Record a timestamped track
Record a GPX track on iPhone or Apple Watch.
The easiest workflow is to start an outdoor activity before the first camera photo, keep it running through the outing, and export the saved recording as GPX afterward.
App instructions checked
Which iPhone app should you use?
Choose for export convenience, not workout metrics.
| App | Best for | How the GPX leaves the app | Important tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strava | A simple, familiar recorder | Export GPX from the activity page on the Strava website | Requires an account and cloud upload |
| OsmAnd | Offline travel and direct track files | My Places → Tracks → Export or Share | More controls to learn before the trip |
| Gaia GPS | Hiking and outdoor map workflows | Saved → track → Share → Export File → GPX | Offline map downloads require Premium |
| Guru Maps | Offline maps and lightweight trip recording | Open the recorded track and use its export action | Confirm the export and recording settings in a short test |
Plans, prices, and menu names can change. The links below lead to each developer’s current documentation.
Option 1 · Strava on iPhone
The shortest path for most people.
- Open Strava and tap RecordChoose an outdoor activity such as walk, hike, run, or ride. Allow precise location and Motion & Fitness access when prompted.
- Wait for the location indicator outdoorsBegin before taking the first camera photo. For a clearer photo timeline, leave auto-pause off when practical and let the recorder cover stops as well as movement.
- Finish and save the activityKeep the activity private if you do not want the trip visible to other Strava users. Wait for the upload to complete.
- Open the activity on strava.comStrava currently provides file export on its website. Open the activity’s More menu and choose Export GPX.
- Move the file to the iPhone if neededUse iCloud Drive, AirDrop, or the Files app, then select that
.gpxfile in LensPin.
Option 2 · Direct export and offline maps
Keep the track closer to the device.
Record with Trip Recording
Start the Trip Recording tool, finish and save the track, then open My Places → Tracks. On iOS, Export or Share sends the selected track as a GPX file through the system share sheet.
Record, save, then export
Start a track from the map’s Record control. After the trip, open Saved, select the recorded track, tap Share, choose Export File, and select GPX.
Record a GPS track
Start a recording in Guru Maps, finish it after the last photo, then open the track details. Use the export action at the bottom of the details screen and save the track to Files.
Run a five-minute rehearsal
Whichever app you choose, record a short walk, export it, and confirm that LensPin sees timed track points before relying on it for a full trip.
Apple Watch
Three dependable export paths.
Install the Strava watch app, authorize Health and Motion & Fitness access, choose an outdoor sport, and save the activity. When it syncs to Strava, export GPX from the activity page on strava.com.
Official Apple Watch instructions ↗In Strava, connect Health and allow Workouts & Routes. Strava can import eligible native Apple Workout activities from the previous 30 days; after the activity appears, use Strava’s website export.
Official Apple Health sync instructions ↗WorkOutDoors records outdoor workouts on Apple Watch and supports GPX export in its iPhone companion app. It is a useful option when you want watch maps and a direct file workflow.
Official WorkOutDoors user guide ↗Apple Health’s full export is not a ready-to-import GPX file.
Apple’s built-in “Export All Health Data” produces an XML archive. For a single trip, syncing the workout to Strava or using an app with direct GPX export is much simpler.
Recording quality
Small habits prevent large gaps.
Start outside
Wait briefly for a stable position before walking away or taking the first photo.
Protect battery
Charge the phone or watch, and avoid power modes that reduce location recording during a long outing.
Remember the camera clock
Photograph a phone clock at the start, or note any known time-zone difference for LensPin’s matching offset.
Finished recording?Import the timestamped GPX track into LensPin →