How to compare two GPX routes

Load two routes in four steps

1. Open the GPX Viewer and choose the first GPX file, or click “Try an example”. This is Route A.
2. Under “Compare two routes”, click “Choose second GPX file”. This is Route B. Use the separate controls for the two files; do not drop both files together.
3. Read the table and map: A is solid green and B is dashed purple. Both profiles use the same distance and elevation scales, measured from each route’s own start.
4. Use “Remove second route” to return to a single route. Choosing a new first file clears the old comparison and share card.

Understand the differences

The difference column is B minus A. A positive distance means B is longer; a negative number means B is shorter. More recorded ascent does not by itself prove that a ride is harder: terrain, trail conditions and the quality of the recording are not measured here.

For a quick example, load the built-in loop and click “Compare with an example”. The synthetic loop is 7.53 km with 270 m ascent; the alternative is 9.32 km with 410 m ascent. The table shows +1.79 km and +140 m. These are demonstration files, rather than a ride recommendation.

Ascent and descent differences are unavailable if either route has missing elevations. Available recorded totals are labeled partial, and gaps remain visible on the chart. The curves share scales, but their starts are not aligned to the same geographic junction.

What does geographic overlap mean?

The tool estimates how much sampled route distance lies within 50 m of the other sampled route, ignoring riding direction. “A close to B” and “B close to A” can differ: a short section may be almost entirely inside a longer route, while covering only part of the longer route.

Sampling is up to 25 m apart for short routes and coarser for long routes. The actual interval is shown with the result. GPS noise, parallel trails, bridges and sampling can affect the percentages. Proximity does not identify an exact divergence point or confirm that both files use the same trail. Check the shapes on the map as well as the numbers.

Create a picture for your riding group

1. Click “Create a share card” after both routes have loaded. Review the preview: it contains schematic route shapes, an elevation chart and recorded totals, without a map background.
2. Route names are hidden by default. Select “Include route names in the image” only if you want those names in the picture. A route shape can still disclose a private location even without its name.
3. Click “Download PNG” to save the 1200 × 900 picture. You can then share that file yourself in your preferred app. The viewer does not publish an image or create a public link to your GPX.

Frequently asked questions