How to Convert KML to GPX for GPS Devices and Outdoor Apps
A practical guide to converting Google Earth KML routes and points into GPX files for GPS devices and outdoor mapping apps.
Upload a local KML file to a KML-to-GPX converter. Point placemarks become GPX waypoints and LineString paths become GPX tracks. Check the result in a GPX viewer because KML styling, folders, polygons, and remote links do not transfer directly to GPX.
KML to GPX Converter
Convert KML Point and LineString features into GPX waypoints and tracks in your browser.
How KML Features Map to GPX
KML Point placemarks map naturally to GPX wpt waypoints. KML LineString coordinate sequences map to GPX trk and trkseg track elements. Polygon boundaries can be treated as lines only when your workflow explicitly needs a perimeter; GPX does not represent filled areas or Google Earth styling.
What Happens to Elevation?
When KML coordinates include a third value, a converter can write it to GPX ele elements. The numeric value is preserved, but KML altitude modes such as clamped to ground or relative to ground may not have an identical meaning in every GPS application.
Verify the GPX Before Using It
Open the downloaded GPX in a viewer, check the route shape, inspect distance and elevation, and compare it with the original KML. Keep the source file because GPX does not preserve KML folders, colors, tours, image overlays, or NetworkLinks.
Preview KML → convert → inspect GPX → import to your GPS app.
Explore Related Spatial Tools
People Also Ask About How to Convert KML to GPX for GPS Devices and Outdoor Apps
Essential questions answered with verified geodesic formulas, datum standards, and practical mapping advice.
Yes. GeoMap Suite provides a free browser-based KML-to-GPX converter.
Geospatial Content Team
Specializing in geodetic algorithms, WGS84 coordinate mathematics, and large-scale spatial mobility studies across North America and Europe.
Senior GIS Analyst
Reviewed against the calculation method and source limitations documented for each tool. Provider-backed results and real-world conditions can vary.
More From the Geospatial Blog
View all guidesHow to Draw a Radius on Google Maps (and Free Map Radius Tools)
A definitive guide on drawing 5-mile, 10-mile, or custom distance circles around addresses on Google Maps, overcoming Web Mercator distortion, and using free dedicated radius tools.
How to Calculate Driving Distance Between Two Points (Road vs Straight-Line)
A comprehensive technical and practical guide to calculating road driving distance versus straight-line geodesic distance between addresses, coordinates, and cities.
How to Find the Elevation of an Address or Location (Above Sea Level)
A complete guide to finding the exact elevation above sea level for any home address or coordinate point using USGS LiDAR, Copernicus 30m DEMs, and GPS sensors.