Shapefile to GPX Converter
Convert shape lines into GPX path markers.
Export geospatial layers into formats compatible with GPS devices. This tool bridges the gap between desktop GIS environments and outdoor navigation units, converting spatial properties and shapes into standard XML tracks.
Drag file here to convert, or select file
Supported file extension: .zip • Max 50MB
Specification Rules
- Import custom survey maps onto handheld navigation equipment
- Convert line layers from municipal planning documents into active hiking routes
- Map environmental tracking lines onto portable GPS monitors
- Shape files must contain line geometries (polygons are converted to boundary contours)
- dBASE attribute parameters are dropped to meet the standard schema limitations of GPX
- Projections must translate accurately to GPS coordinate standards
GDAL Direct Equivalent Terminal Command
When to use this conversion
Convert when GIS-designed routes (planned hiking trails, surveying lines) need to load onto a handheld GPS for field use. Shapefile is the source format because the route was authored in ArcGIS or QGIS; GPX is the target because that's what the device accepts.
Technical Details
GPX is typically 2–4× the size of the source Shapefile bundle. The XML overhead and lack of a binary geometry store inflate it considerably.
Common Errors & Fixes
- Polygons not exported: GPX has no polygon geometry. Fix: convert polygons to boundary LineStrings first.
- Device complains about track point count: many GPS devices cap tracks at a few hundred points. Fix: simplify the geometry with QGIS's Simplify tool before export.
- CRS warning: .prj missing means GDAL cannot reproject. Fix: add or fix the .prj file before conversion.
- Track names missing on device: the "name" attribute is empty or wrong. Fix: ensure the source .dbf has a populated name column.
Alternative Tools
- QGIS: open the .shp, export features as GPX
- ogr2ogr CLI: ogr2ogr -f GPX output.gpx input.shp
- gpsbabel for cleanup after conversion
- Manual: open in QGIS, simplify with Vector → Geometry Tools → Simplify, then export
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert Polygon boundaries to GPX?
Polygons must be converted to closed bounding loops before conversion. Our converter handles this transition automatically.
Why did my attribute logs disappear?
GPX is a navigation standard and does not support arbitrary columns. Standard attributes are kept, while non-standard columns are stripped.
Is the output compatible with outdoor mapping tools?
Yes. The generated files are structured according to GPS XML schemas, ensuring compatibility with tools like Garmin BaseCamp.