How to Analyze Route Elevation
GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are the universal standard for GPS route data. They contain latitude, longitude, elevation, and optionally timestamps for each tracked point. This tool reads the elevation values from each track point to compute statistics and render the profile.
How to Get a GPX File
- Garmin Connect: Open activity → ⋯ More → Export to GPX
- Strava: Open activity → ⋯ → Export GPX (requires account)
- Komoot / RideWithGPS: Routes have direct GPX download buttons
- FIT files: Use our FIT to GPX converter first
Cycling Climb Categories
Climb categories follow the French cycling system used in the Tour de France. The higher-category climbs are harder: HC (Hors Catégorie) is the hardest, followed by Cat 1 through Cat 4. The category is calculated from a combination of distance and average grade — a long, steep climb earns HC; a short, gentle hill may be Cat 4 or uncategorized.