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How to Import Routes from Google My Maps into TravelAnimator
Planning a trip often starts with Google My Maps. Whether you’re mapping a road trip, saving must-visit spots, or designing a detailed travel itinerary, Google My Maps makes route planning simple and visual. But when it’s time to turn those planned routes into an animated travel video, many users wonder how to bring their Google My Maps routes into TravelAnimator.
While TravelAnimator doesn’t directly support Google My Maps files, there’s a simple and reliable workaround that lets you import your routes with complete accuracy.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to import routes from Google My Maps into TravelAnimator, step by step. We’ll cover exporting your map, converting it to the proper format, importing it into the app, and customizing it into a stunning travel animation.
What Is Google My Maps?
Google My Maps is a custom map-making tool by Google that allows users to create personalized maps with routes, layers, and location markers. Different from regular Google Maps, My Maps lets you draw custom travel routes, add multiple destinations and stops, organize locations into layers, save and share travel itineraries.
Travelers, educators, travel agencies, and content creators commonly use Google My Maps to plan journeys. However, Google My Maps is mainly built for planning and visualization, not for animation or video creation.
Can You Import Google My Maps Routes Directly into TravelAnimator?
At the moment, TravelAnimator does not support direct imports from Google My Maps. This means you can’t paste a My Maps link or upload a KML/KMZ file directly into the app.
TravelAnimator fully supports GPX files, which are widely used for GPS routes and travel paths. Google My Maps allows you to export your routes as KML or KMZ files, which you can easily convert to GPX using free online tools.
So the process is simple: Google My Maps → Export as KML → Convert to GPX → Import into TravelAnimator.
Supported File Formats in TravelAnimator
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand which formats TravelAnimator works with. TravelAnimator supports GPX files, which are recommended for accurate route animation. TravelAnimator does not directly support KML files or KMZ files.
GPX files are lightweight, accurate, and ideal for smooth animated paths. Once your route is converted to GPX, TravelAnimator can instantly detect and animate the entire journey.
Step-by-Step Guide to Export Route from Google My Maps
Open Google My Maps – Go to Google My Maps and open the map that contains your travel route.
Select the Route or Layer – Make sure the route you want to animate is visible. If your map has multiple layers, you can choose to export a specific layer or the entire map.
Export as KML/KMZ – Click on the three-dot menu next to the map name or layer, then choose Export to KML/KMZ.
Download the File – Save the exported file to your device. This file contains all your route coordinates and destinations. Your route is now ready for conversion.
Convert Google My Maps KML to GPX
Since TravelAnimator works with GPX files, the next step is to convert your exported KML/KMZ file to GPX format.
Google My Maps exports routes in KML format, while TravelAnimator uses GPX to read and animate paths. Conversion does not reduce the accuracy of your route points, curves, or stops, which remain exact.
You can use any of the following trusted tools:
- GPS Visualizer – A popular free tool that converts routes quickly and accurately.
- MyGeodata Converter – Supports many formats and works well for complex routes.
- Atlas – Fast, simple, and perfect for GIS workflows.
- Aspos – Fast and accurate conversion, no more format compatibility concerns.
Upload your KML/KMZ file, select GPX as the output format, and download the converted file.
How to Import the GPX File into TravelAnimator
- Open the TravelAnimator app on your device and start a new project.
- Go to the routes settings icon and click on the Add GPX option.
- Choose the Import GPX option and upload your converted GPX file.
- Once uploaded, TravelAnimator automatically places your entire route on the map, including all curves and stops.
- After importing the GPX file, you gain complete creative control over your animation.
- You can add vehicle models, images, and text labels, switch between 2D & 3Dmaps, customize the route line and flags, adjust animation duration and model size, and export in HD or 4K quality.
When Should You Use Google My Maps and TravelAnimator?
This combination is perfect when you want to plan first and animate later. Common use cases include:
- Road trips with multiple stops
- International travel itineraries
- Educational geography routes
- Tourism and city tours
- Business travel paths
- Group or family travel plans
Google My Maps helps you design the journey, and TravelAnimator enables you to tell the story visually.
Google My Maps vs Direct GPX Creation
If you’re wondering whether to use Google My Maps or create GPX files directly, here’s the difference. Google My Maps is best for visual planning, custom layers, collaboration, etc. TravelAnimator is best for animation, storytelling, social media videos, and so on. Using both together gives you the best of both with structured planning and engaging visuals.
Turn Your Google My Maps Routes into Travel Animations
If you’ve already planned your trip in Google My Maps, you’re just a few steps away from turning it into a professional travel animation. By exporting your route, converting it to GPX, and importing it into TravelAnimator, you can transform static planning into dynamic storytelling. TravelAnimator makes it easy to visualize your journey, share it on social media, and keep your travel memories in a unique way.
Open TravelAnimator today, import your Google My Maps route, and keep your journey lifelong.
