Multiple POI files (techniques for managing)

See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/8779

I started out doing it your way and soon realized that renaming and reloading was a lot more trouble than just keeping the files in a nice folder/sub-folder structure and reloading everything at once. I suppose if I had millions of POIs the loading time might be annoying, but mine only take a few seconds.

Perhaps I play with stuff more than you. I tell my users at work that the only "right" way is the one you like to use and that works well for you.

I like the organization of it. I also keep my mp3 files in separate folders rather than one big jumble. I also like the ease of dumping a particular poi file if I decide I don't want it or adding one on to see if I like it without messing with my existing poi files.

I would never suggest that the way I do it is the "right" way or even the "best" way. It's just one way of doing things.I was just surprised that I hadn't found any mention of the multiple poi files on this site.

I have a C330. For me, I have to reload everything every time.

I prefer to keep multiple files and do the renaming thing too for the same reasons you mention. I do the same thing with the route files on my Nuvi 750 (i.e. rename the Temp.gpx file etc). But as usual, each to his own.

Motorcycle Mama posted this long ago. If I remember correctly, hers was a very descriptive point-by-point set of instructions to do exactly the same thing and was in answer to a query by someone else on how to better organize their files.

No -- MM's method of organizing is based strictly on folders and sub-folders on your computer, and reloading everything every time. No renaming. It was actually her recommendation, that made me re-think my method of renaming files and having to do that every time they were updated.

One folder with sub folders is my way too, except that I do keep my alert POI files separate from my regular ones so I don't always have to use the POI Loader in manual mode. But keeping all of my regular POI's in one folder, I can put in modified files as they are updated, without bothering to load them every time, or even keeping track of what I have updated. Then when I add a file or an update that I want to take immediate effect, I just run POI Loader in express mode and everything that I've posted since the last time is loaded. Makes it quick and easy.

I believe this FAQ is what you're referring to:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/8779

I do it that way all of the time ... works super for me. Just two of the many advantages are:
You don't have to reload all of the POIs when only one needs updating.
You can load a POI file to test it for someone else without having to reload all of your POIs.

RT

Thanks for the tips. I will use the sub folder method!

subfolders look like the way to go

Virg0

Rick,

So, do you keep two separate POI.gpi files -- one on the unit and one on a card? Or, do you rename the alert file?

RT,
Don't know whether you noticed or not, but I had provided a link to your "How To" in the first reply. As for the renaming technique allowing you to run a test file without having to reload all your files, I do that same thing by keeping my POIs on a card and any test file can load to the unit. I can then delete the POI.gpi on the unit just as you do. Not trying to change what works well for you, just pointing out that this can be done without renaming.

When I load the Alert folder, I rename it PoiAlert.gpi. I leave the regular POI's as just poi.gpi. Then I can load the regular POI folder as often as needed without having to be constantly renaming files. The only time I have to do that is when I update an alert file, and I really don't worry about them that much. The only ones that I use regularly are the one's I've created myself for some local speed traps, and that doesn't change that much. On long trips the Rest area file comes in handy, but I don't bother to update it until I actually plan a trip where I need it.

I have a straightforward, but potentially convoluted way to do this.

I have one folder on my PC called 'downloaded POI'
I chuck everything in here willy nilly, and I handle updates by comparing the date stamp of the files. I also use the default names.

I have another folder called 'master POI'
In here I have a hierarchy of folders.
When I get a new POI, I copy (not move so I keep a version in the download folder) the POI over to master and file it in the appropriate subfolder. I may also change the name. When I choose to delete stuff, I delete them from the 'master POI' folder (but still have 'em under downloaded)

Then, I typically just reload the entire 'master POI' folder.

Currently, my breakdown is something like (going frm memory):

-traffic
rest areas
red light cameras
speed cameras
-retail
burger joints
fuddruckers
B&N
whatever else
-museums
naval museums
zoos
-natural
water falls

This is probably a left / right brain issue. There is no right or wrong way - only the way that works and is understandable.

I personally find sub folders confusing and it requires (for me) a lot of unnecessary file management activity to make sure I have the desired files in the correct folders.

I only do one POI file at a time and do not like the concept of continuous over writing of other POI's without individually checking to see if that is what I want to do.

-jgracey

Thanks for the link to the faq - I looked but never saw that one.

Even though the subject has been covered before, this thread seems to have generated enough new interest to have been worth the repetition. If either my post, the link to the existing faq, or any of the replies in this thread helped even one person it was typing time well spent.