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Export Google Maps Saved Places: Complete Guide (All Formats)

The definitive guide to exporting Google Maps saved places with coordinates. Learn how to overcome the missing coordinates problem and convert to GPX, KML, GeoJSON, and CSV formats.

March 25, 2025

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7 min read

Are you trying to export your Google Maps Saved Places to use in other applications? Whether you want to view your places in Google Earth, navigate with OsmAnd, or analyze your locations in a spreadsheet, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Many users are surprised to discover that Google doesn't make this process straightforward. When you export your data, the coordinates are missing! This guide solves that problem and helps you get your places in exactly the format you need.

What are Google Maps Saved Places?

Google Maps Saved Places are locations you've marked for future reference within the Google Maps app. These can include:

  • Starred locations (your default "Favorites")
  • Places marked as "Want to go"
  • Custom lists you've created
  • Places you've reviewed or contributed to

Saved Places are incredibly useful within Google Maps, but what if you want to use them elsewhere? That's where exporting comes in.

The Challenge: Missing Coordinates in Google Exports

When you export your Saved Places through Google Takeout, you'll quickly discover a significant limitation: the exported files don't contain geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). Instead, you only get place names and addresses, which aren't directly usable in most mapping applications or GPS devices.

This creates a major hurdle, as coordinates are essential for:

  • Plotting locations on maps
  • Navigation in GPS devices
  • Spatial analysis in GIS software
  • Visualization in mapping applications

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Export Your Saved Places from Google Takeout

First, let's get your data out of Google:

  1. Visit Google Takeout
  2. Click "Deselect all" at the top
  3. Scroll down and select only "Saved" (this contains all your Google Maps Saved Places)
  4. Click "Next step"
  5. Choose "Export once" and set the export format to .zip
  6. Click "Create export"
  7. Wait for the export to complete (you'll receive an email)
  8. Download the ZIP file from your email or the Takeout page
  9. Unzip the file and locate the CSV files in the "Saved" folder

2. The Geocoding Challenge

At this point, you have your Saved Places data, but it's not in a format that can be used in most applications. The exported data lacks geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), which are essential for mapping. This is where geocoding comes in – the process of converting addresses and place names into geographic coordinates.

3. Geocoding Options

You have several options for adding coordinates to your Saved Places:

Option 1: Manual Geocoding (Time-Consuming)

You could manually look up each address and find its coordinates using Google Maps or other services. This works for a handful of places but becomes extremely time-consuming if you have dozens or hundreds of saved locations.

Option 2: Use a Geocoding API (Technical)

Developers might use Google's Geocoding API, Mapbox, or other services to programmatically add coordinates. However, this requires:

  • Programming knowledge
  • API keys and potential costs
  • Rate limit management
  • Error handling for failed geocodes

Option 3: Use Takeout Tools (Recommended)

The simplest solution is to use Takeout Tools, a service specifically designed to solve this problem:

  1. Visit Takeout Tools
  2. Upload your exported CSV files from Google Takeout (you can upload multiple files at once)
  3. The service automatically geocodes all your saved places
  4. Choose your preferred export format:
    • GPX (for navigation apps like OsmAnd, HERE WeGo)
    • KML (for Google Earth, My Maps)
    • GeoJSON (for developers and data workflows)
    • CSV (with added latitude/longitude columns)

4. Understanding Your Export Format Options

Each format has specific uses and advantages:

GPX Format

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML schema designed for GPS devices and navigation apps. It's ideal for:

  • Importing into OsmAnd, HERE WeGo, and other navigation apps
  • Loading onto handheld GPS devices like Garmin
  • Route planning for outdoor activities
  • Sharing waypoints with other travelers

Example GPX structure:

<gpx>
  <wpt lat="37.7749" lon="-122.4194">
    <name>San Francisco</name>
    <desc>Golden Gate City</desc>
  </wpt>
</gpx>

KML Format

KML (Keyhole Markup Language) was developed for Google Earth. Use it to:

  • Open your Saved Places in Google Earth with proper place markers
  • Import into Google My Maps for custom styling
  • Share location collections with visual elements
  • Create custom map overlays

GeoJSON Format

GeoJSON is a developer-friendly format based on JSON, perfect for web mapping and data analysis projects:

  • Web mapping libraries like Leaflet or Mapbox
  • Data analysis in GIS software
  • API integrations
  • Custom mapping applications

CSV with Coordinates

A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is perfect for spreadsheet analysis and database imports. Your exported CSV will contain:

  • Original place names and addresses
  • Added latitude and longitude coordinates
  • Category information
  • Any notes or additional metadata

5. Importing Into Popular Applications

OsmAnd

  1. Export your places as GPX from Takeout Tools
  2. In OsmAnd, go to My Places → Import
  3. Select your GPX file
  4. Your places will appear as favorites

For detailed instructions, see How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to OsmAnd.

Google Earth

  1. Export your places as KML from Takeout Tools
  2. Open Google Earth
  3. Go to File → Open or simply drag and drop the KML file
  4. Your places will appear as placemarks

HERE WeGo

  1. Export your places as GPX from Takeout Tools
  2. Visit HERE WeGo on the web or mobile app
  3. Import the GPX file into your collections

Benefits of Using Takeout Tools

  • Time-Saving: Automatically processes hundreds of places in minutes instead of hours of manual work
  • Accurate Geocoding: Ensures your places are positioned correctly on any map
  • Format Flexibility: Convert between multiple formats based on your specific needs
  • Privacy-Focused: Your data is processed securely and not stored permanently
  • Batch Processing: Upload multiple files at once for efficient processing

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I export directly from Google Maps with coordinates? Unfortunately, no. Google Takeout doesn't include coordinates, which is why geocoding is required.
  • Which format should I choose? It depends on your needs: GPX for navigation apps, KML for Google Earth, GeoJSON for developer workflows, CSV for spreadsheets/databases.
  • Will I lose any data during export? The core location data is preserved, but some Google-specific features like custom icons might not transfer to all formats.
  • How accurate is the geocoding? Generally very accurate for well-known places and addresses, but may vary for obscure locations or places with ambiguous names.

Conclusion: Take Your Places Anywhere

Exporting your Google Maps Saved Places opens up a world of possibilities beyond the Google Maps app. With properly geocoded data in your preferred format, you can visualize, analyze, and use your carefully curated places in any application or device.

Don't let Google's export limitations hold you back. With the right tools, you can quickly transform your Saved Places into properly geocoded files ready for immediate use.

Get it done quickly with Takeout Tools

Save hours and avoid API complexity. Upload your Google Takeout "Saved" CSVs and download clean GPX/KML/GeoJSON/CSV with coordinates.

  • Takeout Tools
  • Privacy-conscious processing
  • Multiple export formats
  • Accurate geocoding

See Other Export Guides

Need a different format? We've got you covered: