What Apple Maps optimizes for
Apple Maps (and similar apps) calculate efficient driving directions between destinations. They prefer legal roads, current traffic rules, and often a “best” path. That’s perfect for A→B trips — and wrong when you already have a carefully planned GPX.
What a GPX file actually is
A GPX is a sequence of GPS points — a track or route exported from tools like Strava, Komoot, or Garmin. It encodes where you intended to go, including scenic detours, private event stages, or club loops that Maps would never choose.
Why “open in Maps” can change the ride
When apps convert a GPX into Maps waypoints, the service may reconnect those points with its own routing. Short tracks can survive; long or winding ones often get simplified or re-routed. The result looks similar on a map overview — until you’re mid-drive on the wrong road.
How Roavic keeps the exact track
Roavic imports the GPX and navigates along the polyline itself. On iPhone and CarPlay you see the same route line, your position on that line, and maneuvers derived from the track — so club routes and planned drives stay faithful.
When to use each approach
- Apple Maps / Google Maps: addresses, POIs, traffic-aware A→B
- Roavic + GPX: exact imported tracks, CarPlay dashboard guidance, voice along the file
Getting started
Import a .gpx in Roavic, connect CarPlay, and tap Start. Prefer Maps handoff only when you want a simplified street route — not when fidelity to the GPX matters.