Top-5 Best Free KML To GPX Converter Software

Jack

By Jack

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KML To GPX

KML and GPX are two widely used file formats in the realm of geospatial data. KML, developed by Keyhole Inc., is an XML-based format used for representing geographic annotations and visualizations in applications such as Google Earth. GPX, on the other hand, is an open standard format designed for GPS data exchange. It contains information about waypoints, tracks, and routes, making it compatible with various GPS devices and software applications.

Why Convert KML to GPX?

Converting KML to GPX becomes necessary when there is a need to transfer geospatial data from KML-supported applications to those that primarily work with GPX files.

This conversion enables seamless data interoperability, allowing users to utilize their data across different platforms and devices.

Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, analyzing geographical data, or sharing location information, converting KML to GPX opens up a broader range of possibilities.

Understanding KML and GPX Structures

KML files consist of XML tags that define various elements such as points, lines, polygons, and overlays.

These elements can be styled and annotated with additional information, providing rich visual representations of geographic data. GPX files, on the other hand, follow a hierarchical structure comprising waypoints, tracks, and routes.

Waypoints represent specific locations, tracks are sequences of points forming a path, and routes are collections of waypoints that define a course.

Best Free KML To GPX Converter Software for Windows Computer

PS: here, you will figure out the best golf GPS watch.

1) GpsPrune

GpsPrune

GpsPrune is a KML viewer that also allows the user to convert the KML file into GPX or the other formats like POV, TXT, SVG, and an image format as well. The file that you open in GpsPrune software can be visualized in the map provided by it.

On the map provided to you, not only seeing but also adding or removing the coordinates is possible. And the map can also be cached on your disk, which helps in making it work faster. In addition, there are many other useful options offered by the software.

Conversion Process

  1. First, install Java on your computer. And then open the software.
  2. Once you are inside the program, import in it the KML file that needs to be converted into GPX format.
  3. After the file has been successfully imported, the software will show you the coordinates which you can easily edit in it. However, it will not be showing you these coordinates on a map. In case you want them to be shown on a map, you will need to enable it from the toolbar.
  4. Once you are done with the visualization and editing, you can export your KML file as a GPX file by using the “Export GPX” available in the “File” menu. You will be asked to select the location on your computer where you want to save your exported file. Thus finally, you will end up finishing your KML to GPX conversion process. And it is done!

2) GPSBabel

GPSBabel

If you want to convert your file from KML to GPX format and from GPX to KML format with a few clicks of the mouse, GPSBabel may be the software you are looking for.

It is a feature-rich program that works on Windows and offers the facility to convert one format of GPS file into another for a very wide range of formats.

But you will not be offered any map in this software. Hence, it is not possible to visualize and edit the KML file in it. It just offers the function of conversion, along with some extra options.

The options like defining the line color, line width, drawing extrusion line, exporting placemarks, writing KML track, and many other options are available in the software.

Conversion Process

The program is very simple and easy to use. Just follow the steps mentioned below to convert your file from KML to GPS:

  1. First, download and install the software on your Windows PC. Once installed successfully, open the program.
  2. Once you are on the home screen of the program, go to the section of “Input” and locate the path to your KML file.
  3. Next, in the input file format, you should select the “Google Earth (Keyhole) Markup Language.”
  4. Next, you should hit the “Options” button in case you are also in need of specifying some parameters.
  5. The next step is to navigate to the “Output” section and specify the output format as “GPX XML.” Then click the “OK” button provided at the bottom. Once it is done, the conversion process will start. And, that’s all.

3) ITN Converter

ITN Converter

Another of the best KML to GPX converter software that I would like to include in this list is the ITN converter.

This program will let you import your KML file, and it will then show all the coordinates available in that file. And the software also has a map in which all those coordinates will be visualized. Once you can visualize all the coordinates in the map, you can easily edit them, if you desire, with the use of the tools available in the software.

Apart from the facility to convert a file from KML to GPX format, the program also facilitates the conversion from one format of GPS file to another format.

Moreover, it is also possible to convert a file from KML to various other types of GPX files. And to make it possible for you to visualize the coordinates, the program offers a variety of maps.

