GPX Import Logic

GPX stands for GPS Exchange Format — a widely used file format for GPS navigation systems and devices. It’s an open format for storing geographic data related to routes, and while calimoto supports it, we did not develop it.

When importing a GPX file into calimoto, you have two different import modes (only available on the website):

• Import as a completed ride
• Import as a planned ride

Which type you choose affects how the data (track points, route points, waypoints) is prioritized. Below, we break down the import logic and share some tips to help you get the best results.

1. Importing a GPX file as a completed ride

When importing a GPX file as a completed ride, calimoto prioritizes the data in this order: Track points > Route points > Waypoints.

import based on track points

If the GPX file contains track points, calimoto imports the ride exactly as is — ensuring maximum accuracy to the original route. Route points and waypoints are ignored.

import based on route points

If no track points are available, calimoto generates a new route using route points. This means the ride might differ slightly from the original.

import based on waypoints

If the file contains only waypoints, there’s not enough data to accurately follow the original ride. In this case, calimoto will generate an estimated route, but it won’t match the original. Importing as a completed ride won’t be possible.

2. Importing a GPX file as a planned ride

When importing a GPX file as a planned ride, calimoto prioritizes the data in this order: Waypoints > Route points > Track points.

import based on waypoints

If waypoints are available, calimoto recalculates the route based on them. If track points exist, calimoto extrapolates the start and end positions from them. To keep the route as close as possible to the original, calimoto automatically places via points where needed.

import based on route points

If no waypoints are available, calimoto calculates the route using route points. If there are too many, calimoto optimizes the route — for example, by removing unnecessary points (like those on highways) to ensure a manageable number of via points.

import based on track points

If neither waypoints nor route points are available, track points are used to calculate the route.