Why convert GDB to CSV?
A CSV of waypoints is useful for loading GPS coordinates into a spreadsheet, importing them into Google Maps or QGIS, or bulk-editing names and coordinates before sending them back to a device. It is also a convenient plain-text backup of a waypoint collection. Routes and tracks need .gpx or KML for tabular use.
How to convert GDB to CSV
GPSBabel OPEN-SOURCE
Set Input format to Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and browse to your .gdb, then set Output format to Universal CSV (unicsv) and click Apply.
Full Convert Enterprise APP
Add the .gdb as the source, select CSV as the target format, and run the conversion.
Programs that convert GDB
About these formats
.GDB
Garmin MapSource GPS Database
A GDB file from Garmin stores GPS waypoints, routes and tracks created in MapSource or BaseCamp. Open it with the free Garmin BaseCamp (File -> Import), or convert it to GPX or KML with the…
Open .GDB details →
.CSV
Comma-Separated Values
A CSV file stores tabular data as plain text - one row per line, values separated by commas (or semicolons in European locales). Any spreadsheet opens it: Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice…
Open .CSV details →Quality & what to watch
- Only waypoints export cleanly to CSV - routes and track logs are not included in the unicsv output.
- Coordinates are written in decimal degrees (WGS84); convert manually if your tool expects degrees/minutes/seconds format.
- Waypoint symbol icons assigned in MapSource or BaseCamp are not stored in plain CSV and are dropped during conversion.
