Read GPS tracks on a map and in the data behind them
GPXSee is a viewer and analyser for GPS log files. It draws the track over a map, shows waypoints and points of interest, and plots the numbers recorded along the way as graphs, so a recorded ride, hike or drive can be inspected rather than merely replayed. It is a small, focused program with no account, no cloud service and no subscription, and it opens the file formats that GPS units, phones and fitness watches actually produce.
What the program does
The program reads GPX, TCX, KML, FIT, IGC, NMEA and several vendor-specific log formats, and can display more than one file at once for comparison. Tracks are drawn over a chosen map source, with elevation shading where data allows, and waypoints and areas appear as points and polygons with their names and comments. The data panels turn the recorded values into graphs of elevation, speed, heart rate, cadence, temperature and power, with a cursor that stays synchronised with the position on the map. Output can be printed or exported as PDF, PNG or JPEG, and the command-line companion in the same suite handles batch work.
The working rhythm
You open a file, choose the map source you want in the options, and the track appears with its statistics already summarised. From there the usual tasks are trimming a track, checking where a wrong turn was taken, comparing a fast lap with a slow one, or extracting a graph for a report. Map sources are defined in a small XML file, so an organisation can point the program at its own tile server or at offline map files instead of a public provider.
Settings and limits
Elevation in the graphs comes from the track itself unless digital elevation model files are configured, and obtaining those files is a separate step that surprises new users. Online map providers need a connection and have their own usage terms; offline maps avoid that but must be prepared in advance. GPXSee is a reader, not an editor: it will not create a route, calculate turn-by-turn directions or follow you live, and it does not correct altitude or smooth data aggressively. Very large files with millions of points can be slow to draw.
Who should choose something else
People who want to plan a route before setting out, or to navigate with spoken instructions, need a mapping or navigation program rather than a track viewer. Editing the OpenStreetMap data itself is a different job with different tools, and full spatial analysis, joins and projections belong in a geographic information system. GPXSee is for looking at what a device recorded and understanding it.
- Best for
- Cyclists, runners, hikers and anyone who wants to inspect recorded GPS tracks on a map with proper elevation, speed and heart-rate graphs.
- Good to know
- Elevation graphs need the track's own altitude data or separately downloaded elevation files, and the program reads tracks rather than planning routes.
How to get started
- Download the 64-bit Windows installer from the GPXSee release page and run it.
- Open a recorded GPX, TCX or FIT file from a watch, phone or GPS unit.
- Pick a map source in the options so the track appears over terrain or streets.
- Use the data panels to inspect elevation, speed and heart rate along the route.
- Export or print the view as PDF or an image, and add more files to compare several tracks.
Questions & answers
Can GPXSee show elevation without altitude data?
Partly. If the log has no altitude values, you can point the program at digital elevation model files and it will fill the graph from those.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Offline map files and local tile sources can be configured, and the track viewer itself needs no connection once map data is available.
Can I edit or trim a track in GPXSee?
It is primarily a viewer. Some simple operations are available, but for serious editing or route planning you need a dedicated track editor.
