Easy KML → SUUNTO Conversion: From Google Earth to RouteConverting routes and waypoints from Google Earth into a format your Suunto device can use is a common need for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. This guide walks through the full process: exporting KML from Google Earth, converting it to a Suunto-compatible format (typically GPX or FIT), cleaning and editing the data, and importing the route onto your Suunto watch or the Suunto app. It covers free tools, paid options, and troubleshooting tips so you can choose the workflow that fits your experience level.
1. Formats and compatibility — what Suunto accepts
Suunto watches and the Suunto app primarily accept these formats:
- GPX — the most widely supported route/track/waypoint format (recommended).
- FIT — Garmin/Fit files; supported by some Suunto tools and third-party converters.
- KML/KMZ — Google Earth’s native formats are not directly supported by most Suunto devices, so conversion is necessary.
2. Exporting from Google Earth
- Open Google Earth (desktop).
- Create or select the placemarks, paths, or polygons you want to export.
- Right-click the item in the “Places” panel and choose “Save Place As…”.
- In the dialog:
- Choose KML (for single file) or KMZ (compressed; includes images).
- Give the file a clear name and save it to your computer.
Tips:
- For linear routes, use “Path” rather than many individual points—Suunto handles continuous tracks better.
- If you have multiple separate routes, consider exporting each as a separate KML/KMZ for easier conversion.
3. Converting KML to GPX (free tools)
Option A — GPS Visualizer (web)
- Visit GPS Visualizer (search for it; it’s a free web utility).
- Upload your KML/KMZ and choose output as GPX.
- Download the converted GPX. GPS Visualizer preserves names and basic metadata but may need manual cleanup for complex polygons.
Option B — Garmin BaseCamp (free desktop)
- Import the KML into BaseCamp (File → Import).
- Export the route as GPX (File → Export Selection as… → GPX).
- BaseCamp gives you control over naming and structuring tracks/waypoints.
Option C — QGIS (free, more advanced)
- Load the KML as a vector layer.
- Export layer to GPX with coordinate and attribute control.
- Useful if you need to edit or reproject coordinates before export.
Option D — Command-line (for power users)
- Use ogr2ogr (GDAL) to convert:
ogr2ogr -f "GPX" output.gpx input.kml
4. Converting to FIT (if needed)
- Suunto’s ecosystem predominantly uses GPX; FIT is less commonly required.
- Use third-party services like Fit File Tools or online converters to turn GPX into FIT if your workflow or device requires it.
- Note: converting to FIT can strip some metadata or alter timestamps—verify after conversion.
5. Cleaning and editing the GPX
Before importing to Suunto, check and, if necessary, edit:
- Track vs. Route: Suunto devices often prefer routes (a series of waypoints) over raw tracks (every recorded point). Use tools (Garmin BaseCamp, GPX Editor, GPXSee) to convert tracks into routes or simplify tracks by reducing point count.
- Waypoint names and order: ensure logical sequencing and readable names.
- Elevation data: Google Earth kml may include elevations; verify they make sense and remove erroneous spikes.
- Coordinate precision and projection: GPX expects WGS84 (latitude/longitude). Converting tools usually handle this, but verify.
Tools for editing:
- GPSPrune (free) — lightweight editor for splitting/merging/simplifying.
- GPX Editor (web/desktop) — GUI for cleaning and reordering.
- Garmin BaseCamp — good for building routes from tracks and exporting as route-type GPX.
6. Importing into Suunto (app or device)
A — Suunto app / SuuntoPlus
- Open the Suunto app on your phone.
- Look for an “Import” or “Add route” option (UI varies by app version).
- Select the GPX file from your phone storage or cloud service; the app will import and sync routes to your device.
B — SuuntoLink (desktop sync)
- Some older workflow uses SuuntoLink (or Moveslink for older devices) to sync GPX files. Connect your watch via USB and import routes using the desktop app, then sync to device.
C — Direct copy (for some devices)
- For devices that accept GPX files when connected as a mass storage device, copy the GPX into the correct folder (check your device’s documentation for exact path) and safely eject; the watch will index new routes on next startup.
Notes:
- After importing, open the route in the Suunto app and check the preview (path, waypoints, elevation) before syncing.
- If the route doesn’t appear, ensure the GPX contains route elements (rte) rather than only track points (trk). Many Suunto UIs show routes differently from raw tracks.
7. Troubleshooting common issues
- Route not visible on watch: convert track to route; reduce point count; check GPX structure.
- Waypoints out of order: open GPX in an editor and reorder waypoint sequence.
- Elevation errors: remove elevation tags or recalculate using elevation-correcting tools.
- Too many points / slow device response: simplify the GPX (GPSPrune or BaseCamp) to reduce points under device limits.
- Timezones/timestamps incorrect: strip or correct timestamps if your device relies on them for activity merging.
8. Example workflow (quick and reliable)
- Export path from Google Earth as KML.
- Use GPS Visualizer to convert KML → GPX (choose to output routes if available).
- Open GPX in Garmin BaseCamp to convert tracks to routes and tidy names.
- Import route into Suunto app and sync to watch.
9. Tools and resources (summary)
- Google Earth (export) — desktop
- GPS Visualizer — quick web converter
- Garmin BaseCamp — desktop editor for routes
- GPSPrune, GPXSee, GPX Editor — editing and simplifying
- Fit File Tools / online converters — GPX ↔ FIT if needed
- Suunto app / SuuntoLink — import & sync
10. Final tips
- Keep backups of original KML/KMZ files before converting.
- Test new routes on short runs/hikes to ensure navigation behaves as expected.
- Prefer routes (rte) when planning turn-by-turn navigation; use tracks (trk) for recording and post-analysis.
- If you share routes with others, export both GPX and KML so recipients can open them in different tools.
If you want, I can convert a sample KML file for you — upload it here and tell me which Suunto model you’re using.
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