Best methods to import Google Earth routes into Suunto watches
1) Convert KML to GPX, then import to Suunto app (recommended)
- Export route from Google Earth as KML/KMZ.
- Convert to GPX using an online converter (e.g., GPS Visualizer, MyGeodata, or GPSBabel).
- Download the GPX file to your phone or computer.
- Open Suunto app → Map (Explorer) → + → Import route (.gpx). Edit name and save.
- Sync your watch via Suunto app to transfer the route.
2) Use GPSBabel (desktop, more control)
- Export KML/KMZ from Google Earth.
- Run GPSBabel to convert to GPX (preserves waypoints/tracks; supports batch). Example command:
Code
gpsbabel -i kml -f input.kml -o gpx -F output.gpx
- Import output.gpx into Suunto app or upload via Suunto web (if available), then sync.
3) Use an intermediate service (Strava, Komoot, RideWithGPS)
- Convert or upload KML to the service (many accept KML or GPX).
- Export as GPX from that service if needed.
- Import GPX into Suunto app or connect accounts (Komoot/Strava can sync routes to Suunto depending on integrations).
4) Direct KMZ import (mobile workaround)
- If your phone or a third-party app can open KMZ and export GPX, use that to create a GPX and then follow Suunto app import steps.
Tips and pitfalls
- Use GPX “tracks” for route navigation and “waypoints” for POIs.
- Check coordinate/order and remove unsupported elements (styles, overlays).
- Preserve elevation if you need altitude data—use converters that keep elevation.
- If route has many points, simplify before importing to avoid file-size or performance issues.
If you want, I can convert a KML/KMZ you provide into GPX and give a ready-to-import file.
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