GPX to KML: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

The two things that surprise people converting GPX to KML are that timestamps do not carry over (KML output is static geometry) and that elevation is written but Google Earth clamps tracks to the ground by default — so the profile you see comes from Earth's terrain model, not your GPX. Understanding those two behaviours prevents most confusion.

This is a best-practices guide, not a step-by-step. If you just need the steps, the tool page has them. Here we cover getting a faithful, correctly rendered track into Google Earth.

Know what carries over and what does not

Best practice: if you need time animation — a moving dot replaying your ride — keep the original GPX, because it stays the richer format for timing. Convert to KML when the goal is to view or present the shape of the track, not animate it.

Handle elevation realistically

Elevation from your GPX <ele> values is written into the KML altitude field, but Google Earth draws tracks clamped to the ground unless a feature specifies otherwise. That means the up-and-down terrain you see is Google's elevation model, which can differ slightly from your device's barometric or GPS altitude. This is not a conversion error — it is how Google Earth displays ground-clamped KML. If your recorded elevation looks off against the terrain, that mismatch is the reason.

Respect multi-segment tracks

A common mistake is expecting a track with GPS dropouts to become one continuous line. Good conversion does the opposite on purpose: each trkseg becomes its own line string, and the segments are grouped in a single MultiGeometry placemark. Your track keeps its name and stays one clickable object, but the gaps — a tunnel, a lost signal — are preserved rather than bridged with a false straight line. That is the accurate representation; do not try to merge segments unless you truly want to hide the gaps.

Converting Strava, Garmin and app exports

Strava's Export GPX and Garmin Connect exports are standard GPX 1.1 and convert directly — the activity track comes through as a line string named after the activity, with course points or waypoints as placemarks. Pitfall to watch: some apps export a route (planned) rather than a track (recorded), or bundle several activities. Check the summary the tool shows after conversion so you know whether you got waypoints, tracks, routes, or all three, and that the count matches what you expected.

Validate messy XML first

Most failed conversions are malformed GPX — a truncated download or an unclosed tag. Because the tool parses with the browser's own XML engine, a broken file throws an error. If it does, run the GPX through an XML formatter to spot the structural problem, then reconvert. And since parsing is fully local, your movement history — genuinely sensitive location data — never leaves your device.

Try the GPX to KML Converter — free and 100% in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my track sit flat on the ground in Google Earth?

Google Earth clamps KML features to the terrain by default, so even though elevation is written into the file, the track follows Earth's own ground model rather than floating at your recorded altitudes.

Where did my timestamps go?

KML output here is static geometry, which has no time dimension. Keep the original GPX if you need time-based animation or per-point timing.

My track looks broken into pieces — is that wrong?

No. Separate segments reflect real gaps in the recording, such as signal loss. They are kept apart deliberately and grouped under one named placemark so the track stays honest and still behaves as a single object.

Will a planned route convert as well as a recorded track?

Yes. Routes (rte/rtept) convert to line strings just like tracks. Check the post-conversion summary to confirm whether your file contained a route, a track, or both.

Related free tools

• XML Formatter — inspect and fix malformed GPX before converting.
• GeoJSON to KML Converter — convert web-map data for Google Earth.
• KML to GeoJSON Converter — move KML into a GIS workflow.
• Distance Calculator — measure distances between track points.

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ByteTools is a free product of ByteVancer, a software and web development studio building web apps, SaaS and custom software, including mapping and GPS tooling. If you need a bespoke geospatial product built, explore what ByteVancer can do.