Best GPX to KML Converter Tools for Mapping

How to Convert GPX to KML — Step-by-Step GuideConverting GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files to KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is a common task for anyone working with maps, GPS devices, or geographic data. GPX is widely used for recording tracks, routes, and waypoints from GPS devices, while KML is the format used by Google Earth, Google Maps (via imports), and many GIS tools for displaying geographic data with rich styling. This guide walks you through multiple methods — web tools, desktop apps, and programmatic approaches — so you can pick the one that fits your needs.

When and why you might convert GPX to KML

• Compatibility: KML is native to Google Earth and many mapping viewers, while GPX is primarily for GPS devices and fitness apps.
• Styling & visualization: KML supports rich styling (icons, colors, descriptions, folders) for better presentation.
• Sharing & presentation: KML (and KMZ, its zipped variant) is handy for sharing interactive map views with non-technical users.

Quick overview: choose the right method

• Use an online converter if you want a fast, one-off conversion without installing software.
• Use a desktop GIS or mapping app (QGIS, Garmin BaseCamp) if you need more control, editing, or batch conversions.
• Use a script (Python) if you need automation, custom transformation, or to process many files programmatically.

Method 1 — Online converters (fast and simple)

1. Pick an online GPX-to-KML converter (search for “GPX to KML converter” to find options).
2. Upload your GPX file (most sites accept .gpx; some accept compressed GPX).
3. Choose options if available: include waypoints, tracks, convert time stamps, or export as KMZ.
4. Convert and download the KML/KMZ file.
5. Open in Google Earth or import into Google My Maps or GIS software.

Pros: quick, no install. Cons: privacy concerns for sensitive tracks; limited customization.

Method 2 — Desktop apps (QGIS, Google Earth Pro, Garmin BaseCamp)

Using QGIS (free, powerful)

1. Install QGIS (latest LTS recommended).
2. Open QGIS and go to Layer → Add Layer → Add Vector Layer.
3. Select your GPX file (choose “GPS tracks”, “routes”, or “waypoints” as appropriate).
4. Once the layer is added, right-click the layer → Export → Save Features As.
5. Choose “Keyhole Markup Language [KML]” as the format, set the filename (or KMZ), choose the CRS (usually WGS84 / EPSG:4326), and export.
6. Open the resulting KML in Google Earth to check placement and styling.

Using Google Earth Pro

1. Open Google Earth Pro.
2. File → Open and select the GPX file. Google Earth will prompt which layers to import (tracks, waypoints).
3. Once imported, right-click the imported folder in the Places panel → Save Place As → choose KML or KMZ and save.

Using Garmin BaseCamp

1. Import the GPX file to BaseCamp.
2. Select the items (tracks, waypoints) → File → Export → Save As KML or KMZ.

Pros: good control, offline, secure. Cons: software install and learning curve.

Method 3 — Programmatic conversion (Python) — automation & customization

If you need batch conversions or custom transformations (filtering, reprojecting, adding descriptions), use Python. Below is a simple script demonstrating conversion using the fast pykml and gpxpy libraries.

Prerequisites:

• Python 3.8+
• Install packages:

  
  pip install gpxpy simplekml 

Script (basic GPX → KML conversion preserving tracks and waypoints):

import gpxpy import simplekml from datetime import datetime def gpx_to_kml(gpx_path, kml_path):     with open(gpx_path, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:         gpx = gpxpy.parse(f)     kml = simplekml.Kml()     # Waypoints     for wp in gpx.waypoints:         p = kml.newpoint(name=wp.name or '', coords=[(wp.longitude, wp.latitude)])         if wp.elevation is not None:             p.altitude = wp.elevation         if wp.description:             p.description = wp.description     # Tracks     for track in gpx.tracks:         for seg in track.segments:             coords = [(p.longitude, p.latitude, p.elevation if p.elevation is not None else 0)                       for p in seg.points]             if coords:                 ls = kml.newlinestring(name=track.name or '', coords=coords)                 ls.altitudemode = simplekml.AltitudeMode.clamptoground     kml.save(kml_path) if __name__ == '__main__':     gpx_to_kml('input.gpx', 'output.kml') 

Notes:

• This preserves basic attributes; you can extend to include timestamps, style, and folders.
• Save as .kmz by using kml.savekmz(‘output.kmz’) if you want a zipped file with embedded images/icons.

Troubleshooting common issues

• GPS coordinates look wrong: ensure the coordinate reference system is WGS84 (EPSG:4326).
• Missing waypoints/tracks: check that the GPX file contains those elements (open it in a text editor to inspect).
• Large GPX files: online tools may fail; use desktop apps or scripts to handle big files and memory limits.
• Time information lost: some converters skip timestamps — choose a tool or script that preserves time.

Tips for better results

• If you plan to share, use KMZ to package icons and images with the KML.
• Clean up GPX (remove noisy track points) before conversion to reduce file size. Tools like GPSBabel or QGIS can simplify tracks.
• When importing into Google My Maps, KML is supported but large files may be rejected — split large files into smaller ones.

Example workflow (recommended for regular users)

1. Use QGIS to inspect and, if needed, clean your GPX (filter by time, remove outliers).
2. Export to KML from QGIS, organizing layers into folders and applying styles.
3. Optionally compress to KMZ and open in Google Earth for presentation.

If you want, I can:

• Provide a tailored Python script to preserve timestamps, track segments, and styles.
• Walk you through converting a specific GPX file you have (tell me whether you prefer an online tool, QGIS, or a script).