How to Import a GPX File’s contents into Rambler
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are one of the most common ways to share routes and recorded tracks between mapping tools.
If you’ve planned a route in another service or downloaded a GPX file from a website, you can import it directly into Rambler and explore it in real-time 3D entirely offline.
This guide walks through the process step by step.
What Is a GPX File?
A GPX file contains one or multiple features describing locations, recorded GPS or routes to follow.
Waypoint
Track
Route
- Waypoints – Single locations such as a search result, an intended stop or a note
- Tracks – A string of recorded GPS locations describing someones journey.
- Routes – A series of locations with instructions leading from one to the next.
Additionally the data may contain extras such as
- Timestamps
- Elevation data
- Name
- Description
- Links
Many route planning tools and GPS devices allow you to export your data as a GPX file.
Rambler supports importing GPX waypoints, routes and tracks so you can view, and explore them locally on your device, allowing you to use them to plan your Rambles.
Step 1: Export a GPX File to your Device
Most route planners (including Rambler) provide an export option.
Look for options such as:
- “Export GPX”
- “Download GPX”
- “Export Track”
- “Save as GPX”
- “Share”
Save the file to your device (Downloads folder is fine).
You do not need to modify the file before importing.
Step 2: Open Rambler
Launch Rambler on your device.
No account is required.
No login is needed.
Everything runs locally.
Step 3: Import the GPX File
To import your route:
- Open the main menu by pressing the Rambler button (top-left).
- Press ‘GPX Import & Export‘
- Press ‘Select File to Import‘.
- Browse to the location where your file was saved.
- Select the file.
Rambler will parse the GPX data and list all of the features it contains.
From here you can select/highlight features you wish to import and import them by pressing ‘Import Selected‘ or import all features in the file by pressing ‘Import All‘.
Once imported, the GPX features will appear immediately on the map.
Step 4: View the Data in Real-Time 3D
After importing, you can:
- Pan, tilt, and rotate the map in 3D.
- Switch between satellite, LiDAR, and other map layers.
- Playback tracks, view timestamps and recorded speed.
- Inspect routes and view instructions.
- Add waypoints or any selected point along routes or tracks to the trail of your current Ramble
Currently, GPX data is stored as-is and is not editable. It can however, be used as a part of your Ramble, to define trail waypoints or shared.
Why Use Rambler for Imported Routes?
Many tools allow route planning. Rambler focuses on:
- Real-time 3D exploration
- Precise track recording
- Location-linked media
- Offline-first storage
- Multi-layer terrain viewing
If you already use another service to discover routes, Rambler works well as a private, powerful mapping workspace for exploring and using when planning your own Rambles.
