Thread: POI format

Hi,

I would like to create a .xls file to of poi that I want to add to Garmin as custom poi's. I would like to know the proper format for the information columns in excel to be converted to Garmin. ie northing, easting, name, address, postal/zip code, phone #, type (ie fuel, motel, cafe,etc) for proper icon to display. Is there a file somewhere of available icons for the various types of poi's?

I know it sounds like a lot of work but I have used this kind of thing in MS Streets & Trips and would like to do something similar in my Garmin gps radio. I will check out poi factoryand see if there is more info there.

Thanks

If you want to create custom pois and use it with your device (the device should support custom pois in a gpi format) you should use the tool Garmin POI Loader (or Garmin Content Toolkit. CT is for locked POIs and has a few functions more than POI Loader). POI Loader accepts csv and gpx for creating gpi custom POIs and bmp for the image of the poi. You can use GPS Babel for converting the data stored in the xls file to gpx/csv and create a gpi file with POI Loader.

I think if you just put name over the columns in Excel lets say - Latitude, Longitude, Name, Address etc. that will be fine for the convertion with GPS Babel. (Sorry I am lazy but if you have troubles with this explanation I can provide you example later but I really don't find it so hard)

If you want to create a garmin POI image map you should look at the section for creating Garmin IMG Maps for further instructions. (At the moment I can't think what would be the advantage of creating Garmin POI IMG map compared to Custom gpi file with POI Loader but this mainly depends from your device.)

So...what is your device and what is the purpose of the task?

GPSBabel is always a good starting point.

Code:

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I also use Garmin POI Loader.
Another great program is Extra POI Editor. A search of this forum will find it.

@ [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

When it comes to procedures simple-simple:

1) if you know the coordinates of the various points use the PoiEdit, save in CSV for Garmin and use the PoiLoader

2) if not know the coordinates of the various points use Google Maps, export in KML, convert to CSV (even with the PoiEdit,simply) and then use the Poiloader

Bye,bye