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GPX vs KML
GPX is XML for exchanging GPS waypoints, planned routes, and recorded tracks. KML describes geographic features for map or globe display and can include names, descriptions, styles, folders, and overlays.
Which format should you choose?
Choose GPX to transfer track times, elevation, and segments between GPS or outdoor apps. Consider KML for map annotations, grouping, styles, and overlays. Check coordinate order, timestamps, elevation, route-versus-track meaning, styles, and external links when converting.
Good fit for GPX
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
- Moving time-stamped tracks and points into compatible map or GPS apps
- Sharing between software that supports GPX 1.1 and WGS 84 coordinates
Good fit for KML
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
- Showing features and annotations in Google Earth and compatible GIS tools
- Bundling location data with names descriptions and presentation
Basic information
| Field | GPX | KML |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .gpx | .kml |
| MIME type | application/xml | application/vnd.google-earth.kml+xml |
| Common uses | Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling | Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles |
| How to open | Import it into a GPX-compatible map, GPS, or GIS app. Check whether points, routes, and tracks were recognized as intended and whether time, elevation, and coordinate interpretation look right. A text editor can show the XML, but use a compatible app to inspect the path on a map. | Open it in Google Earth or a GIS or mapping app that supports KML. Check not only feature locations but also lines, polygons, styles, descriptions, external images, and network links. An XML editor can show the structure; use a compatible app to verify the map display. |
| Export or convert | Convert to GeoJSON, CSV, KML, or another format for the intended workflow. Turning a track into simple lines or points can discard timestamps, elevation, or the distinction between a planned route and a recorded track. Keep the original GPX and verify coordinates and attributes after conversion. | Convert to GeoJSON or another format for GIS or web maps. Styles, descriptions, timestamps, and external references may not all survive conversion. Check coordinate order, altitude handling, and rendering in the target app, and keep the original KML. |
Choose by use case
Moving time-stamped tracks and points into compatible map or GPS apps
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
GPXSharing between software that supports GPX 1.1 and WGS 84 coordinates
Exchanging GPS waypoints routes and tracks between apps · Saving location records from activities such as hiking and cycling
GPXShowing features and annotations in Google Earth and compatible GIS tools
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
KMLBundling location data with names descriptions and presentation
Describing geographic information for display in maps and earth browsers · Sharing placemarks paths areas descriptions and display styles
KMLKey point 1
GPX 1.1 defines separate wpt, rte, and trk elements and uses WGS 84 coordinates. KML builds map content from Features such as Placemarks and geometries such as Points, LineStrings, and Polygons.
More on the differencesKey point 2
KML coordinate tuples are usually longitude, latitude, altitude; GPX uses latitude/longitude attributes and an optional elevation element. Misreading axis order or altitude mode changes locations or heights.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use GPX for GPS route and track exchange; use KML when map presentation and annotations matter. Verify what survives conversion and keep the original.
- Converting timestamped GPX track points to a KML line may lose timestamps, segment boundaries, or the distinction between a planned route and a recorded track.
- In the other direction, KML styles, descriptions, folders, overlays, and network links may not transfer to GPX.
Frequently asked questions
Will a GPX-to-KML conversion keep track timestamps?
Not always. A simple KML line may preserve the path but omit per-point time and segment details; inspect the exported features.