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How to restore missing GPS data

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If you’re an athlete or outdoor adventurer, you probably rely heavily on GPS tracking. Whether it’s a long trail run, a cycling session, or a scenic hike, your GPS device tracks every step and turn. But sometimes, things go wrong, your watch pauses unexpectedly, the GPS signal drops, or you forget to resume recording after a short break. That’s where GpxFix can save your day.

GpxFix can help you recover lost sections of your workout. In this post, we’ll explore how it works along with examples of when you might need it.

Understanding the Problem: Missing GPS Sections

A GPX file is essentially a digital record of your GPS path, containing timestamps, coordinates and elevation. However, it’s common for sections to go missing. This could happen for a variety of reasons:

  • You accidentally paused your sports watch during an activity.
  • Your GPS device lost signal in a tunnel, dense forest, canyon or in between tall buildings.
  • A software crash interrupted the recording process.
  • You ran out of battery mid-activity but resumed later from the same spot.

The result? A broken GPX file with a noticeable gap between two points — often making your route map inaccurate and your stats unreliable.

Solution 1: Use GpxFix To Recreate Missing Sections Automatically

This option recreates missing GPS sections by analyzing the rest of your activity. When it detects a gap in your route, it looks for nearby start and end points from other laps or return paths for the same activity. It then intelligently reconstructs the missing section, creating a realistic path that smoothly connects the two points.

This can be used for activities that involve loops or repeated laps, such as:

  • Track running: If your GPS dropped a lap due to interference, GpxFix can fill in the missing loop based on previous laps.
  • Mountain biking: On complex trails where signal can drop in wooded or mountainous areas, the tool can rebuild sections using your return path.
  • Rowing or kayaking: If you row out and back along the same waterway, GpxFix can replicate the missing section using your reverse route.

The result is a continuous, accurate GPX track that reflects your true activity — without sudden jumps or unrealistic straight lines. YouTube video: How to fix location jumps from GPS errors

Solution 2: Use GpxFix With A Reference GPX File To Fill Gaps

The second major feature of GpxFix allows you to upload a reference GPX file to repair missing sections. This is perfect when you’ve recorded the same route previously or have access to a friend’s complete version of the same activity, or for example when you participate in a race and the race organizer have provided the GPX track for download. Many trail running organizers such as UTMB provide a GPX file for download for each distance of their races.

By comparing your broken GPX with the reference file, GpxFix identifies where data is missing and automatically inserts the missing section using the corresponding portion from the reference file. This ensures a seamless match with your original route.

This feature comes in handy in many scenarios:

  • Marathon or race recording: If your watch stopped mid-race, use another runner’s GPX to fill in the missing kilometers.
  • Hiking trails: Reconstruct missing portions using a GPX from a previous hike on the same trail.
  • Cycling routes: Replace missing data with a reference GPX from a group ride, ensuring your stats remain consistent.

This approach not only restores route continuity but also keeps your total distance, elevation, and pace data accurate for training logs or fitness tracking apps. If you track heart rate you will be left with a section with no HR data, but GpxFix can be used to fill in your likely heart rate for the section.

Why GpxFix Is Essential for GPS Data Enthusiasts

Losing GPS data can be incredibly frustrating, especially after a long or challenging workout. GpxFix saves you from having to manually edit files — a process that can be tedious and error-prone. With its smart algorithms and simple interface, you can repair your GPX files in just a few clicks.

Whether you’re a runner trying to maintain accurate Strava records, a cyclist comparing training efforts, or a hiker documenting routes, GpxFix ensures your GPS data tells the full story of your adventure.

Final Thoughts

In the world of GPS-based activities, interruptions are inevitable — but they don’t have to ruin your data. With GpxFix, you can easily repair missing GPS sections and restore the integrity of your GPX files.

Automatic section reconstruction and reference-based repair — gives users flexibility and precision in recovering lost data. So next time your watch pauses mid-activity or your GPS signal drops, don’t worry — GpxFix has you covered.

Did you fix your GPS data with GpxFix? Why not mention GpxFix in your Strava activity post.

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