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The GPX file format (GPS Exchange Format) is an open standard for exchanging GPS data between applications and devices. It’s an XML-based format that stores GPS traces and points of interest.

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File Structure

GPX files are organized in a hierarchical structure: 
GPX File
├── Track
│   ├── Segment
│   └── Segment
├── Track
│   └── Segment
└── Waypoints
    ├── Waypoint
    ├── Waypoint
    └── Waypoint

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Routes vs Tracks

The GPX format defines two types of paths:
  • Route (<rte>) - A planned “path” represented on as a sequence of waypoints. It’s up to the routing application to “connect” the waypoints with a routing engine. Routes are typically used for navigation and contain only key turning points not a specific path.
  • Track (<trk>) - A path with detailed GPS points. Tracks represent actual travel and contain many more points to show the exact path taken (recorded) or planned.
Rendzo works exclusively with tracks. When you import a GPX file containing routes, they are automatically converted to tracks.

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Tracks, Segments, and Points

  • Track - A collection of one or more segments. Tracks can contain metadata such as a name, description, and appearance properties (color, width).
  • Segment - A continuous sequence of GPS points forming a path. Tracks can have multiple segments to represent disconnected sections.
  • GPS Point - A location with latitude, longitude, and optionally:
    • Timestamp
    • Elevation/altitude
    • Sensor data (heart rate, cadence, temperature, power)
In most cases, GPX files contain a single track with a single segment. However, the hierarchical structure allows for advanced use cases like multi-day trips with variants for each day.

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Waypoints

Waypoints represent points of interest shown on maps and GPS devices. Each waypoint includes:
  • Coordinates (latitude/longitude)
  • Name
  • Description (optional)
  • Elevation (optional)
  • Symbol/icon (optional)
Waypoints in GPX files are different from Points of Interest (POIs) shown as map overlays. See the Waypoints tool for more information.

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Metadata

GPX files can include metadata at the file and track level:
  • Name - Display name for the file or track
  • Description - Additional notes or details
  • Author - Creator information
  • Time - Creation or recording timestamp
  • Link - Associated URL

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Import

Rendzo accepts GPX files directly or as part of a ZIP archive containing GPX files. When importing, Rendzo supports:
  • Single or multiple tracks
  • Tracks with multiple segments
  • Routes (automatically converted to tracks)
  • Waypoints
  • Elevation and time data
  • Sensor data (heart rate, cadence, power, temperature)
Files are processed server-side for fast, reliable imports. Import by dragging files into the app or using File > Open.

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Export

When exporting, Rendzo preserves:
  • All track and segment structure
  • Waypoints with names and descriptions
  • Elevation and time data
  • Sensor data
  • Custom metadata

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Editing

Rendzo provides full editing capabilities: