The .gpx format has become the standard for GPS route tracking. That's why on this site, we always offer you the option to download the GPX files for the hikes and other routes presented. It's very convenient to view a route on a screen and see your position on the trail in real time.
Choose an app to display my gpx track
To read a GPX file, you need an application that understands this format. Good news: there are plenty of them, free and easy to use!
Some examples :
- Organic Maps : simple, ad-free and works offline.
- Komoot : great for hiking and cycling, with voice guidance.
- GPS Viewer : very basic, but perfect for just displaying a trace.
- Open Runner : free, easy to use
Import the gpx into my app
Generally, you have three options:
- From your phone : you open the app, look for the option “Import a file” or “Open a GPX”, then you select your downloaded file.
- From a link : some apps allow you to directly paste a URL from a GPX file (for example from a hiking site).
- Share in the app When you download the GPX file, you can click the "share" button and choose the app you want to share it with. This essentially imports it into the app.
Once the file is imported, you'll see your route appear on the map. You can zoom in, view the climb profile, and even start navigation.
Follow the route live
When you are in the field, launch your app and activate the GPS.
Your phone will display your position in real time on the map, and you will be able to follow the GPX track step by step, as if you had a guide in your pocket.
Save phone battery!
This is a very important point because if you rely on your smartphone to guide you, it's essential that the battery lasts throughout the entire route. That's why we strongly recommend using an app that also works offline. In concrete terms: you can put your smartphone in airplane mode, which is an ultra-efficient mode, and continue to follow your GPS route. This is the case, for example, with the Organic Map app (free).
Organic Maps: a very practical free app
We've tested quite a few apps and we love them. Organic Maps : a free app, without ads and which works even without an Internet connection (perfect when you don't have a network in the mountains!) and which displays the hiking and cycling map of an entire department.
Here's how to do it:
1- Download the map of Ardèche Once the app is installed, click on the menu button (bottom right) and click on "download maps". Type Ardèche and download the Ardèche map. Once the map is downloaded, the app will have stored all the roads, paths, trails, cycle paths, terrain features… of the most beautiful department in France (Are we biased?!).
2- Import the GPX track First, you need to download the GPX file to your smartphone from the website that offers it. Then, in the Organic Maps app, open the favorites tab (the button with stars), click on "import bookmarks and routes", and then select the GPX file from the location where you downloaded it on your phone.
3- Show the route during my hike : To save battery, start by putting yourself in airplane mode. Then, in the Organic Maps app, when you open the Favorites (bookmarks) tab, you can show or hide the different elements; Just display the route of your route and click on the small geolocation button to see the route and know where you are.
There are many features, such as voice-assisted navigation, but we'll let you take your time exploring and testing the app.
>> Test Organic Maps
