The short answer
A portable map of your route
GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format. It is a common file format for storing route, track and waypoint data collected by GPS devices and apps.
A GPX file is written in XML, which means it is a structured text file rather than an image of a map. Each waypoint can contain a position, elevation, timestamp and other useful information.
Inside the file
What information can GPX contain?
GPS coordinates
Latitude and longitude identify the precise position of each point along the route.
<trkpt lon="-1.820133" lat="54.135110">Elevation
Elevation records the height of a point, normally measured in metres above sea level.
<ele>143.4</ele>Timestamp
A timestamp records when a point was captured and can be used to calculate speed and duration.
<time>2019-01-09T12:00:27.000Z</time>The raw data
What does a GPX file look like?
Open one in a text editor and it can initially look complicated. However, every tag has a purpose: the example shows a named route with a start point and a finish point.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx
xmlns="http://www.topografix.com/GPX/1/1"
version="1.1"
creator="View GPX"
>
<rte>
<name>High Paradise to Lord Stones loop</name>
<rtept lat="54.292556" lon="-1.227839">
<name>Start</name>
</rtept>
<rtept lat="54.292701" lon="-1.227990">
<name>Finish</name>
</rtept>
</rte>
</gpx>Why are GPX files useful?
Their main advantage is compatibility. A GPX route can be exchanged between people, websites, navigation devices and apps such as Garmin Connect and Strava.
- Move routes between apps and GPS devices
- Share walking, running and cycling routes
- Analyse distance, elevation, speed and gradient
- Keep a portable copy of a recorded journey
Making your own
How are GPX files created?
Although you could write a GPX file by hand, it would be slow and impractical. Most GPX files are recorded automatically by a phone app, sports watch, bike computer or dedicated GPS device.
Route-planning services can also create GPX files before a journey. You can then transfer the file to another device or open it in a viewer to inspect the route.
Have a GPX file ready?
View its map and elevation, save it for later or share it with friends.