Update #4 Google Maps Directions to GPX data w/elevation data

The  Google Maps Directions to GPX tool now has support for elevation data for each route/track point.

Try it here

Elevation Notes

The tool relies on the Google Elevation API for elevation information.

This data is obtained by sampling along the given path, which in this case will be the start and end point of your directions.

Due to restrictions in the Google Elevation API, rather than return elevation data at each route point along the path, I had to implement the tool to request elevation by sampling along the length of the path. The number of samples requested is equal to the number of route points. Due to the fact that the path is sampled along the surface of the earth the accuracy of this elevation data might have a high degree of in-accuracy.

Update #2 to Google Maps Directions to GPX data

I've applied several major updates to the tool discussed in this article. Update #1, Update #2, Update #3, Update #4 and Original post.

The Google Maps Directions to GPX has received its second update.

Try it

Change log

• Support for short urls (e.g. "goo.gl/maps/..." links).
• Support for multi destination directions.
• Waypoints will now get a full address into their <desc> field if available.
• Option to exclude creation of waypoints (external to the route).
• Option to provide a custom name for the route.
• Improved error handling and validation of Google Maps links.
• Addressing an issue where if URL is missing sections the Google service will estimate the destination (this will most likely cause an incorrect route to be generated).

Changes to JSON output only 

These have not yet been integrated into the GPX format.

• Inclusion of Google StreetView imagery where available.
• Preliminary support for elevation profile data (only for walking and cycling directions).
• Turn information available in markup format ("step" field).
• List of all countries the route passes through.
• List of all destinations in route (in addition to start and finish).

Try it


Map Link with Multi Destination Directions

Map Link with Cycling Directions (will have elevation data)

Update #1 to Google Maps Directions to GPX data

I've applied several major updates to the tool discussed in this article. Update #1, Update #2, Update #3, Update #4 and Original post.

In a previous post I shared an experimental tool that I had been tinkering with that converts Google directions to GPX format.

After quite a few interesting suggestions and discussions with readers I want to present Update #1 to this tool.

Try it

Major changes

1. New and more user friendly UI with error checking.
2. More control over output format and output file types (the tool now defaults to generating a file that has the broadest compatibility with the GPX standard).
3. Auto-generation of unique route point names (format "RPxxx").
4. Option to include the full direction text with each route point in the <desc> field.
5. Option to include a brief next turn information with each route point in the <cmt> field.
6. Optional JSON response for future web-development

The new UI with all options

Try it

Converting Google Maps Directions to GPX data

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