A GPX file is a list of coordinates. To view GPX on a map, you need a viewer like GPX Viewer that draws the track as a line with distance, elevation, and labeled waypoints. If you have not imported your file yet, see how to open GPX files on iPhone and Android first.
What a good GPX map viewer shows
- The full route as a colored track line
- Start and end markers
- Named waypoints you can tap for details
- Total distance and elevation gain
- An elevation profile chart linked to the map
Choosing a map style
GPX Viewer offers three layers:
- Standard — roads, paths, and place names. Best for marked trails and road cycling.
- Satellite — aerial imagery for forest cover, river crossings, and unmarked paths.
- Hybrid — satellite with road and trail labels overlaid.
Elevation and distance
The elevation chart shows every climb and descent along the route. Scroll the profile to inspect steep sections before you start. Distance is calculated automatically from the GPS track points — no manual measurement needed.
View GPX offline
Load your route while you still have signal. GPX Viewer keeps the track and map tiles available so you can follow the route in areas with weak or no cell coverage. GPX Viewer Pro adds a live location dot so you can see your position on the track in real time.
Google Maps and desktop viewers
Google My Maps can import GPX on a desktop browser for planning, but it is not practical for following a trail on your phone. For mobile navigation, GPX Viewer is built specifically for the GPX map experience on iPhone and Android.
Try GPX Viewer free
View GPX routes on interactive maps with elevation profiles on iPhone and Android.
