MZSoft Studio
How to Import and Export GPX, KML and CSV on iPhone
GPX carries waypoints and tracks. KML and CSV carry waypoints only. Open a file from Files, Mail or AirDrop, or use Import in Points. Export all waypoints as GPX, KML or CSV; export a single track as GPX.
The problem
You have waypoints from a hiking app, a KML a colleague made in Google Earth, or a spreadsheet of survey points. Or you want to take your own data out to back it up, or to use it on a computer. If an import silently drops half of it, you only find out in the field.
What each format carries
| Waypoints | Tracks | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPX | Yes | Yes | Full import and export |
| KML | Yes | No | Name, description (as notes), point coordinates; label/colour kept for MGRS GPS files |
| CSV | Yes | No | name, latitude, longitude, altitude, label, notes |
Import
- From inside the app: Points → ⋯ → Import (GPX/KML/CSV)… and pick the file.
- From elsewhere: open a GPX file from Files, Mail, Messages or AirDrop and choose MGRS GPS.
You’ll get a message saying how many waypoints and tracks came in. Imported waypoints go to the active overlay.
Export
- All waypoints: Points → ⋯ → Export all → GPX, KML or CSV.
- One waypoint: Share… from its menu.
- One track: Export GPX on its detail screen or from the Tracks list.
CSV tips
Use a header row with those names; extra columns are ignored. Make latitude and longitude plain decimal degrees (for example 38.8977, -77.0365). Quote any field with a comma, and use UTF-8.
If an import is empty
- Open the file as text. Is there a
<wpt>(GPX),<Placemark>with a point (KML), or a header row (CSV)? - KML with only a path or polygon won’t create waypoints.
- CSV with coordinates in a combined “lat,lon” column or degrees-minutes-seconds text won’t parse; split them into decimal columns first.
Back up
Export GPX of your waypoints now and then. The data lives only on your device.
FAQ
Which format should I use? GPX if you have tracks or want everything to survive. KML and CSV only carry waypoints.
What columns does CSV use? name, latitude, longitude, altitude, label and notes. Columns are matched by header, so order does not matter; rows without a valid lat/lon are skipped.
Are KML styles and folders kept? No. KML import/export covers waypoints (name, description as notes, coordinates) and the app’s own label and colour. Paths, styles and folders are not round-tripped.
My import says nothing was imported. The file probably has no usable coordinates or is a format the app does not read, such as KML containing only paths.