SummitGPX Help Centre

GPX Versions and Extensions

Not all GPX files are exactly the same.

Most modern GPX files use GPX 1.1, but GPX 1.0 files are still seen occasionally.

GPX version

The version is usually shown near the top of the file.

<gpx version="1.1">
  ...
</gpx>

The version tells software which GPX specification the file follows.

GPX extensions

GPX files can include extensions. These allow software platforms to store extra information.

Example:

<extensions>
  <gpxtpx:TrackPointExtension>
    <gpxtpx:hr>145</gpxtpx:hr>
  </gpxtpx:TrackPointExtension>
</extensions>

Extensions may contain:

  • Heart rate
  • Cadence
  • Temperature
  • Power
  • App specific metadata
  • Device specific data

Are extensions needed for race routes?

Usually, no.

For race route files, the most important information is normally:

  • Track line
  • Elevation
  • Waypoints
  • Route name
  • Basic metadata

Activity data such as heart rate or cadence is not usually useful for an event route.

Compatibility

Most platforms ignore extensions they do not understand. However, keeping GPX route files clean can reduce the risk of compatibility problems.

For public race route downloads, simpler is often better.

SummitGPX route downloads are built as clean route files for sharing with runners. The GPX repair tool also rebuilds repaired files with clean XML and route points.