What is GIS Batch Conversion?
Geographic Information System (GIS) data comes in various formats, each designed for different purposes and platforms. GPS devices typically export tracks and waypoints in GPX format, Google Earth uses KML, while modern web mapping applications prefer GeoJSON. Converting between these formats while maintaining spatial accuracy requires careful handling of coordinate systems and projections.
Our GIS Batch Converter simplifies this process by providing a professional-grade conversion tool that works entirely in your browser. No data leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive geospatial information. Whether you're working with hiking tracks, drone flight paths, delivery routes, or scientific survey data, this tool handles the conversion seamlessly.
Supported File Formats
π GPX (GPS Exchange Format)
GPX is the universal standard for GPS data exchange. Developed by TopoGrafix, it's an XML schema designed specifically for transferring GPS data between software applications. GPX files can store waypoints, routes, and tracks with elevation data, timestamps, and metadata. Most GPS devices and fitness applications support GPX export, making it the go-to format for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and logistics professionals.
Common uses: Hiking trails, cycling routes, running tracks, geocaching coordinates, drone flight paths, vehicle tracking data.
π KML (Keyhole Markup Language)
KML was originally developed for Google Earth and has become an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard. It uses XML to encode geographic visualization data, including points, lines, polygons, and 3D models. KML supports rich styling, animations, and integration with images and other media, making it ideal for creating interactive map presentations and virtual tours.
Common uses: Google Earth visualizations, custom map layers, property boundaries, archaeological sites, tourism guides, real estate presentations.
π GeoJSON
GeoJSON is a modern format based on JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) designed for representing simple geographical features and their non-spatial attributes. It's become the de facto standard for web mapping applications due to its lightweight structure and native JavaScript compatibility. Major mapping libraries like Leaflet, Mapbox, and OpenLayers have excellent GeoJSON support.
Common uses: Web mapping applications, API responses, vector tile sources, spatial databases, data visualization dashboards, mobile apps.
Understanding Coordinate Systems & Projections
Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) define how geographic coordinates relate to real locations on Earth's surface. Since Earth is a sphere (technically an oblate spheroid) and maps are flat, we need mathematical projections to convert between the two. Different projections optimize for different properties like area accuracy, shape preservation, or distance measurement.
π EPSG:4326 (WGS84 - World Geodetic System 1984)
WGS84 is the standard coordinate system used by GPS satellites. It defines Earth as an ellipsoid and provides the most widely used geographic coordinate system. Coordinates are expressed as latitude (-90Β° to +90Β°) and longitude (-180Β° to +180Β°). This is the default system for most GPS devices and web mapping applications. Use WGS84 when you need global compatibility and your application doesn't require metric measurements.
πΊοΈ EPSG:3857 (Web Mercator)
Web Mercator is the projection system used by Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, Bing Maps, and most other web mapping services. It's optimized for fast rendering and seamless tile generation but distorts areas significantly near the poles. Coordinates are in meters from a false origin, making distance calculations straightforward within reasonable latitudes. Perfect for web maps and applications that need to match popular mapping services.
π UTM Zones (Universal Transverse Mercator)
UTM divides the world into 60 zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide. Within each zone, coordinates are given in meters east and north from a central meridian, providing highly accurate measurements for local and regional work. UTM is the standard for surveying, civil engineering, and military applications. Our tool supports common UTM zones like EPSG:32633 (Zone 33N, covering parts of Europe).
π«π· Lambert 93 (EPSG:2154)
The official projection system for France, Lambert 93 (RGF93) provides accurate measurements across the entire country. It's a conic conformal projection optimized for mid-latitude regions, making it ideal for French surveying, cadastral work, and official mapping projects.
π¬π§ British National Grid (EPSG:27700)
The Ordnance Survey National Grid is the UK's standard coordinate system. It uses a transverse Mercator projection with the origin at 49Β°N, 2Β°W. Coordinates are given as eastings and northings in meters, with the origin shifted to provide positive values across the entire British Isles. Essential for UK-based projects, planning applications, and infrastructure work.
Key Features
- πBidirectional Conversion: Convert in any direction between GPX, KML, and GeoJSON. Preserve waypoint names, descriptions, elevations, and timestamps during conversion.
- πProjection Transformation: Transform coordinates between different EPSG systems with mathematical precision. Support for the most common coordinate reference systems used worldwide.
