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GDB TRK
File conversion

Convert GDB to TRK

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Aug 8, 2026
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Is it possible to convert GDB to TRK?
Yes - GDB converts to TRK.

Use GPSBabel with input format set to Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and output set to the TRK variant your device expects. Only track log data carries over; waypoints and routes from the .gdb are not included in .trk output.

3 programs
Also to TRK: RTMAP

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert GDB to TRK?

Some older Garmin devices and third-party GPS tools use .trk files rather than the more common .gpx format. If you have logged tracks in a MapSource .gdb archive and need them on a device or application that requires .trk, GPSBabel provides a direct conversion path.

How to convert GDB to TRK

GPSBabel OPEN-SOURCE

Set Input format to Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and Output to the TRK type your device expects, then click Apply. From the command line: gpsbabel -i gdb -f input.gdb -o garmin_txt -F output.trk.

GPSBabel for Mac OPEN-SOURCE

Use the same settings on macOS: Input as Garmin Mapsource (gdb) and Output to the required TRK format, then click Apply.

GPSBabel for Linux OPEN-SOURCE

Run gpsbabel -i gdb -f input.gdb -o garmin_txt -F output.trk from a terminal to convert the track data.

Programs that convert GDB

GPSBabel
GPSBabel for Mac
GPSBabel for Linux

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 →
.TRK GPS Track File

A TRK file is a plain-text GPS track log - a recorded sequence of latitude, longitude, altitude, and timestamps. It was created by CompeGPS Land (now TwoNav Land) or a Garmin GPS device…

Open .TRK details →

Quality & what to watch

  • The .trk format holds track logs only - waypoints and named routes from the .gdb do not carry over.
  • A Garmin .gdb starts with the ASCII tag MsRcd; if your file does not match, it may be an Esri geodatabase or InterBase file requiring different software.
  • If the target app accepts GPX, exporting to GPX is a safer alternative because GPX is fully documented and widely supported.

Frequently asked questions

Will waypoints from the .gdb appear in the .trk output?
No - the .trk format stores track points only; waypoints and routes are not included.
How do I find the correct TRK output format name in GPSBabel?
Run gpsbabel -^3 to list all supported formats and confirm the exact format name your device expects.
Can Garmin BaseCamp export to TRK?
BaseCamp can export tracks in several formats; select TRK if available for your connected device, or use GPX as a widely accepted alternative.