Free online IGC to KML converter

What the IGC format is

IGC (International Gliding Commission) is the standard format for flight recorder logs from gliders, paragliders, hang gliders and other air-sports devices. It stores timestamped latitude, longitude and altitude records in a text-based structure, along with pilot, aircraft, date, logger and security-related records.

IGC files commonly come from dedicated flight recorders and applications such as SeeYou, LXNAV tools, XCSoar, XContest-compatible software and manufacturer utilities. You encounter them when downloading a flight from a logger, submitting a flight for scoring or reviewing a track in an aviation application.

What the KML format is

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) is an XML-based geographic format used by Google Earth, Google Earth Pro, many GIS programs and web map viewers. It represents paths, points, placemarks, descriptions, styles and, when supported by the converter, time-based track data.

KML is useful when the goal is visual display rather than flight validation. It can show the route over satellite imagery, provide altitude profiles in compatible viewers and package the result as one portable map file. KML is usually larger than the source IGC because it uses verbose XML and may repeat coordinate and timestamp data.

How to convert IGC to KML

Using the built-in online converter

You can convert the file for free on 101convert.com without installing software:

1. Open the IGC-to-KML converter on 101convert.com.
2. Select the .igc file from your device.
3. Start the conversion and wait for processing to finish.
4. Download the resulting .kml file, then open it in Google Earth or another KML-compatible application.

Do not upload flight logs containing personal or operational information if the service’s handling and retention terms do not meet your requirements.

Using GPSBabel on a computer

GPSBabel is a desktop command-line utility that supports IGC input and KML output. After installing it, run:

gpsbabel -i igc -f flight.igc -o kml -F flight.kml

Replace flight.igc with the source filename and flight.kml with the required output path. On Windows, run the command from the folder containing the executable or use its full path; on macOS and Linux, install GPSBabel through the project package or your operating system’s package manager.

Open the result with Google Earth using File → Open. If the output contains multiple tracks or waypoints, select the relevant layer in the places panel and save it as a Google Earth project only if you need a bundled project file.

Using flight-analysis software

Some flight-analysis programs can import the IGC and export a KML track through a menu such as File → Open, followed by File → Export → KML. The exact menu and available fields depend on the application. Choose the original recorded track rather than a simplified or manually edited route when preserving the logger data matters.

Quality and compatibility limitations

The conversion changes the presentation format, not the measurement accuracy. KML normally carries the recorded coordinates, but it may omit IGC-specific declarations, validation signatures, task metadata, pilot details or flight-recorder security information. Keep the original .igc file for scoring, verification and archival purposes.

Altitude interpretation can differ between programs. IGC altitude records may include pressure altitude and GPS altitude, while KML viewers commonly render coordinates using an altitude mode such as absolute, relative to ground or clamped to ground. If the track appears flat or vertically misplaced, inspect the exporter’s altitude setting and the viewer’s KML altitude mode.

Some converters discard timestamps, so the result may display only a static line instead of an animated track. GPSBabel and other exporters can preserve time when the input records and output options support it; verify the result in Google Earth by enabling the time slider or inspecting track properties.