DeWandelaar blogging in 2001 from the summit of the Ngauruhoe volcano in the North Island, New Zealand
DeWandelaar blogging in 2001 from the summit of the Ngauruhoe volcano in the North Island, New Zealand

Ngauruhoe 2001 © DeWandelaar

Home > Maps & GPX Files

Maps & GPX Files

High-quality GPX files are essential for safe and confident navigation on long-distance hiking trails. Unfortunately, many GPX downloads found online are outdated, incomplete, or inaccurately drawn.

For that reason, I create my own accurate GPX tracks for long-distance trails in Germany, adding carefully verified routes and practical WayPoints for multi-day hikers — including shelters, water sources, resupply points, and public transport connections.

Website Hiking Maps

Each long-distance trail page includes an interactive hiking map designed to help you plan before starting your trek.

A map like the one below may include:

  • An elevation profile chart
  • The official main trail route
  • Optional variations and detours
  • Highlighted points of interest (POIs)
  • Start and end markers

Load GPX map tiles from OpenStreetMap.org

The dark-green line represents the official trail. Other colored lines (light green, red, blue) show optional routes or unofficial variations. A green dot marks the start; a red dot marks the finish.

Below the map, an elevation chart displays altitude across the entire main route.

Both the map and elevation profile are interactive:

  • Zoom in/out
  • Hover or swipe chart to see altitude and distance at any point
  • Tap trail highlight icons for additional information
  • View full screen

These website maps closely match the downloadable GPX file and what you will see in a GPS app using OpenStreetMap tiles.

Main Trails vs Optional Variations

DeWandelaar GPX files remain faithful to official routes while improving usability for hikers.

Enhancements may include:

  • Extending start/end points to the nearest train station
  • Adding worthwhile short detours to major viewpoints
  • Connecting nearby attractions
  • Clarifying unclear route sections

Official variations are clearly marked. Occasionally, unofficial but worthwhile connectors are included if they significantly enhance the hiking experience.

This approach ensures:

  • Enhanced trail experience
  • Accuracy
  • Practical transport access

What Is a GPX File?

A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file is a standardized text file that stores geographic data including:

  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Elevation
  • Track information
  • WayPoints (points of interest)

GPX files allow route data to be shared between computers, smartphones, and GPS devices.

When you open a GPX file in a GPS app, it displays your position relative to the track, allowing real-time navigation during a hike.

How GPS Positioning Works

GPS (Global Positioning System) determines your location using signals from satellites orbiting Earth.

Your device must receive signals from at least four satellites to calculate:

  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Elevation

Temporary inaccuracies may occur due to:

  • Dense forest cover
  • Steep valleys
  • Heavy weather
  • Poor satellite geometry

If your location marker drifts slightly off the GPX track, this is usually caused by satellite signal limitations — not by track inaccuracy.

Latitude & Longitude Accuracy

GPX files contain latitude <lat> and longitude <lon> coordinates, stored in decimal format. Precision depends on the number of decimal places:

  • 3 decimal places = ~111m
  • 4 decimal places = ~11.1m
  • 5 decimal places = ~1.11m

For fast website performance, displayed maps use 4 decimal places. Downloadable DeWandelaar GPX files use 5 decimal places for higher navigation accuracy.

Elevation Data (DTM & LiDAR)

Each trackpoint also contains elevation <ele> data in meters above sea level.

Elevation values are added using a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) derived from high-resolution satellite LiDAR (laser imaging). The DTM used provides approximately:

  • 20 x 30 meter horizontal resolution
  • ~1 meter vertical accuracy

While small elevation variations may occur over short distances, these inaccuracies typically average out over longer distances.

GPX Tracks Explained

A Track <trk> is a sequence of Trackpoints <trkpt> forming a continuous line.

Each Trackpoint can include:

  • Latitude
  • Longitude
  • Elevation (optional)

Below is an example of how a Track with three sequential Trackpoints is written in GPX code. Each Trackpoint has latitude, longitude, and elevation information:

<trk>  
   <trkpt lat="50.44129" lon="6.59245">
      <ele>495</ele>
   </trkpt>
   <trkpt lat="50.44411" lon="6.59741">
      <ele>496</ele>
   </trkpt>
   <trkpt lat="50.44299" lon="6.5992">
      <ele>494</ele>
   </trkpt>
</trk>

More trackpoints result in a more precise representation of curves and turns — but larger file sizes.

To balance performance and precision:

  • Website maps use ~80% of the full downloadable trackpoints
  • Downloadable GPX files retain higher detail for real-world navigation

WayPoint

A WayPoint <wpt> represents a single location with name and optional elevation.

<wpt lat="50.41169" lon="6.79798">
  <ele>537</ele>
  <name>Chapel</name>
</wpt>

DeWandelaar GPX files include practical WayPoints, colour coded for multi-day hikers such as:

Water & Facilities:

  • Spring
  • Drinking water
  • WC

Accommodation:

  • Shelter
  • Campground
  • DJH hostels

Resupply:

  • Supermarket
  • Convenience store

I intentionally use general labels for POIs in GPX files (e.g., “Ruin” instead of a specific building name) to encourage discovery and immersion.

