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GDB KML
File conversion

Convert GDB to KML

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 21, 2026
QUICK ANSWER
Is it possible to convert GDB to KML?
Yes - GDB converts to KML.

Open GPSBabel, set the input to Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and the output to Google Earth KML, then click Apply. Track timestamps are preserved; Garmin waypoint icons become generic placemark pins in KML.

5 programs
Also to KML: SSF · LOC · KLM

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert GDB to KML?

KML is the native format for Google Earth and Google Maps. Converting your Garmin GPS data to KML lets you view and share it in those tools without Garmin software. GDB is a binary proprietary format that only a handful of programs understand, while KML is an open OGC standard.

How to convert GDB to KML

GPSBabel OPEN-SOURCE

Set Input format to Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and Output format to Google Earth (Keyhole) Markup Language, then click Apply to produce the .kml file.

Programs that convert GDB

GPSBabel
MyGeodata Cloud
GPSBabel for Mac
GPSBabel for Linux
GPS Visualizer

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 →
.KML Keyhole Markup Language

A KML file stores map data - pins, routes, polygons, image overlays - in plain XML format. The easiest way to open one is Google Earth (free desktop app or earth.google.com in a browser) or…

Open .KML details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Waypoints, routes, and tracks all convert to KML; track timestamps are preserved when present in the source .gdb.
  • Garmin-specific waypoint icons are mapped to generic KML placemarks and may not match the original Garmin symbol set in Google Earth.
  • The .gdb extension is also used by Esri File Geodatabases and InterBase databases - those are different formats; a Garmin GDB starts with MsRcd in its first bytes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get KMZ (compressed KML) instead?
Yes - in GPSBabel, use the same input settings but name the output file with a .kmz extension; it automatically produces a compressed KMZ.
Are turn-by-turn route instructions preserved in KML?
No - KML has no concept of routable roads; routes appear as path lines but turn-by-turn instructions are not stored.
Does Garmin BaseCamp export to KML?
Yes - import the .gdb via File > Import, select the data, then use File > Export to save as KML or KMZ.