GPX files are usually easy to use and easy to load into compatible apps and GPS devices. There are quite a few tools to load and navigate with GPX files. I’ve used and experimented with all the apps mentioned below, I like using all of them and as such can recommend them to you so you’re assured of a good navigation experience using MotoTravel tracks and routes. If you need help with GPX files you can ask your question through the contact form.
Getting GPX files onto your phone
This is perhaps the most complex and sometimes confusing part of loading a GPX file onto your phone.
However, there are several ways and none are particularly difficult. Some are faster or simply better than others.
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Via cloud storage
I use a cloud service for this. You can do this with Google Drive, Dropbox, Nextcloud or any other cloud storage tool that has an app for your phone.
This works on both Android and iOS.
On Android you can often browse the cloud storage from the navigation app you are using.
On iOS it’s the other way around where you navigate the cloud storage app and share the file to the navigation app.
Transfer via cable
For Android, another way is to hook up your phone to your computer with a cable and use a file browser like Android File Transfer (MacOS) or Windows Explorer to put the files directly into the right folder.
If you do not know where your navigation app stores its tracks simply put the file in the ‘Downloads’ folder or some generic place and import it from there from within the navigation app.
Email attachment
As a last resort you can also email the file to yourself, honestly I think this is a silly method that works counterintuitive, but whatever works best for you of-course. From the email simply tap the attachment and either store it locally so you can open it from there or open it in the navigation app.
Memory card / USB thumb-drive
Some phones let you easily remove the SD card or even connect a thumb-drive. Removing the SD card and loading the GPX files onto there from your computer may work as well. In a similar fashion you can load the files onto a thumb-drive and connect that to your phones USB port to then import them into your navigation app.
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Navigation apps
I’ve tested the tracks and routes in all of these apps to make sure it all works. And it does. Check the page for each app to see how to load GPX files and start navigation.
Osmand / Osmand+ | BMW Connected | Guru Maps (Pro) | Routes App | Mapout
Loading GPX files onto a GPS device
The tracks and routes provided on MotoTravel should be compatible with most modern TomTom, Trailtech and Garmin devices. Any brand should work really – Including built-in units in vehicles.
I have no direct experience with any of them though so how that works… Not sure, but it’ll probably involve the SD card that goes into the device. Check the manufacturers manual for details.
What are GPX files?
GPX files are simple XML files which hold the plotted route or track in a format that most GPS devices and navigation APPs can use. These files are a commonly accepted standard used by many GPS vendors including Garmin, Tomtom and Trailtech. But also many smartphone apps can use these files.
Routes vs. Tracks
On MotoTravel 2 types of GPX files are available; Tracks and Routes. Tracks are freely available adventures and work as a simple line on the map and nothing more. Routes are more advanced and contain more information which allows for basic turn-by-turn navigation on compatible apps/devices. Both tracks and routes do NOT include waypoints. It has to stay an adventure you do yourself of-course not turn into a boring guided tour.
Every route also includes a file with Points of Interest (POI). These are highlighted locations that show up on your map as icons or pins. Locations may include; toll booths, roadblocks/checkpoints, fuel stations, view points/attractions and perhaps hotel or restaurant recommendations and similar noteworthy things along the way.
