POIs to Mapsource, Converting CSV to GPX - Summary
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 15 years
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This is a report on my trials of using several of the various methods discussed on POI-Factory to get POIs into Mapsource. I wanted both the name and comments to show in Mapsource.
1. Create a POI file Mapsource can use by using the newest version of POI Loader and choose the save to option of Mapsource(Advanced). POI Loader processes the csv files and reports that the POIs are ready for use in Mapsource. Doesn't work! POI Loader saves the POI file in the Garmin user data folder but Mapsource has no way of reading the file. This is documented in another thread on the forum.
Apparently the only option is to convert the csv/poi files to gpx and import them to Mapsource as waypoints. This is not really what I want because then the waypoints show up in the Nuvi as Favorites, not POIs, but at least the POIs will show up on the Mapsource map for routing purposes.
Ways to Convert csv files to gpx:
1. Use GPS Visualizer here: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/convert . Converter will not convert csv file without a header line. This includes many of the poi files available for download. No big deal, just use notepad to add a header line naming the fields. Now GPS visualizer does the conversion but drops the comment field. No Good
2. Use POIedit: POI edit recognizes the LAT LON and Comment field but ignores the name field. This is documented in another thread here. No Good.
3. Use dr5274's POI Converter free script with instructions and download available here http://dr5274.googlepages.com/POIConverter . When I first tried the script, it produced a gpx file that Mapsource could not open so I sent a contact form to dr5474 explaining the problem and within 12 hours he had modified his script so that Mapsource could read the gpx file generated by his converter. Not bad support for a free script.
I also use POI converter to create POIs from Google Maps and to show my POIs on Google Maps as discussed here: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/10320
Thank You dr5274!
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...because then the waypoints show up in the Nuvi as Favorites, not POIs
They only show up as Favourites, if you use Mapsource's "Transfer to Device" option. The software within the Nüvi reads .gpx files and adds them to the Favourites list.
However, if you save the .gpx file to your PC, and use POILoader to process it, the resulting POIs show up in Custom POIs.
------------------------ Phil Hornby, Stockport, England ---------------------- http://GeePeeEx.com - Garmin POI Creation made easy »
OhioRVer wrote:
Apparently the only option is to convert the csv/poi files to gpx and import them to Mapsource as waypoints. This is not really what I want because then the waypoints show up in the Nuvi as Favorites, not POIs, but at least the POIs will show up on the Mapsource map for routing purposes.
DO NOT USE "Send To Device" but use the following:
After you load the GPX file into MapSource and do hwhat you want to do to them, all you have to do is a "SAVE AS" and re-save the file as a GPX file into you custom poi directory and then use PoiLoader to save them to your Garmin as CUSTOM POIS
You can also do a regular SAVE and save the waypoints as a .gdb file and these then can be used as waypoints at a latter time.(when needed).
You know that you can have more than 1 instance of MapSource open. So if you are working on a route in one instance of MapSource and need the waypoints from a saved .gdb file, all you do is open another instance of MapSource and open the saved .gdb file. Then highlight the waypoints needed, do a copy and then paste them in the other open MapSource where you need them under the waypoint tab.
Very simple and easy to do.
"Those that stop and smell the roses, must realize that once in awhile you may get a whiff of fertilizer."..copyright:HDHannah1986 -Mercedes GPS - UCONNECT 430N Chrysler T&C - Nuvi 2598- Nuni2555 - Nuvi855 - Nuvi295W - Nuvi 750 - Ique 3600
Nuvi Custom POIs OK -- Mapsource Custom POIs - NO
I am ok with how to deal with POIs and Favorites in the Nuvi.
The missing link is getting POIs to show as Custom POIs, not waypoints, in Mapsource. Apparently can't be done.
H Hannah, I am doing exactly as you describe as a work around so I don't load all those Mapsource waypoints as Favorites in my Nuvi, but the purist in me wants those POIs to be treated as POIs in Mapsource. :>
I also like the ability to open a new Mapsource file and drag and drop the gpx file on the Mapsource window. Very fast & easy way to open a gpx file.
OhioRVer, You can use
OhioRVer,
You can use GPXtoPOI converter. Converts csv to gpx and gpx to csv. The only caveat I will say the when you download csv files to use as custom POIs, only use the ones with no LINE BREAKS. such as:
(like under Hot-Dogs)
Garmin CSV - no line breaks (easier to import)
If they have line breaks GPXtoPOI converter will convert it but it is not a valid MapSource GPX file.
GPXtoPOI can be downloaded from:
http://www.masterclass.com/gpxtopoi/gpxtopoidownload.html
"Those that stop and smell the roses, must realize that once in awhile you may get a whiff of fertilizer."..copyright:HDHannah1986 -Mercedes GPS - UCONNECT 430N Chrysler T&C - Nuvi 2598- Nuni2555 - Nuvi855 - Nuvi295W - Nuvi 750 - Ique 3600