Magellan (.log, .rte, .wpt)
Magellan's .log, .rte and .wpt files are the track, route and waypoint formats its eXplorist handhelds and MapSend desktop software used to exchange GPS data.
At a glance
| Extension | .log, .rte, .wpt |
| Encoding | binary |
| Invented | 1986 |
| By | Magellan Navigation, Inc. |
History
Magellan Navigation was founded in 1986. Orbital Sciences Corporation bought the company in 1994; Thales Group acquired the Magellan division in 2001; a group led by Shah Capital Partners bought it back and restored the Magellan name in 2006; and on 15 December 2008 the consumer division was sold to Mio Technology, a subsidiary of MiTAC. As of 2026 Magellan no longer sells consumer GPS hardware in the US market; the eXplorist handhelds and MapSend software are legacy products.
Where it is used
The formats belong to Magellan's eXplorist outdoor handhelds and the MapSend desktop mapping software used to load maps onto them and pull data back off — MapSendFormat handles waypoints, ExploristFormat handles logged tracks, and RouteFormat handles routes.
Structure
Native binary transfer formats specific to Magellan's own hardware and software, not published as an open specification RouteConverter's own implementation could point to; GPSBabel documents its own compatible MapSend format separately.
How widespread
Legacy rather than current. Magellan's outdoor and automotive GPS hardware lines (eXplorist, RoadMate) have not seen new consumer models in the US for some years; anyone converting these files today is almost always working from an old device or an old MapSend export.
RouteConverter support
| Reads | Magellan Explorist, Magellan MapSend, Magellan Route |
| Writes | Magellan Explorist, Magellan MapSend, Magellan Route |
Specifications and documentation
FAQ
What is a .log file?
Magellan's .log, .rte and .wpt files are the track, route and waypoint formats its eXplorist handhelds and MapSend desktop software used to exchange GPS data.
How do I open a .log file?
RouteConverter, the free converter for Windows, macOS and Linux, opens Magellan files: start the app, load the file, then view it on the map or save it in another format.
What can I convert .log to?
RouteConverter opens .log files and saves them as GPX, KML or any other format it can write. More: GPX, KML, all formats.