How to create a GPX file ?

GPX was developed to facilitate the recording and sharing of GPS data. Thus, this file format is often downloaded by mountain biking, hiking, trail riding and mountain escapades enthusiasts. It will allow you to prepare a run and to follow your itinerary with precision.

You can also easily create a walking route with this system.

What is the purpose of the GPX format ?

The GPX format is a contraction of the English terms GPS and exchange. It is thus used to exchange GPS coordinates. These tracks gather several points of passage allowing to trace a route.

Thus, the hikers or the cyclists will be able to track it, thanks to an IGN or interactive map.

Today, there is a great diversity of interactive maps with GPX tracks, on mobile application or GPS receiver. These tools allow you to find your way and to follow the route planned for the hike. It is not only about knowing your geolocation in real time.

You also need to know your progress in relation to the whole route.

Finally, GPX is essential for do not deviate from your route. This is very important from a practical and safety point of view. Seemingly harmless, deviating from the route can put you in danger, especially on the passes.

This aspect of hiking has also led to the use of beacons, cairns, etc.

Why use this type of file in hiking ?

The enthusiasts of trekking often insist on the essential aspect of GPS tracks when hiking. It will allow to reach your goal safely. Besides, climbers generally have a precise objective.

However, you may be confronted with impassable or dangerous paths, by deviating from the planned route.

You will also reduce the difference in altitude and the distance of the route, if you manage to follow the GPX tracks available. This data is often shared by people who have already managed to reach the summit in question. You will be able to avoid the mistakes they have already made.

In the end, you optimize the management of your efforts and your time.

The GPX is precisely adapted, because it is easy to find, share and import into GPS applications. It can, for example, be imported into the Garmin Connect app. The latter covers various products of the brand, including the Garmin watch, Garmin GPS, etc.

In addition, the company offers regular program and map updates via Garmin Express.

Where to download this type of file ?

Many web platforms currently offer a GPX guide tab dedicated to GPX file downloads. This practice is particularly common on pages specialized in mountain biking, trekking, hiking, etc. Tourism professionals are also starting to get involved.

So you should find these files quite easily on the Internet.

You can, for example, search for GPX tracks on some websites like Visorando or Wikiloc. These collaborative platforms invite trail or snowshoe enthusiasts to retrace the route of their escapades. You will be able to compare several tracks and choose the best route.

The specialized blogs often do the same by presenting several GPX files to visitors.

In addition to GPX routes, this type of page provides various information such as the average speed required. Some Internet users evaluate the level of difficulty of the route for running and runner profiles. Other users can also post comments or photos of the terrain.

Thus, you can already visualize the route after downloading it.

How to create a GPS file ?

There are a myriad of sites for create a GPX file, like My GPS File or Google My Maps. Backed by Google Maps, this service allows you to plot the most suitable route for your activity (trail, geocaching, etc.).). However, you will need your Google account and a detailed tutorial to successfully use it.

On My GPS File however, you will immediately be prompted to choose the type of map background to display. Check the option Relief, in map mode, to have a better view of the terrain to explore. Zoom in then up to 1/2000.

Finally, click on Create in the drop-down menu Trace.

At this point, the cursor will turn into a cross to define your routes point by point. It is highly recommended to set a waypoint every 20 meters. If you create a loop, link the start and end point. To finish, save the file in GPX format (.gpx).

Other services can also use IGN maps, Google earth pro or any other geoportal.