Convert GPX to KML Online — Free & Instant
Converting GPX to KML lets you bring your GPS tracks, waypoints, and routes into Google Earth, Google My Maps, or any KML-compatible application with support for rich styling, labels, and 3D terrain rendering. GPX is the universal GPS exchange format — used by Garmin devices, Strava, Komoot, and most GPS apps — but it is a data-first format with limited visual styling. KML is designed for geographic visualization: it supports custom icon images, line colors, descriptions, and time-based animation in Google Earth. Maparz uses GDAL to convert your GPX file to KML, preserving tracks, routes, waypoints, elevation, and timestamps. Both formats use WGS 84 (EPSG:4326), so no coordinate reprojection is needed.
File converter
When to convert GPX to KML
- View a hiking or cycling GPS track in Google Earth with 3D terrain and elevation profile.
- Share a GPS route with someone who uses Google Maps or Google Earth — KML opens with a double-click.
- Convert Garmin, Suunto, or Wahoo device exports to KML for client presentations in Google Earth Pro.
- Overlay field-collected GPS waypoints on satellite imagery in Google Earth with custom icons.
- Import GPS survey data into Google My Maps to create a shareable, styled map.
How to convert GPX to KML
- 1
Upload your GPX file
Drag and drop your .gpx file onto the upload zone, or click to browse. Files up to 50 MB are supported. Maparz accepts GPX exports from Garmin Connect, Strava, Komoot, Suunto, Wahoo, and any standard GPS device or app.
- 2
Select KML output
Click the KML button in the 'Convert to' section. GDAL will map GPX tracks to KML LineString placemarks and GPX waypoints to KML Point placemarks.
- 3
Click Convert file
Maparz converts your GPX to KML using GDAL and downloads the .kml file automatically — typically in under five seconds.
- 4
Open in Google Earth or Google My Maps
Double-click the downloaded .kml file to open it directly in Google Earth desktop. For Google My Maps, go to mymaps.google.com → Create a new map → Import, then upload the KML file to add it as a styled layer.
About GPX
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML-based format for storing GPS data including waypoints, routes, and tracks. It is the de-facto standard for sharing GPS recordings from devices like Garmin, Suunto, and smartphones. GPX is natively supported by Google Earth, Strava, Komoot, Garmin Connect, and virtually every GPS application. A GPX file can contain three types of data: waypoints (individual points of interest), routes (ordered lists of waypoints for navigation), and tracks (continuous GPS recordings with timestamps). GDAL reads and writes GPX natively.
Strengths
- +Universal GPS device compatibility
- +Supported by Strava, Garmin, Google Earth
- +Contains timestamps and elevation data
- +Human-readable XML
About KML
Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is an XML-based format developed for Google Earth and now maintained by the OGC. It is widely used in Google Maps, Google Earth, and many consumer-facing mapping applications. KML supports styled geometry, network links, folders, and time-based animations. It always uses geographic coordinates (WGS 84) and is stored as plain XML text. KMZ is simply a ZIP-compressed KML file, which can also include embedded images and other resources.
Strengths
- +Native in Google Earth and Google Maps
- +Supports rich styling and labels
- +Human-readable XML
Frequently asked questions
Q.Is elevation data preserved in the KML?
Yes. Elevation values from the GPX <ele> elements are mapped to KML altitude values in the output. In Google Earth, the track renders with correct 3D elevation above the terrain. To display the altitude correctly, set the altitude mode to 'Absolute' in the Google Earth layer properties after opening the KML file.
Q.Can I open the KML in Google Maps or Google My Maps?
Yes. In Google My Maps (mymaps.google.com), click 'Import' and upload the KML file to add it as a layer. Standard Google Maps does not directly import KML for personal use, but Google My Maps is the easiest way to view and share your GPS track with anyone via a link. The KML file can also be embedded in websites using the Google Maps JavaScript API.
Q.What happens to GPX track timestamps?
Timestamps from GPX track points (stored in <time> elements) are converted to KML TimeStamp elements in the output. This enables time-based animation in Google Earth — use the Timeline slider to replay your GPS recording as a moving path along the route. Timestamps are preserved for all track points where the original GPX file includes them.
Q.What is the difference between GPX and KML?
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML format designed for storing and exchanging GPS data — tracks, routes, and waypoints with coordinates, elevation, and timestamps. KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML format designed for geographic visualization in Google Earth and Google Maps. KML adds visual styling (line colors, widths, icon images), descriptions, camera viewpoints, and animations that GPX does not support. Convert GPX to KML when you need to present, share, or style your GPS data visually.
Q.Will my GPX waypoints appear as pins in the KML?
Yes. GDAL converts all three GPX geometry types: tracks become KML LineString placemarks, routes become KML LineString placemarks, and waypoints become KML Point placemarks rendered as pins in Google Earth. Each waypoint's name and description from the GPX <name> and <desc> elements are preserved as the KML Placemark name and description, so they appear as labeled, clickable pins in Google Earth.