Important: WayPoints are guides only. Water sources dry up, shops close (especially Sundays in Germany), and shelters may be removed.

How DeWandelaar GPX Files Are Created

My GPX creation process involves:

  • Downloading multiple GPX sources (including official files)
  • Comparing track differences to identify errors
  • Manually redrawing an optimized track
  • Cross-checking with OpenStreetMap data
  • Reviewing satellite imagery
  • Checking official updates and trail announcements
  • Field-testing while hiking the trail
  • Annual updates and corrections

This layered process significantly improves reliability over many freely available GPX files.

However, manual processes always allow room for human error. If you spot inaccuracies, please contact me.

GPX files are navigation aids – not emergency guarantees. Always carry backup navigation methods and review official trail websites before hiking.

Recommended GPS Apps for Using GPX Files

Most modern GPS devices and smartphone apps support GPX files.

Features to look for:

  • Offline maps
  • GPX import capability
  • Elevation profile display
  • WayPoint visibility
  • Distance-to-point tracking

I consider the offline maps feature critical, it allows navigation when mobile data signals are lost.

On iOS, I personally use GPX Viewer 2, due to its clear interface, elevation visibility, and efficient one-handed use during hiking. The developer has integrated my suggestions, and DeWandelaar GPX files are designed to display extended information like POI colour-coding within the app.

GPX Viewer 2 on Apple App Store →

Other GPS Apps I have used include;

  • Maps 3D Pro
  • Komoot
  • OSMand
  • Outdooractive
  • TopoGPS
  • Wikiloc.

DeWandelaar GPX files are device-independent and compatible with most GPS platforms.

Trail Summary Data Explained

Each trail page includes summary statistics derived from the GPX file:

143km

4373m

4403m

606m

Medium

22h

After updating track data, I:

  1. Extract summary data via GPX software
  2. Independently verify calculations
  3. Manually enter verified data into the website

Manual processes always carry small risk of error — please report discrepancies.

Difficulty & Time Estimation

Trail difficulty is calculated based on elevation gain and gradient:

  1. – Easy
  2. – Moderate
  3. – Strenuous
  4. – Challenging
  5. – Expert

Terrain type (asphalt, gravel, rocky paths) also influences real-world effort.

Estimated total hiking time is calculated using:

  • Elevation-adjusted difficulty
  • Average flat walking speed of 5 km/h

Example:
22 hours ÷ 8 walking hours/day = 2.75 days → 3 days total

Actual duration varies depending on fitness, pack weight, rest time, and weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A GPX file is used for GPS navigation on hiking trails. It displays a predefined track on your smartphone or GPS device so you can see your real-time location relative to the route.

For long-distance hiking, GPX files help you stay on the official trail, find turns, monitor elevation changes, and locate important WayPoints such as shelters, water sources, and resupply points.

To open a GPX file on your phone, download it and import it into a GPS app that supports GPX tracksMost modern hiking apps on iOS and Android allow GPX import.

After importing the file, download the offline map tiles before starting your hike. Once offline maps are saved, the GPX file works without internet access..

No, you do not need internet access to use a GPX file during a hike.

The GPX track itself works offline because GPS positioning comes from satellites, not mobile data. However, you must download the map tiles inside your GPS app before starting. Without offline maps, you will see the track but no background map.

DeWandelaar GPX files use 5 decimal place coordinate precision (~1 meter horizontal accuracy) and elevation data derived from Digital Terrain Models based on LiDAR.

Each file is manually created by comparing multiple GPX sources, reviewing OpenStreetMap data, checking satellite imagery, and incorporating real-world hiking experience. Files are reviewed and updated annually to maintain accuracy.

A GPX track is a fixed line made up of precise trackpoints. It does not change once created.

A GPX route contains waypoints that a device may automatically recalculate based on its internal map data.

For long-distance hiking, GPX tracks are more reliable because they preserve the exact intended trail and prevent unexpected rerouting.

Yes. DeWandelaar GPX files are saved in a standard GPX format and are compatible with most GPS devices, including Garmin handheld units and cycling computers.

Import the GPX file into the device using Garmin BaseCamp or your device’s file transfer method. Always test the file before starting your hike.

GPX files are reviewed and updated annually. Updates include:

  • Official trail changes
  • Permanent detours
  • Infrastructure updates
  • Corrections identified during field hiking

Temporary changes such as short-term detours may still occur, so always follow on-trail signage when it differs from the GPX.

The downloadable GPX file includes many additional WayPoints focused specifically on multi-day hiking logistics.

These include water sources, accommodation options, campsites, resupply points, and practical facilities that are not all displayed on the website map for clarity and performance reasons.

No. GPX files are navigation aids, not guarantees.

Satellite signal inaccuracies, temporary trail changes, and closed facilities can occur. Always carry basic navigation skills, review official trail information, and be prepared to adapt if required.