If you have recorded a journey using a GPS device, you can bring the resulting track into Google Earth Pro and view it over satellite imagery and 3D terrain. This can be useful for analysing hiking routes, field surveys, road inspections, engineering projects, travel paths, and other activities where location data has been recorded.
Google Earth supports several types of GPS information, including tracks, waypoints and routes. A track records positions as you travel, waypoints represent saved locations, and routes can contain directions between recorded points. Google also supports importing GPS data from files such as GPX when a GPS device cannot be connected directly.
The reference material for this guide focuses on GPS tracks, GPX files, waypoints, routes, elevation information and creating tours from imported tracks.
What Is a GPS Track?
A GPS track is a sequence of recorded geographic positions collected while moving with a GPS-enabled device.
For example, a field team travelling along a water pipeline route could record their position throughout the journey. The resulting track can then be displayed in Google Earth Pro to compare the recorded route with roads, satellite imagery, terrain or other geographic information.
A GPS file may also contain waypoints, such as a survey location, campsite, bridge or other important point.
What You Need Before Importing a GPS Track
Before starting, you need one of the following:
- A GPS device containing recorded data
- A GPS data file such as GPX
- A computer with Google Earth Pro installed
If your GPS device is not directly supported, Google recommends importing the GPS information as a .gpx or .loc file.
For a simple workflow, having the GPX file already saved on your computer is often the easiest option.
If you also need to create elevation profile, see our guide on How to Create an Elevation Profile in Google Earth Pro, where we explain how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Open Google Earth Pro
Start Google Earth Pro on your computer and allow the 3D globe to load.
If you already have a GPX file, you can proceed directly to importing it. If you have a compatible GPS device, connect it to the computer using the appropriate cable.
Step 2: Import the GPX File
Google provides two main approaches for importing GPS information.
Option 1: Import a GPS file
You can drag the GPS file into Google Earth and then choose how you want the information displayed. Google states that the imported information can be saved by moving it into My Places.
You can also use the appropriate file-opening/import workflow in Google Earth Pro and select the GPX file from your computer.
Option 2: Import directly from a GPS device
If your device is supported, connect it to the computer and open:
Tools → GPS
Google's GPS Import window allows you to select the device and choose which information to import.
This can include tracks, waypoints and routes.
Step 3: Choose How the GPS Track Is Displayed
After selecting your GPS data, Google Earth provides different display options.
One important option is Create KML Tracks. A KML track can retain a time component, allowing the movement to be represented over time. Google notes that available sensor information can also be preserved in the track when present in the source data.
Another option is Create KML LineStrings, which displays the GPS data as a line without the time component associated with a track.
For a normal route-viewing task, a LineString may be sufficient. If you want to examine movement over time, a KML Track can be more useful.
Step 4: View the GPS Track on the Map
Once imported, the GPS information appears in the Places panel.
Expand the GPS data folder and select the track you want to view. Google Earth displays the recorded route on the globe.
You can zoom in, rotate the 3D view and compare the track with existing geographic features.
For example, a road-survey track can be compared with satellite imagery to visually inspect where the recorded route passes relative to roads, buildings, rivers or other features.
Step 5: Check Elevation Information
GPS tracks can also be useful for examining elevation.
Google Earth supports viewing an elevation profile for a track or line string. The profile can show how elevation changes along the recorded route. Google's documentation also notes that GPS tracks may contain additional information such as speed and other sensor data when available.
This can be useful when analysing hiking routes, roads, pipelines or other linear projects.
If you want to study terrain in more detail, you can also right-click the track and use the available elevation-profile option.
Step 6: Customise the GPS Track
After importing the track, you can change its appearance.
Google Earth allows you to customise aspects such as:
- Track colour
- Label colour
- Icons
- Line appearance
- Track name
Google's documentation also explains that GPS tracks can be customised through the Places panel.
Using a contrasting line colour can make the GPS route easier to distinguish from roads, rivers and satellite imagery.
Step 7: Create a Tour from the GPS Track
An interesting feature of Google Earth is the ability to create a tour from a GPS track.
After importing the track, you can select the GPS data and use the tour controls to play the route. Google documents support for creating tours from imported GPS tracks and adjusting touring preferences.
This can be useful for presenting a recorded journey or demonstrating the location of a field survey.
Once you have completed this process, you may also want to learn How to Measure Distance in Google Earth Pro, if you need to measure distance in metric or any other unit.
Common GPS Import Problems
The GPS device is not recognised
Make sure the device is supported and that any required drivers are installed. Google recommends using a GPX or LOC file when the device is not supported.
Import takes a long time
Large GPS datasets can contain many recorded positions. Google recommends reducing the sampling rate when collecting GPS data if importing takes too long.
The track is difficult to see
Change the track's colour or line appearance so it contrasts with the underlying satellite imagery.
The track disappears later
Imported GPS information may need to be saved to My Places if you want to keep it for future sessions.
Important Limitation
A GPS track represents the data recorded by the GPS device. Its positional accuracy depends on the equipment, recording conditions and other factors. Therefore, a track displayed in Google Earth should not automatically be treated as a high-precision survey.
For additional information and the latest guidance, see the official Google Earth Help documentation on Measure distance and elevation.
For engineering or cadastral work requiring survey-grade accuracy, use appropriately surveyed data and professional surveying equipment.
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