The list of export formats is quite long. We generally recommend .GPX files for sharing with others, but even here there are several variants to choose from. So when should you choose .GPX 1.1, and when should you choose .GPX 1.2?

ATTENTION! .GPX 1.2 only works with newer Garmin Zumo models.

A .GPX file is essentially a simple text file containing three elements:

  1. Header: Provides general information about the file;

  2. Route information: Contains the information required to provide turn-by-turn instructions;

  3. Track information: Contains the coordinates used to create a line.


It is therefore important to understand that a track contains no information about the route other than the coordinates needed to form a line. This means you can ride on paved roads or off-road, but you could even end up in the water if coordinates there have been included.


In MyRoute-app, you can create a route using two types of route points: Shaping and Via.

  • Shaping: This route point is used purely to shape the route. These waypoints can therefore be skipped automatically.

  • Via: You are required to pass through this waypoint. If you want to skip it, you must do so manually.


Your navigation device reads the .GPX file and displays the route based on the waypoints you have placed, as well as its own routing logic. If there are too many possible ways to travel between two waypoints, your navigation device may calculate a slightly different route from the one you originally planned. It is therefore important not to leave too much room for your navigation device to interpret the route itself.


The main difference between 1.1 and 1.2 lies in the route information and how your navigation device handles it.

  • With .GPX 1.1, all waypoints (both Shaping and Via points) are included, and the route is calculated based on these waypoints and the navigation device's own routing logic.

  • With .GPX 1.2, the Shaping points are omitted and the navigation device's routing logic does NOT affect the route. In effect, it is a route that is read like a track. As a result, you will only see the Via points on your Garmin (shown as flags).