GPS Drawing — Draw Shapes While Running or Cycling
GPS drawing is the practice of tracing recognizable shapes by following a planned route with your GPS watch or phone. Every street becomes a pencil stroke, every turn a curve in your design. With Draw My Loop, you plan your GPS drawing on the map, our algorithm snaps it to real roads, and all you have to do is run or ride to see your artwork appear.
Create my GPS drawingWhat Can You Draw with a GPS?
The only limit is your imagination and your neighborhood's street grid. Here are the most popular GPS drawings:
Hearts and stars
Simple geometric shapes are perfect for beginners. A heart is typically 5-10 km and stays recognizable even on an imperfect street grid. Great for Valentine's Day or as a symbolic gift route.
Animals
Cats, dogs, birds, dinosaurs — animals are the most impressive GPS drawings. They require neighborhoods with varied streets (curves and straight lines) and typically span 15-30 km.
Letters and words
Writing a name, message or word on the map is a unique way to mark an occasion. Each letter is roughly 1-3 km depending on size. Draw My Loop includes a text projection tool that automatically converts your words into a route.
Logos and images
The most ambitious GPS artists import a logo or image into Draw My Loop and project it onto the map. The algorithm traces the outline following real roads. This is the technique behind the most viral GPS drawings on social media.
How to Create a GPS Drawing
Choose your design
Open the Draw My Loop Studio. Pick a shape from the library (50+ templates), draw freehand with the pencil tool, type text or import an image. Position your design over the area where you want to run.
Let the algorithm trace the route
In one click, smart snapping turns your design into a route that follows real streets and paths. Check the elevation profile and resize if needed. The route is 100% runnable.
Export and follow the route
Download your GPX file. Import it into Strava, Garmin Connect, Komoot or send it to your GPS watch. Follow the turn-by-turn directions and admire your GPS drawing on your activity map!
GPS Drawing vs GPS Art: What's the Difference?
Both terms describe the same practice. 'GPS drawing' emphasizes the act of drawing with your GPS track, while 'GPS art' focuses on the artistic result. On Strava, it's often called 'Strava art'. Whatever the name, the concept is the same: planning a route that forms a picture on the map.
Why Draw My Loop is the Best GPS Drawing Tool
Shape library
50+ ready-to-use shapes (animals, letters, symbols) that you position on the map in one click.
Freehand drawing and projection
Draw freehand, type text or import a logo — the algorithm traces the route automatically.
Smart snapping
Our snapping algorithm fits your drawing to real streets instantly. No walls or rivers to cross.
Free universal export
Export as GPX or TCX for Strava, Garmin, Komoot, Suunto, Coros and all GPS watches.
GPS Drawing FAQ
Is GPS drawing difficult?
Not at all. With Draw My Loop, you don't need to place every point manually. Choose a shape, position it on the map, and the algorithm does the rest. A simple GPS drawing (heart, star) takes 2-3 minutes to create.
What equipment do I need?
A phone with Strava or a GPS watch (Garmin, Suunto, Coros, Apple Watch). The Draw My Loop tool works in your browser — no app to install to create the route.
How long is a GPS drawing route?
It depends on the shape and size. A simple heart is 5-10 km, a detailed animal 15-30 km. You can adjust the size in the Studio before exporting.
Does GPS drawing work for cycling?
Yes! Draw My Loop supports both pedestrian and cyclist routing profiles. The routing adapts automatically (bike lanes, one-way streets).