- π¦Batch Processing: Convert multiple files simultaneously, perfect for processing large datasets from field surveys, drone missions, or GPS logger data.
- πComplete Privacy: All processing happens locally in your browser using WebAssembly for performance. Your geospatial data never touches our servers, ensuring complete confidentiality for sensitive projects.
- β‘Fast Performance: Optimized algorithms handle large files quickly. Process thousands of coordinates in seconds without compromising accuracy.
- β
Validation: Automatic validation ensures output files comply with format specifications and are compatible with major GIS applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file size limits apply?
Individual files up to 50MB are supported, with a batch limit of 10 files. This covers most use cases including multi-day GPS tracks, detailed survey data, and large polygon datasets. For larger datasets, consider splitting into smaller chunks or using command-line GIS tools like GDAL.
How accurate are the coordinate transformations?
We use industry-standard projection libraries ensuring sub-meter accuracy for most transformations. Accuracy depends on the source and target coordinate systems β transformations between similar systems (e.g., different UTM zones) are highly accurate, while extreme latitude conversions in Web Mercator may introduce distortion. For critical surveying work, always validate results against known control points.
Can I use this for commercial projects?
Absolutely! This tool is free for all uses including commercial projects. Process client data, prepare deliverables, or integrate into your workflows without restrictions. We simply ask that you respect the privacy of others' data.
What happens to elevation data during conversion?
Elevation values are preserved across all format conversions. GPX and KML both support elevation data natively, and we include it in GeoJSON using the coordinates array format [longitude, latitude, elevation]. Note that projection transformations only affect horizontal coordinates β elevation values remain unchanged.
Which GIS applications can import the converted files?
The output files are compatible with all major GIS software including QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth, Garmin BaseCamp, GPSVisualizer, Mapbox Studio, and many more. GeoJSON works seamlessly with web mapping libraries like Leaflet, Mapbox GL JS, and OpenLayers.
Can I convert files with custom EPSG codes?
Yes! Select "Custom EPSG" in the dropdown and enter any valid EPSG code. This is useful for regional coordinate systems, national grids, and specialized projections. Ensure you know the correct EPSG code for your region by consulting epsg.io or your local geodetic authority.
Common Use Cases
π₯Ύ Outdoor Recreation
Convert hiking trails from your GPS device to GeoJSON for sharing on your blog or website. Transform Strava or Garmin Connect GPX exports to KML for viewing in Google Earth with terrain visualization. Perfect for trail runners, mountain bikers, and backcountry enthusiasts documenting their adventures.
π Drone Operations
Convert drone flight logs from KML to GeoJSON for integration with flight planning software. Transform waypoint missions between formats for different drone platforms. Essential for commercial drone operators, surveyors, and aerial photographers managing multiple aircraft types.
ποΈ Construction & Surveying
Transform survey data between coordinate systems for different project requirements. Convert site boundaries from GPX to proper projected coordinates for accurate area calculations. Critical for civil engineers, land surveyors, and construction planners working across multiple jurisdictions.
π± Environmental Science
Convert field sampling locations between formats for different analysis tools. Transform wildlife tracking data for visualization in various GIS platforms. Used by ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental consultants managing spatial datasets.
Best Practices
- Choose the Right Projection: Use WGS84 (EPSG:4326) for global data and GPS compatibility. Use Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) for web maps. Use local projections (UTM, Lambert, BNG) for accurate measurements in specific regions.
- Validate Output: Always test converted files in your target application before using them in production. Check that coordinates, elevations, and attributes are preserved correctly.
- Understand Distortion: All projections introduce some distortion. Web Mercator exaggerates areas near poles. Understand the limitations of your chosen projection for your use case.
- Preserve Metadata: Our tool maintains waypoint names, descriptions, and timestamps. Ensure your source files include this information for complete data preservation.
- Batch Similar Files: Process files with the same source format and target projection together for efficiency. This is especially useful when handling survey data or GPS logs from the same project.
Privacy & Security
Your geospatial data may contain sensitive information about locations, movements, and projects. We take privacy seriously:
- β 100% Client-Side Processing: All conversions happen in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly
- β Zero Server Uploads: Files never leave your device or touch our servers
- β No Tracking: We don't track converted files, locations, or usage patterns
- β No Account Required: Use the tool anonymously without registration
- β Open Source Algorithms: Based on well-tested open-source geospatial libraries