GPX Files - How to Import GPX Files Into Your GPS Unit

For new GPS units that read GPX files, follow these steps to get our data on your unit:

  • Purchase and download a GPX file. We have free GPX files to test drive.
  • Get a blank SD card that will fit in your unit. The maximum size for all new brands is 32 GB. Older units might require 8GB or even 2GB. Check your manufacturers website or your user guide for SD card specs or Contact us.
  • Copy the GPX file to the chip.
  • If you have a lot of existing waypoints, you might want to back them up to a separate chip or move a copy of them to your computer for safe keeping. 
  • Insert the chip into your GPS unit and us the Menu System to Import/Merge From Card the waypoints.
  • For Garmin units, DO NOT let the software import automatically. If prompted to import, exit out and go to the main menu to import the files.
Almost all GPS & chartplotter manufacturers recommend importing GPX files using companion desktop software to ensure data is formatted correctly for your unit and to merge with your existing data. If your unit did not come with desktop software, you can usually purchase it from the manufacturer of your unit or there are aftermarket programs available that might work with your unit.

Furuno®
MaxSeaTM software required & 2GB card.
Warning: All data is overwritten during import.

Lowrance®
Some newer models read GPX from memory card.
Models using USR format - you will need Lowrance Insight Planner software to convert files. You will need a 2GB SD card.

Garmin®
HomeportTM software required to convert GPX to ADM. New handhelds can import GPX files from card.

Raymarine®
New 2014 MFD models read GPX but need to be modified with condensed field data. Older models use the free Voyage Planner software to convert GPX files.

Humminbird®
HumminbirdPCTM software required to prepare GPX file for import.

Before importing new data into your unit, backup the unit’s data and store backup file in a safe place.
Most manufacturers in the past (prior to 2016) recommend the following procedure for importing GPX files into your GPS unit, even if your unit reads GPX files.

graphic on how to import gpx files into a GPS unit

Safe Steps to Importing Data into Your GPS Unit

  1. Backup the existing data on your GPS unit to a memory card or transfer data via cable to your computer
  2. Import backup data into your GPS unit's desktop software or software that has been working properly with your unit (now is not the time to test new software).
  3. Open our GPX file in your GPS software and import (merge) our GPX numbers with your existing data
  4. Save your new set of data to the memory card (NOTE: some units require the blank memory card be formatted 1st in the GPS unit before transferring data to the card.)
  5. Insert your memory card into your unit then import new data

Backing up your GPS unit's data before importing new waypoints is a safe way to insure no loss of data. By opening our waypoints in your current GPS software then exporting the waypoints, you ensure the data is formatted properly for your unit model. It is always best to use the manufacturer software over aftermarket software to ensure data compatibility. If files are not properly formatted for your GPS unit, an import can cause you to lose all data on your unit. Our GPX files are a universal file format and we have not had any reported problems although it is better to be safe than sorry. 

The below video shows how to import data the way we describe above. This method works with most brands.