GPS Mapping Tutorials

I love maps, and I’ve been collecting various forms of GPS data since I got my first automotive GPS back in 2009. I’m now putting together a collection of tutorials about collecting and using map data.

Tutorials

Recording and Extracting GPS Data to GPX Files

GPX is a file format for GPS data that many applications and websites can use. These tutorials show you how to log your travels with GPS devices and extract that data into GPX files.

• Extracting GPX Files From a Garmin Automotive GPS
• Logging GPS Tracks With iOS and MyTracks

Creating Maps with GPS Data

Got some GPX files? These tutorials will show you how to use them to make maps!

• Converting GPS Data Between GPX and KML
• Mapping GPS Data in Google Earth
• Mapping GPS Data in uMap
• Visualizing GPS Data With QGIS

Software and Utilities

• EasyGPS (Windows)
• MyTracks (MacOS, iOS)
• GPS Visualizer
• Google Earth
• uMap
• QGIS

Data Sources

• Natural Earth (vector and raster map data)

References

• GPS Exchange Format (GPX) documentation
• Keyhole Markup Language (KML) documentation