Open GPX File

What is GPX File

GPX files establish a standard way for the exchange and storage of map information on GPS devices, smartphones and computers. Thanks to the GPX format, there is compatibility in the software of a device, which can read data created on different computers.

GPS devices and software developers can easily extend the GPX specification to accommodate new data types, making the standard more flexible to such an extent that there are no limits to the information that can be stored there, and therefore the software that reads that data. file can choose the information to display.

However, an experienced technician can read a GPX file manually using simple text editing programs; you don't need specialized software to decode the information.

You can access critical map information even if there is no specialized software or equipment available, since it is a plain text file, even containing XML tags. For example, a timestamp begins with the tag "" followed by the date and time, and the closing tag "" completes the data item.

The GPX specification accommodates any number of points indicating a route or path, so GPX files can be any size.

These files are self-contained, so their format requires only one file to contain all the information required by the software to describe a complete set of map data.

Applications

In terms of applications, GPX files are used by various handheld GPS devices, desktop computer programs, and mobile applications.

Applications such as the Windows software domain, Google Earth, NASA's World Wind Program, and the Chief Architect building design package, all use the GPX format to store location data.

Other applications such as Trails for Apple's iPhone, and BackCountry Navigator for Android and Windows Mobile, allow users to create and import GPX files of other data. Handheld GPS devices such as Garmin and Magellan also use the GPX format to save map data and load it from other sources.