How to Convert a KML to GPX

Google Earth and Google Maps provide free tools for creating and sharing "waypoints" and other forms of spatial data. However, the KML file saved from Google Earth or Google Maps needs to be converted to a GPX file before loading that information onto a GPS receiver. GPS Visualizer and GPS Utility are two free utilities which can convert your files. GPS Visualizer offers the convenience of an online utility, meaning you don't have to download an application; GPS Utility is a program which you download and install, which can be more flexible for offline productivity.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection
• KML file(s)

Instructions

GPS Visualizer

1. Visit the GPS Visualizer website. Within the green box which reads "Get started now: Upload a GPS file:," click the Browse button.

2. Browse to the location of your KML file and double-click it. From the drop-down box next to "Choose an output format:," select "GPX File."

3. Click the "Go!" button. A new page will load with the words "Right-click on the following link to download the file to your hard drive; you may want to give it a more sensible name." Right-click on the hyperlink ending in .gpx that follows that text and save it to an appropriate location on your hard drive.

GPS Utility

1. Download and install the GPS Utility program from the GPS Utility Ltd. website. Close the "Readme" file which opens automatically upon installation.

2. Open GPS Utility. Select "Open" from the "File" menu and browse to and open your KML file.

3. Select "Save As" from the "File" menu, and change the "Save as type" to "GPX interchange file [gpx]." Click "Save."

References

• GPS Visualizer
• GPS Utility