SummitGPX Help Centre

Understanding GPX

Why GPX files fail on watches

Separate file problems from device import and synchronisation problems.

A course can open in one planner and still fail in a watch app. Start with the current public download and identify which step fails: downloading, importing into the companion app, syncing, or opening on the device.

Common file problems

  • Broken or incomplete GPX structure.
  • Too many points for the receiving device, or too few points to describe the course accurately.
  • Large jumps or missing sections.
  • Missing or noisy elevation.
  • An export that contains waypoints but no usable course line.

Work through the problem

  1. Download a fresh GPX from the public route page.
  2. Run Health Check and review its detailed warnings.
  3. Inspect the full route, especially junctions and joined sections.
  4. Import using the device app’s course workflow and confirm it has synced to the watch.
  5. If the device cannot handle the complete file, consider carefully checked simplification or split GPX sections.

A valid file does not guarantee every device will display checkpoint names or course points. Ask for the model, app, format and exact error when investigating a runner’s problem.