Use and read a GPX file

On Android:

What is a GPX file and how to open it ?

In any discussion on routes, navigation or GPS devices, you have probably seen people mention the type of GPX file. If you are a hiking lover or regularly get out of unknown land, you will necessarily deal with a time in GPX format which is one of the most used for sharing itinerary.

Open a GPX file is not always an easy task. You have just recovered one on a site, you were sent to you by an acquaintance. And you want to read the content. Follow the guide to find out how to manage this type of file, whether you are on an Android smartphone, an iPhone, or even a Windows or Mac computer.

What is GPX ?

This acronym is only an abbreviation of GPS Exchange which is a file format which, as its name can suggest, allows you to exchange GPS coordinates by sharing them in the form of a file that can be imported into a GPS application. It is therefore a list of specific, ordered locations, which constitute an itinerary for hikers, cyclists or anyone carrying out an activity requiring the monitoring of a specific route. This route can be indicated on an interactive map, or even be printed on a paper medium.

How to open a GPX file ?

Open a GPX file Maybe a real headache if you meet this format for the first time. All GPS navigation applications do not allow it to be opened. However, it is possible to access a GPX route using Google Maps. Here is the approach to follow:

On computer

• Access the https: // www page.Google.com/maps/d/u/0/
• Above, right, click the button Create a card
• In the left menu, click on the link Import
• Then select your GPX file from its location or drag and drop in the window to import it into Google Maps

To open the GPX file route:

• Open Google Maps on your computer
• Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner
• Select Your addresses In the side menu
• Go to the tab Cards To display all your routes created or imported

From a smartphone

If you use an Android or iOS smartphone, the process for opening the GPX file is almost the same:

• We recommend that you import the file from a computer as indicated above
• Then open Google Maps on your Android smartphone, iPhone or iPad and make sure you be connected with the same Gmail account as that used for imports
• Press the three horizontal lines in the upper left angle to open the side menu or simply make a sliding on the right from the left edge of the smartphone
• Go to Your addresses From the side menu and then in the tab Cards

You can now access all of your addresses created, but also open the GPX routes imported into your account.

Use and read a GPX file

Find on this page how to download and use the “GPX” files offered on the various hiking, bicycle, and mountain biking routes of our site.

A GPX or “GPS Exchange Format” file is a file format that allows you to store your route route on your computer or smartphone and thus not get lost in hiking. To read this format you will need to download an application allowing its opening. Here are some examples of applications:

On Android:

The application GPX Viewer has a free version and is very easy to use.

The application Visorando GPS Hiking is one of the essentials in the GPX route fields.

On iOS Several applications are also available:

The application GPX Viewer allows you to display the layout on your GPS. The interface is also only in English.

On Windows Phone ::

The application GPX Player allows you to display the layout on your GPS and read it in a 3D environment.

Once the application is downloaded, just find the file .GPX stored in your device. In real time, your phone will then display your position in relation to the layout allowing you to follow your progress.