Convert Shapefile to GPX Online — Free & Instant
Converting a Shapefile to GPX lets you load GIS data onto GPS devices, fitness apps like Strava and Garmin Connect, or navigation tools like OsmAnd and Komoot. GPX is the universal GPS exchange format supported by virtually every outdoor and navigation application. Maparz converts your Shapefile's line and point geometry to GPX tracks, routes, and waypoints using GDAL.
File converter
When to convert Shapefile to GPX
- Loading trail or road Shapefiles onto a Garmin GPS device for navigation
- Importing GIS survey points into Strava or Komoot as waypoints
- Converting planned route Shapefiles for use in OsmAnd or Maps.me
- Sharing GIS line data with field teams using handheld GPS units
How to convert Shapefile to GPX
- 1
Upload your Shapefile
Drop your .shp file or a ZIP bundle containing .shp, .dbf, and .shx onto the upload zone.
- 2
Select GPX output
Click GPX in the format selector panel.
- 3
Convert and download
Click Convert. The .gpx file downloads automatically within seconds.
- 4
Load onto your GPS device
Transfer the .gpx file to your Garmin device's GPX folder, or import it into your GPS app of choice.
About Shapefile
Shapefile (SHP) is the de-facto standard vector format developed by Esri. A shapefile is actually a collection of at least three files: .shp (geometry), .dbf (attributes), and .shx (index). Despite its age, it remains the most widely-supported format across GIS desktop software including ArcGIS and QGIS. Shapefiles support points, lines, and polygons but are limited to 2 GB in size and 10-character field names. When sharing shapefiles, always bundle them into a .zip archive.
Strengths
- +Universal compatibility with all GIS software
- +Stable, well-documented format
- +Supported natively by QGIS, ArcGIS, GRASS
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
Frequently asked questions
Q.What geometry types can be exported to GPX?
GPX supports points (waypoints), lines (tracks/routes), and their multi-variants. Polygon Shapefiles will have their boundaries converted to closed tracks in the GPX output.
Q.Will my Shapefile attributes transfer to GPX?
GPX has a limited attribute model — only name and description fields are standard. Key attributes from the Shapefile .dbf are mapped to the GPX name and description elements.
Q.Can I load the GPX directly onto a Garmin device?
Yes. Connect your Garmin via USB and copy the .gpx file to the Garmin/GPX folder on the device. It will appear as a track or waypoint list.
Q.What CRS does the GPX output use?
GPX always uses WGS 84 (EPSG:4326). If your Shapefile uses a projected CRS, Maparz reprojects it automatically before export.