🧭GPX Files: What They Actually Are and How to Use Them Like a Pro

If you're going to adventure ride or overland in 2025, you're going to use GPX files — that’s just the reality. But most people don’t really know what they are. Or what the difference is between a GPX track and a route. Or how to make their own.

Let’s break it down.

A GPX file can contain tracks, routes, and waypoints.
– Tracks are like a breadcrumb trail. They’re point-by-point records of where someone went. There’s no recalculating. You just follow the line.
– Routes are made up of points you want to go through, and the device will calculate a path between them based on your chosen navigation settings.
– Waypoints are individual pins or icons — things like gas stops, lunch, scenic overlooks, and more.

Most of the time when someone gives you a GPX file for dual sport or ADV riding, it’s going to be a track. Why? Because it’s precise. It won’t reroute if you miss a turn or lose signal. It just sits there and lets you follow it like a digital breadcrumb path. This is exactly what DMD2 excels at. You can zoom in and see your track with layers like elevation and satellite, and it’s buttery smooth.

When I build GPX files, I’ll usually use a mix of Google My Maps, the current DMD2 Editor, and Street View. Then I test it in real life, clean it up, and export it. But DMD2 is releasing a brand-new route editor soon, and it’s going to change everything. You’ll be able to build a ride with full control and export it straight to your device with DMD2's interface.

As for where to find GPX routes?
– Forums like ADVRider and Facebook groups are a goldmine.
– You can buy premium pre-scouted routes (like the ones we build).
– And honestly, one of the best ways is to make your own — that’s how the best routes are born.

At the end of the day, GPX files are the core of modern ADV riding.
If you understand them, you can ride like a local anywhere in the country.
And with DMD2, you’ll actually enjoy doing it.