Using GPS Files on Android Smart Phones and Tablets with the Google My Tracks App

Although there are many navigation apps available for the Android system, few free apps provide the ability to use GPS files. One such app is the MyTracks app by Google. This tutorial explains how to use the GPS files with this app.

Step 1:Install the My Tracks app from Google Play

The app is available here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks&hl=en

After you have installed the app, do not open the app, but go to step 2 first.

Step 2: Create a directory on your smart phone or tablet

Find the folder and open the folder

Create the folder gpx in the Mytracks folder

Step 3: Download the GPS files for smart phones and tablet

Surf to the download page of our website and download the files after you have logged in. This is the link to the file you need to download

Unzip the file on your computer after you have downloaded the file and copy all separate GPX files from your computer to the subdirectory GPX that you just created on your phone or tablet.

Please do not download the GPS files for computers and GPS devices for your smart phone or tablet as these most likely will not work on your smart phone or tablet.

Copy the files to the subdirectory

Step 4: Import the GPS files into the My Tracks app

Launch the app

Select GPX files

Click on OK after import has been completed

Select a track to navigate

Start navigating

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Please note that we have tested this app with the Samsung Galaxy Tab3. We cannot guarantee it will work with other smart phones, tablets and apps.

Although you can use the gps files with smart phones and tablets, we recommend that you also bring a GPS device as these have been designed for navigation. Their antennas are more sensitive, they are more reliable and they also show the waypoints of each trail, something the MyTrack app as described does not do.