.GPX

GPS Exchange Format

Introduction

GPX is the common format for GPS data: places to visit, planned routes and recorded tracks. It is an XML schema published by TopoGrafix; version 1.1, from 2004, is the one in use today. GPS devices, sports watches, fitness apps and mapping software import and export it, which makes it the usual way to move a hike or a ride from one service to another.

Software

Structure

The root element is <gpx>, with a version and a creator attribute. Inside it, after optional <metadata>, come three kinds of element:

  • <wpt>: a waypoint, a single named place
  • <rte>: a route, an ordered list of <rtept> points to travel through
  • <trk>: a track, a recorded path made of one or more <trkseg> segments of <trkpt> points

Every point carries lat and lon attributes in decimal degrees, and may hold an elevation (<ele>), a time (<time>) and a name. Devices add their own data, such as heart rate, inside <extensions> elements.