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┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : TopoGrafix
│ CATEGORY : Other
│ MIME TYPE : application/gpx+xml
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘

What is a GPX file?

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an open XML-based format for storing and exchanging GPS data, including waypoints, tracks, and routes. Developed by TopoGrafix in 2002, GPX 1.1 is the current standard and is supported by virtually every GPS device, fitness tracker, and mapping application in existence. GPX has become the universal language for GPS data exchange because it is open, human-readable, and backed by a formal XML schema.

A GPX file captures latitude, longitude, elevation (altitude), timestamps, and additional metadata like heart rate, cadence, or speed from compatible devices. This makes it valuable not just for navigation, but for fitness analysis, scientific data collection, and cartography.

How to open GPX files

  • Google Earth (Windows, macOS, Linux, Web) — Visualize the track on a 3D globe
  • Strava (Web, iOS, Android) — Import activities for analysis and sharing
  • Garmin Connect (Web) — Sync with Garmin GPS devices
  • GPXSee (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free, lightweight dedicated GPX viewer
  • QGIS (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free professional GIS software
  • Komoot / AllTrails — Hiking and cycling route platforms
  • Any text editor — GPX is human-readable XML

Technical specifications

PropertyValue
FormatXML
Current versionGPX 1.1 (2004)
Coordinate systemWGS 84 (latitude, longitude, elevation)
Data typesWaypoints (wpt), routes (rte), tracks (trk)
TimestampISO 8601 UTC format
ExtensionsCustom XML namespace extensions for HR, cadence, power
SchemaW3C XML Schema (xsd)

GPX file structure

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="FileDex"
     xmlns="http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1">

  <!-- Single location marker -->
  <wpt lat="51.5074" lon="-0.1278">
    <ele>11</ele>
    <name>London</name>
  </wpt>

  <!-- Recorded activity track -->
  <trk>
    <name>Morning Run</name>
    <trkseg>
      <trkpt lat="51.5074" lon="-0.1278">
        <ele>11.2</ele>
        <time>2026-02-22T07:00:00Z</time>
      </trkpt>
      <trkpt lat="51.5080" lon="-0.1285">
        <ele>12.1</ele>
        <time>2026-02-22T07:00:05Z</time>
      </trkpt>
    </trkseg>
  </trk>
</gpx>

Common use cases

  • Fitness tracking: Export running, cycling, and hiking activities from GPS watches and bike computers for analysis in Strava, Garmin Connect, or Komoot
  • Navigation: Share planned routes between apps and devices (e.g., from Komoot to a Garmin Edge)
  • Geocaching: GPX files store cache waypoints with coordinates and descriptions, exchanged between geocaching platforms and handheld GPS devices
  • Cartography and surveying: Field data collection for OpenStreetMap contributions and scientific geographic studies
  • Hiking and cycling: Trail data in GPX format is the standard for outdoor navigation apps

Waypoints vs routes vs tracks

ElementPurpose
<wpt>Named point of interest (single coordinate + name)
<rte>Planned route (ordered list of waypoints to navigate between)
<trk>Recorded track (timestamped breadcrumb trail of where you went)

Most fitness activities export as tracks. Navigation apps use routes. Points of interest are waypoints.

GPX tools and conversion

  • gpxpy (Python library) — Parse and manipulate GPX programmatically
  • GPSBabel — Convert between GPX and 50+ other GPS formats
  • GDAL/OGR — Convert GPX to GeoJSON, Shapefile, KML, etc.
  • gpx.studio (web) — Free online GPX editor and viewer