How to Import a KMZ Route and Export a High-Resolution Travel Map

If you are the kind of traveler who tracks routes with a GPS app, records hikes on Strava, or plans itineraries in Google Earth, you probably have KMZ or GPX files sitting on your computer. These files contain your exact route data — waypoints, tracks, and paths — but they are not exactly wall art. This guide shows you how to turn those raw GPS files into a beautiful, high-resolution travel map.

What Are KMZ and GPX Files?

Before we dive in, here is a quick primer on the two most common route file formats:

• KMZ/KML: KMZ (and its uncompressed sibling KML) is Google's format for geographic data. Google Earth, Google My Maps, and many GIS tools export in this format. A KMZ file is essentially a zipped KML file, often including icons and overlays.
• GPX: GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is the universal standard for GPS data. Strava, Komoot, Garmin, and most fitness and navigation apps export GPX files. They contain waypoints, tracks, and routes with timestamps.

Both formats store geographic coordinates that describe a path. MapMyMemories can read either one and convert it into an editable, styled route on the map.

Step 1: Export Your Route as KMZ or GPX

The first step is getting your route file out of whatever app you used to create or record it. Here is how to export from the most popular sources:

• Google Earth: Open your project, click the three-dot menu on your route, and select "Export as KML file." If you want a compressed version, rename the .kml extension to .kmz or use a zip tool.
• Google My Maps: Open your map, click the three-dot menu next to the map title, select "Export to KML/KMZ," and download the file.
• Strava / Komoot: Go to your activity page on the web, click the wrench icon (actions), and select "Export GPX." Komoot has a similar export under the tour's "More" menu.
• Garmin Connect: Log in to Garmin Connect on the web, open your activity, click the gear icon, and choose "Export to GPX."

Step 2: Import into MapMyMemories

Once you have your file, importing it takes just a few seconds:

1. Open MapMyMemories and go to the map tool
2. Click the import button (or drag and drop your file directly onto the map)
3. The tool will parse your file and display the route with all its waypoints on the map
4. Review the result — your stops, route lines, and labels will appear automatically

Step 3: Edit and Enhance Your Map

Imported routes often need a little cleanup. Here is what you can do after importing:

• Rename waypoint labels — GPS data often uses coordinates or generic names instead of meaningful place names
• Change the map style — try different base maps to find the look that best matches your trip's vibe
• Adjust route colors and line weight — make the route stand out against the map background
• Add or remove stops — you might want to simplify a complex GPS track to just the key destinations

Step 4: Export at 600 DPI

Now that your map looks exactly how you want it, export it in a format suitable for printing. MapMyMemories supports multiple formats, each with its strengths:

• JPEG: Best for photos and social sharing. Smaller file size, but uses lossy compression. Good for prints up to A3.
• PNG: Lossless compression, supports transparency. Ideal for high-quality prints and when you need a clean background.
• SVG: Vector format — infinitely scalable with no quality loss. Perfect for large-format prints or professional graphic design workflows.

Common Issues and Fixes

Importing GPS files is usually smooth, but occasionally you might run into a hiccup. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

File is too large to import

Very detailed GPS tracks (especially long hikes or bike rides) can contain thousands of points. Try simplifying the track in your GPS app before exporting, or use an online tool like gpx.studio to reduce the number of points while preserving the overall shape.

Route does not display correctly

This usually happens when the file contains multiple layers or unsupported geometry types. Try exporting only the route layer (not the full project) from your source app. If the file is KMZ, try unzipping it and importing the .kml file inside.

Waypoints appear but no route line

Some exports include only waypoints (individual points) without a connecting track. After importing, you can manually connect the waypoints using MapMyMemories' route drawing tool, or re-export from the source app making sure to include the track/route data.

A GPS file is raw data — coordinates and timestamps. But with a few minutes of work, you can turn it into a polished, print-ready travel map that captures the shape of your journey. Whether it is a weekend cycling route, a cross-country road trip, or a month-long backpacking trail, your route deserves to be more than a file on your hard drive.