KMLtoGPX 2.0 is a simple program for converting Google Earth KML files to the GPS-compatible GPX format. It’s written in Java, and the website has downloadable version for both PC and Mac. Can’t test the Mac version, but the PC interface is simple:
Drag and drop the KML file onto the button (or use the File => Open command to select a KML file), and a file save dialog will come up asking you where to save the GPX file.
It works, but has limitations:
- Points and lines only; no polygons
- The dropdown at the lower left is supposed to let you choose a simplification mode for lines, where the default of “Use No Optimization” is supposed to use every point in the line. But on this default setting, lines don’t convert properly; only the starting point of the line is converted to GPX format. You have to select one of the other two line options to have the KML path convert correctly to a GPX route: “Use LRO” simplifies the line; “Use End To End” drops all points except the start and end and is only really useful if you just want a straight line.
- It modifies the point names, and doesn’t import path names.
If you have a Mac, which has few free options for handling KML to GPX conversions, this might be an acceptable choice. For PCs though, there are better choices, some of which also support polygons:
Other posts in the GPS Tools series
- Simplifying GPS Tracks
- Recap Of Exporting/Importing GIS Data To/From A GPS Unit Series
- Freeware GPS Road Navigation Software
- GPS Satellite Display In Google Earth
- Solar GPS DataLogger
- Loading An AutoCAD DXF File Into A GPS Or Google Earth
- Open Source Web-Based GPS Fleet Tracking Software
- Determining Local GPS Satellite Geometry Effects On Position Accuracy
- Determining Terrain Effects On GPS Accuracy
- GPS File Format Converter
- “Turn Your Cellphone Into A GPS!”? Not Exactly, But Still Kinda Cool
- USAPhotoMaps: GPS Functions
- Java-Based GPS Route Format Converter
- RouteConverter Updated
- Create Location-Based Media (Games, Hikes, Tours, Etc.) With Mscape
- Protecting Your GPS Unit Screen
- Upload Google Maps Directions As A Route To A GPS
- Get-A-Route Upgraded Already
- Two Free Applications For Marine Navigation
- KML To GPX Converter For PC And Mac
- Creating GPS Routes And Tracks In Google Earth
- GPS “Dilution Of Precision” (DOP) Maps
- Real-Time GPS/WAAS Status Reports
- Cheap Bluetooth GPS Antenna And Data Logger
- Improving Position Measurement Accuracy In Consumer-Grade GPS Receivers - Part I
- Cheap Digital Camera With Built-In GPS
- Cheap GPS Antennas, Compasses, Oddball Gadgets And Junk
- Improving Position Measurement Accuracy In Consumer-Grade GPS Receivers - Part II
- RouteConverter Updated - Java GPS Route Editing And Conversion For Windows (Mac And Linux Too?)
- Sports Route Planning Software For The Macintosh
- OKMap - GPS Mapping Software For The Beta-Adventurous
- Create Bicycle/Travel Courses For Your Garmin Edge/Forerunner GPS With Bike Route Toaster
- Web App For Analyzing GPS Tracks
how to place gpx on tomtom then? thanks
c
Don’t know that much about the TomTom, but GPSBabel should be able to convert GPX files into TomTom’s OV2 format.
and then how do you place those into tomtom?
I would assume that your TomTom would come with software that can upload the OV2 file from your computer to the GPS unit. Check the user manual for your unit.
Looks good