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Allow uploading GPX files to ArcGIS online

1258
5
08-11-2023 12:50 PM
Status: Open
DevinJacobs_JGI
Occasional Contributor

We work with GPS units in the field and are hoping to be able to upload the resulting .gpx files directly into ArcGIS Online through a Survey123 Form. This is not currently possible because of limitations on file type uploads to AGOL. 

Esri is a geospatial data company and so AGOL should be compatible with the primary file type used by GPS devices (GPX).

Thank you. 

5 Comments
BernSzukalski

As a workaround if needed... If you need to do this now, Map Viewer Classic supports adding GPX files directly, via browsing or via drag-n-drop.

BernSzukalski_0-1691801317252.png

The GPX file is converted to an internal feature collection in Map Viewer Classic, but you can visualize those in Map Viewer. Those features are stored "inside the map" and can't be used in other maps.

However, you can create a hosted feature layer out of the feature collection GPX files that you can use in other maps by using Save Layer in Map Viewer Classic, then publishing the newly created saved layer item.

There are also a number of utilities that you will find online that can be used to convert GPX files to CSV and other formats, and you GPS device may also have an associated program that can do the same.

RyanSutcliffe

My understanding is that Map Viewer Classic is going to be dropped Q1 2026 and is already inaccessible for users with free AGOL accounts. So above workaround is no longer..

The documentation for AGOL is confusing and hasn't been updated in various places to note that .gpx file upload is not supported (here).

The new Map Viewer should support .gpx files directly like the original format and not require users to use a Desktop product (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) to convert the data to a .csv or shapefile first to get data into AGOL. 

Using .gpx directly in the free AGOL with ArcGIS Map SDK for JavaScript is a quick way to demonstrate the power of ESRI web software without requiring expensive licenses.

BernSzukalski

@RyanSutcliffe I encourage you to promote this to get it directly supported as it was in Map Viewer Classic. Conventional wisdom on the Esri side of things is that this is a capability that is not often requested, or part of mainstream Enterprise workflows. I use either ArcGIS Pro to handle this, or use third party online web utilities to translate GPX into something that can be leveraged directly in ArcGIS Online. Personally, I'm all for adding GPX files to direct support as it was in Map Viewer Classic, since there are projects I am involved in that leverage GPX as part of regular field data collection workflows.

NicoleNadorozny

I would agree with the comments above. Uploading gpx data from a gps unit to ArcGIS Online is a function that we still use and it would be great if this feature could be incorporated into Map Viewer.  Just commenting to support this initiative. thanks.

SharonJanzen__B_Sc_

I agree and I would like to see this functionality included with Map Viewer.... especially if Classic is going away Q1 2026.

Thanks.