin store map data.

Importing a GPX File Into Google Maps

The process isn't overly complicated if all y'all want to practise is load upward a GPX file directly into Google Maps. It'southward not an ideal situation equally there is a risk that doing so directly could result in a loss of map information. The reason for this is that Google Maps will be forced to convert your GPX file into a KML file for use on the platform.

Information technology tin can still work simply fine but I felt it was pertinent information to have just in case there is a lot of data that needs converting. If all you lot need is a quick solution to pop over the GPX file into Google Maps, yous can follow these steps.

  • The first affair you'll need to do is sign in to My Maps.
  • Next, in the top-left corner of the screen, click on the menu icon and look for Create new map. Click on it to pull upward a new map that should be centered on your current location.
  • Then, follow this upwardly by clicking on Add Layer. You can observe this pick in the menu on the left. Just under that layer, click the Import link.
  • An pick to import the GPX file from your computer will nowadays itself. You tin choose to practise and so or simply drag and drop the file directly into the area provided. Hitting the Upload push and your map waypoints should be added to the new map, automatically.

It seems simple enough, right? The process really is. However, there is withal that possibility your GPX file was not fully converted by Google Maps and didn't produce all of the necessary information. Information technology will benefit you more in the end if y'all decide to convert the map file to KML yourself, prior to uploading it to Google Maps.

How To Convert a GPX Into a KML

The all-time mode to ensure that all data from a GPX file is properly imported into Google Maps is to first convert it to KML, Google's preferred format. There is enough of conversion software bachelor to you lot online, which is likely the more convenient route to accept. Just type GPX to KML converter into your search engine and you lot'll receive plenty of results from which to choose.

Typically, these programs volition be free to utilise merely some volition require a quick installation. I would recommend gpsvisualizer.com as information technology is both lightweight and easy to use.

  • One time you find the correct one for you, only upload your GPX file and select KML (or Google Maps) equally your output format. Most conversions have very picayune time at all to consummate then you should expect to have a fully converted file produced rather rapidly.
  • Equally shortly every bit the file has been converted, download and save it to your system, so follow the steps detailed above on how to upload a file to Google Maps.

Taking an additional few moments to knock out this step will ensure that no data is lost during the upload. After the converted file has been uploaded to Google Maps, you tin can perform whatever of the necessary actions that you would normally when using the tool.

Already working on a map? If y'all'd similar, you can relieve the recently imported data onto the currently viewed map as either a replacement of the electric current data or as an overlay.