How to view a Strava or Garmin GPS track in Google Earth

Google Earth lets you replay any GPS activity in 3D — flying over the terrain, watching the elevation changes, and exploring the route from any angle. The only catch: Google Earth uses KML format, while Strava, Garmin Connect, Komoot, and virtually every GPS app export GPX format. Converting between the two takes about 30 seconds.

This guide walks through the full process for each major platform — export, convert, open — with no software installation and no account required beyond what you already have.

Step 1 — Export your GPS track as a GPX file

From Strava

1. Open the activity page on Strava (desktop or mobile web)
2. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner of the activity
3. Select Export GPX
4. The .gpx file downloads to your computer

Note: Strava requires a free account to export. If you only have the activity link, you can view it directly in Strava's own map instead.

From Garmin Connect

1. Open the activity in Garmin Connect (web)
2. Click the gear icon in the top-right of the activity details
3. Select Export to GPX

Garmin devices also store .fit files on the device itself ( GARMIN/ACTIVITY/ on the SD card). If you need to work with .fit files directly, convert them to GPX in Garmin Connect first before exporting.

From Komoot

1. Open the tour in Komoot (web)
2. Scroll down to the Download section below the map
3. Click Export GPX

From other apps (Suunto, Wahoo, Apple Watch, Polar)

Most fitness platforms let you export as GPX from the activity's detail page or settings menu. Look for "Export", "Share", or "Download" options. Apple Watch activities can be exported via the Health app on iPhone (Browse → Workouts → select activity → share icon).

Step 2 — Convert GPX to KML

Upload your .gpx file to the converter below and select KML as the output format. Maparz uses GDAL to convert the file, preserving your track geometry, elevation data, and timestamps. The conversion takes a few seconds and the KML file downloads automatically.

Step 3 — Open in Google Earth

Google Earth desktop (best for 3D terrain)

1. Download Google Earth Pro (free) if you don't have it
2. Double-click the downloaded .kml file — Google Earth opens and flies to your track
3. Right-click the track in the sidebar → Show Elevation Profile to see the altitude chart
4. Press Ctrl+Alt+P (Windows) or ⌘+Option+P (Mac) to play back the tour along the route

Google My Maps (easiest to share)

1. Go to mymaps.google.com and click Create a new map
2. Click Import in the layer panel and upload your KML file
3. Your route appears as a layer — click Share to get a link anyone can open on mobile or desktop

Google My Maps does not require the recipient to have a Google account to view a shared map.

Why KML and not just uploading the GPX?

Google Earth does actually support opening GPX files directly on some platforms — but the support is inconsistent. GPX files may not display elevation correctly, and the timeline/tour playback feature only works reliably with KML. Converting first ensures your track renders in full 3D with the correct altitude above the terrain surface, and that timestamps work for animated replay.

KML also lets you add custom styling — line colour, width, labels, descriptions — if you open the file in a text editor and edit the <Style> element. For example, changing <color>ff0000ff</color> turns the track bright red in Google Earth.

Frequently asked questions