Converting Google Map routine to GPX or other GPS device

It is always a good idea to have your driving direction planned before travel. Not only does this allow you to choose the best routine to fit your travel plan, you can also save heaps of money in renting GPS and network usage with the use of offline map.

The most easiest way to do is to use Google Map for finding your directions. However, Google Map routine can only be downloaded in kmz format. There is no direct way to convert kmz to gpx file, yet, there is a free conversion tool named GPSBabel for converting kml file format to GPX or other common file format for GPS devices.

Have these programs ready, and follow the steps below. You will safely arrive your destination.

GPSBabel http://www.gpsbabel.org/download.html

7-zip http://www.7-zip.org/

First thing first, find your direction in Google Map

Say, travelling from McCarran International Airport to Red Rock Canyon National Park

Press the "More" (yes, the button with 3 vertical dots) button , select "Export to KML"

Choose what you want to export, you can export the entire map or just one particular direction..

Once you have the kmz file downloaded, open it with 7-zip (7-zip is free). Extract the kml file.

By using GPS Babel, you can now convert the kml file to the file format which is readable by your GPS /Map program.

In GPSBabel, you could examine the file converted with a preview in Google Map. It is totally optional.

Now you have the file, the final move is to copy the converted to your GPS/Map program.

Have a safe trip :)