GPX Waypoints Explained

A waypoint is a named location stored inside a GPX file. Race organisers often use waypoints for aid stations, checkpoints, water stops, cut offs, summits, crew points, car parks and other important places.

Example Waypoint

<wpt lat="50.123" lon="-5.456">
  <name>CP1</name>
  <desc>Howtown aid station</desc>
  <type>aid_station</type>
</wpt>

This waypoint has coordinates, a name, a description and a type.

Waypoints Are Separate from the Route Line

Track points make up the route line. Waypoints mark named places. A GPX file can contain both.

<wpt lat="50.123" lon="-5.456">
  <name>Aid Station</name>
</wpt>

<trk>
  <trkseg>
    <trkpt lat="50.100" lon="-5.100" />
  </trkseg>
</trk>

Importing Waypoints as Checkpoints

When a GPX is uploaded, SummitGPX can import suitable named waypoints as checkpoints. Imported waypoints are snapped to the nearest route point so they appear at the correct distance along the course.

SummitGPX ignores generic navigation points such as unnamed turns, numbered waypoints and routepoint labels. This keeps runner-facing route pages focused on meaningful course information.

Recognised waypoint types can become checkpoint types such as water, aid station, cut off, summit and crew point. Other useful named waypoints are imported as standard checkpoints.

Waypoint review is part of the Typical Organiser Workflow. The GPX Health Check validates the route file, but organisers still need to review checkpoint usefulness and placement separately.

Checkpoint Location and Details

Waypoint names are used to create short checkpoint marker text. Descriptions and comments can become checkpoint details. After import, organisers should review the Location field and details so they read naturally for runners.

Exporting Checkpoints to GPX

On Pro routes, GPX downloads can include saved checkpoints as waypoint entries. This can help compatible watches and apps display aid stations, water points or other important course locations.

Device support varies. Some watches show waypoints clearly, while others rename, hide or ignore them. Use waypoints alongside route notes, public route pages and event communications.

Best Practice

Name waypoints clearly before upload, such as CP1, W1, CUT1 or Howtown Aid.
Avoid exporting large sets of turn-by-turn navigation points as waypoints.
Review imported checkpoints before publishing the route.
Test checkpoint GPX downloads on the devices your runners commonly use.