Free online GPX to RTE converter

OziExplorer and some compatible navigation programs require routes in .rte format instead of the more widely exchanged .gpx format. Conversion is also useful when transferring a planned route to software or hardware that cannot import GPX directly.

GPX, or GPS Exchange Format, is an XML-based standard for exchanging location data between GPS devices and applications. A GPX file can contain:

• Waypoints: individual saved locations such as campsites, addresses, or trail junctions.
• Routes: ordered points intended for navigation.
• Tracks: recorded paths containing many trackpoints, often with elevation, time, speed, and sensor data.

Garmin devices, smartphones, cycling computers, hiking applications, GIS programs, and route planners commonly create or export GPX files. GPX is usually the most useful interchange format when moving data between unrelated GPS products.

What the RTE format is

.rte most commonly identifies an OziExplorer route file. It stores an ordered route and route-point information for use in OziExplorer and software that supports the same format. Its main advantage is compatibility with programs and devices that specifically expect OziExplorer route files.

RTE is not a universal standard like GPX. Another product may use the same extension for a different proprietary format, so confirm that the destination application means OziExplorer RTE before converting. An RTE file normally represents a navigational route, not a complete recorded track.

How to convert GPX to RTE

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the GPX-to-RTE converter on 101convert.com. The conversion is free and does not require installed software.
2. Upload the source .gpx file.
3. Choose RTE as the output format and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting .rte file.
5. Import it into OziExplorer or the target program and inspect the route on its map before transferring it to a device.

Check whether the GPX contains a route or only a track. If it contains a track, the converter may turn numerous trackpoints into route points. Simplify the track before conversion when the receiving device has a route-point limit.

Using GPSBabel

GPSBabel is a free desktop converter that supports GPX and OziExplorer data. In its graphical interface, select the GPX input format, choose the source file, select the OziExplorer route output, and save the result with an .rte extension. Do not select unrelated outputs such as Garmin MapSource GDB or Magellan formats; those are different file types, not RTE files.

On systems where the installed GPSBabel version exposes the OziExplorer format as ozi, the equivalent command is:

gpsbabel -i gpx -f input.gpx -o ozi -F output.rte

Open the output in the destination software and confirm that it is recognized as an OziExplorer route. GPSBabel versions and input content can affect how route, waypoint, and track data are interpreted, so verify the output rather than relying only on the filename extension.

Quality and compatibility limits

Conversion cannot preserve information that the RTE route structure does not support. Route names, descriptions, symbols, turn instructions, elevation profiles, timestamps, custom GPX extensions, and recorded track history may be discarded or rewritten.

GPX coordinates normally use WGS84, but older OziExplorer maps or device settings may use another datum. Check the datum and coordinate settings in the destination software if the converted route appears offset from the map.

After conversion, compare the first, last, and several intermediate points with the original GPX. Confirm the route direction, point count, and map position, and check the receiving device's maximum route-point capacity. Keep the original GPX as the archival copy, especially when converting a recorded track, because the RTE output may contain only a simplified route.