Conversion Process

You will need to follow the steps mentioned below to convert a file from KML format to GPX format with the use of the ITN Converter:

  1. First, download the software and install it on your PC or computer.
  2. Once you have completed the installation process, open the program.
  3. Once you are on the home screen of the program, import the KML file that needs to be converted into GPX format.
  4. After you have successfully imported the file, the software display a list of all the coordinates available in that file. And those coordinates can be visualized on the map also.
  5. Further, you can also edit the coordinates if you want.
  6. Once you are done with everything, you can export the file to the desired file format (like GPX) by selecting the format from the drop-down menu displayed on the bottom part of the main interface and then hitting the “Export” button. And it is finally done!

4) KML/KMZ To GPX Converter

KML/KMZ To GPX Converter

It is a dedicated program for converting files from KML to GPX format and is available on Windows PC or computers. It is easy to use. The software shows information like longitude detail, latitude, etc. And it is also possible to edit the parameters like description, name, etc.

Conversion Process

For you to be able to convert a KML file into GPX format, the following steps are needed to be performed:

  1. After installing the software on your computer, open it.
  2. With the use of the icon of Google Earth, import into the program the KML file that you intend to convert into GPX format.
  3. Once the file has been imported successfully, it will display the list of the coordinates. You are also allowed to edit the parameters of coordinates if you need them.
  4. The next step is to click on the GPS icon (available in the toolbar) to start exporting the file from KML format to GPX format. You will also be asked for the location where you would like to save the newly converted file. And that’s all.

5) Extra_POI_Editor

Extra_POI_Editor

Last but not least is this Extra_POI_Editor, which is also free to use, just like the other software mentioned above. It offers some advanced features and tools also, which will make you fall in love with it.

With the use of this program, you can easily create, view, edit, and convert the KML, GPX, CSV, XLS, POI, and OV2 files. Apart from the conversion, both visualization and editing of the KML files are possible with this software.

Conversion Process

Below I have explained the steps that you will need to follow to convert a file from KML to GPX format:

  1. First, install and launch the program on your Windows PC or computer.
  2. Once you are inside the software, the next step will be to navigate to the “File” menu and open the KML file that needs to be converted.
  3. Once the KML file has been opened, the program will display a list of the geographical data. You can edit these points and can also visualize them on the map provided at the bottom part of the interface.
  4. The next step is to navigate to the “File” menu and make use of the “Save As” option to export the KML file to the GPX format. Here, you will also be asked to specify the output file name and the location where it will be saved. And that’s all!

Tips for Successful KML to GPX Conversion

To ensure a successful and accurate conversion process, consider the following tips:

  • Maintaining Data Integrity: Check for any inconsistencies or data loss during the conversion and validate the output against the original data.
  • Handling Complex Structures: Be mindful of complex KML structures, such as nested elements or extended data, and choose conversion methods that support these features.
  • Verifying Output Accuracy: After conversion, review the GPX file in a compatible software or device to confirm that the data is correctly represented and interpreted.

Benefits of KML to GPX Conversion

Converting KML to GPX offers several advantages:

  • Enhanced Compatibility: GPX files are widely supported by GPS devices, navigation software, and mapping platforms, ensuring seamless data usage across multiple applications.
  • Improved Data Visualization: GPX files allow for detailed representations of waypoints, tracks, and routes, providing a more comprehensive view of geospatial information.
  • Seamless Integration with GPS Devices: With GPX files, you can easily transfer data to GPS devices for navigation, geocaching, or other location-based activities.

FAQs

Q1: Can I convert multiple KML files to GPX simultaneously using online tools?

Yes, many online conversion tools support batch conversion, allowing you to upload multiple KML files and convert them to GPX in one go. Check the specific tool’s features and instructions for guidance on batch conversion.

Q2: Are there any limitations on file size when converting KML to GPX online?

Some online conversion tools may impose restrictions on file size due to server limitations. Ensure that your KML file falls within the supported size limits or consider alternative methods like desktop software or programming libraries for larger files.

Q3: Can I convert GPX files back to KML if needed?

Yes, the conversion process is reversible. You can utilize similar methods and tools to convert GPX files back to KML if necessary.

Q4: Are there any free programming libraries available for KML to GPX conversion?

Yes, libraries like pyKML and GDAL are open-source and free to use, providing powerful APIs for KML to GPX conversion and other geospatial data operations.

Q5: How can I ensure the accuracy of the converted GPX file?

To verify the accuracy of the converted GPX file, import it into compatible software or devices and cross-reference it with the original KML data. Visual inspection and spot-checking specific waypoints or routes can help ensure the conversion was successful.

Final Words

All of the 5 KML to GPX converter software mentioned above are hand-picked software. You can confidently choose any one of them and go ahead to convert your KML files into GPX format.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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