How to turn a GPX track into an animated map video
Your hike, ride or run already lives in a GPX file. Drop it into AYK Maps and it becomes a route that draws itself across the map, with your waypoints as stops, ready to export as a video.
By the AYK Maps team at AYK Studios, Bengaluru · Updated
About 5 minutes · Free to try in AYK Maps
Step by step
- 1
Export the GPX file
Download the activity or route as .gpx from your app or device (Strava, Komoot, Garmin, a phone tracker or a bike computer).
- 2
Open the studio and upload it
Open AYK Maps. In Studio → Stops, click Upload locations (CSV / JSON / GPX), or drag the file anywhere onto the studio. When asked how to add it, choose Add as map layers. Uploading your own files is included from the Starter plan.
- 3
Check the track
Tracks become a line and named waypoints become points — they appear on the timeline as Route (upload) and Points (upload). Very long tracks are simplified so the line animates smoothly.
- 4
Style the route
Pick the route colour with Accent in the toolbar, add a travel marker such as Bike or Walk, and choose a basemap under Map style — satellite with terrain relief suits hikes and rides.
- 5
Set the camera
In the toolbar, open Animation and set Motion to Follow so the camera tracks the line, or Fly in for an overview first.
- 6
Add a title and export
Add a title or stat card (distance, elevation, days), then click Export → Video. Free exports are 720p with a small badge.
Tips
- Elevation and timestamps in the GPX are ignored; the line shows where you went, not how fast.
- For a planned trip without a GPX file, add the stops by name and set Path shape to Follow roads with Travel mode Drive, Cycle or Walk.
- KML, KMZ and GeoJSON tracks work the same way.
Try it now, free
Open the studioMore: Animated route maps · 3D map animation · All tutorials