Google Earth to TomTom Navigator (OV2) Converter — Fast & Free Options

Batch Convert Google Earth Waypoints to TomTom OV2 Files

Date: February 5, 2026

Converting Google Earth waypoints (KML/KMZ) into TomTom-compatible OV2 files lets you load large sets of points of interest (POIs) into your TomTom Navigator quickly. Below is a clear, prescriptive workflow to batch-convert waypoints, including tools, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips.

What you’ll need

• Google Earth (desktop) or any KML/KMZ file with waypoints.
• A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• A converter tool — use one of these:
  • GPSBabel (free, cross-platform) — recommended for command-line batch work.
  • POIConvert / ov2conv (GUI tools or small utilities).
  • An online KML-to-OV2 converter (for small files; avoid for sensitive data).
• Optional: spreadsheet app (Excel/LibreOffice) for editing waypoints.
• A USB cable or SD card to transfer OV2 files to your TomTom device.

Overview of steps

1. Export waypoints from Google Earth as KML/KMZ.
2. (Optional) Clean or edit coordinates/attributes in a spreadsheet.
3. Convert KML/KMZ to OV2 using GPSBabel or a converter.
4. Transfer OV2 to TomTom and verify.

Step 1 — Export waypoints from Google Earth

1. Open Google Earth and locate the folder containing your waypoints (Placemarks).
2. Right-click the folder → “Save Place As…”.
3. Choose “KML” (for small sets) or “KMZ” (if including images/icons). Save to your computer.

Step 2 — (Optional) Edit or clean waypoints

• If you need to batch-edit names, descriptions, or coordinates:
  • Use a KML-to-CSV converter or open the KML in a text editor (KML is XML).
  • Convert to CSV, edit in Excel/LibreOffice, and save as CSV.
  • Ensure columns: name, latitude, longitude, description. Save UTF-8.

Step 3 — Convert KML/KMZ to OV2

Option A — GPSBabel (recommended for batch/automation)

• Install GPSBabel from gpsbabel.org.
• Use command line:
  • For KML input:

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    gpsbabel -i kml -f input.kml -o tomtomov2 -F output.ov2 

  • For KMZ input:

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    gpsbabel -i kmz -f input.kmz -o tomtomov2 -F output.ov2 

• If you edited a CSV, convert it to a supported GPSBabel format (like GPX) first, or use CSV input with proper field mapping.

Option B — GUI tools / converters

• Use POIConvert or ov2conv following their UI: load KML/KMZ or CSV, map fields (name, lat, lon), export OV2.
• For online converters, upload KML and download OV2. Only use for non-sensitive data.

Notes:

• OV2 supports names and coordinates; long descriptions may be truncated.
• If icons aren’t preserved, TomTom will use default markers.

Step 4 — Transfer OV2 to TomTom

1. Connect TomTom to your computer via USB (or mount its SD card).
2. Locate the “MyPlaces” or “poi” folder on the TomTom storage (varies by model).
3. Copy output.ov2 into that folder. Optionally copy a matching .bmp icon file if supported.
4. Safely eject and reboot the TomTom. Check under Favorites/POIs for imported points.

Troubleshooting

• Missing waypoints: ensure KML contains Placemarks with Point coordinates; GPSBabel may ignore unsupported geometry types (e.g., Polygons).
• Wrong coordinates: confirm lat/lon order — KML uses longitude then latitude in raw XML, but GPSBabel handles standard KML files correctly.
• Character encoding issues: save CSV/KML as UTF-8.
• Large files: split into smaller batches if converter or device fails to load many POIs.

Quick example

• Command (KML → OV2):

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  gpsbabel -i kml -f myplaces.kml -o tomtomov2 -F myplaces.ov2 

Tips

• Test with 5–10 points first to confirm formatting.
• Keep original KML/KMZ backups.
• For repeated tasks, script GPSBabel commands to automate batch conversions.

If you want, I can produce the exact GPSBabel command(s) or a small script tailored to your operating system and file names.