Map to GPS

What it is

Map to GPS is a browser-based GPX generator that lets you draw routes directly on a map, then download them as GPX 1.1 tracks for use with GPS devices and mobile apps. Click to plot points along any road, trail, waterway, or route on the map. The tool updates distance and elevation data as you work, and you can drag points to adjust the line. Optionally, you can request that the tool snap your route to roads using public routing servers. All drawing, editing, and file creation happens in your browser—nothing is uploaded to servers unless you explicitly click the road-following button. The map data comes from OpenStreetMap via OpenFreeMap, with terrain shading from public sources.

Quick answers

How do you make a GPX file from a map?

Search for a place, then click or tap the map in the order you want to travel. Each point becomes part of one continuous track. Drag a point when the line misses a bend; use Undo for the last point; turn on terrain shading when terrain matters. The distance and elevation profile update while you work. Then download the GPX 1.1 track for a GPS device or phone app.

Can Map to GPS follow the roads instead?

Yes, on request. Press Follow the roads and the points on your line go to public FOSSGIS routing servers, which draw a track along roads and streets on OpenStreetMap data. The rebuilt line replaces the straight one, and you can choose between Drive, Bike, and Walk modes.

Will the track work with Garmin and phone apps?

GPX is an exchange format, so compatibility depends on how the receiving app treats tracks. Garmin Connect accepts GPX files for manual upload, and Garmin also documents GPX as a supported format when importing a third-party course. A phone app that imports GPX tracks can read the same file.

Does Map to GPS upload your route?

No. Plotting, editing, reading a GPX file, and writing a new one all happen in your browser. The draft is stored locally on that device. Following the roads is the one exception: your points go to the public FOSSGIS routing servers only.

What does the downloaded GPX contain?

The download is a GPX 1.1 XML file with one track and one track segment. Every point includes latitude and longitude; elevation is included when terrain sampling is available. It does not contain turn-by-turn instructions, timestamps, waypoints, or GPX route elements.