POI file from an Excel spreadsheet

POI loader will recognize a CSV file just fine so long as the data that's inside is in the proper order.

You might download one of the CSV files from POI Factory and open it with Excel to get an idea of how your data needs to be arranged.

Here are a few tips:

- use one row for each location
- arrange all of your data into exactly 3 or 4 columns
- 1st column must be longitide
- 2nd column must be latitude
- 3rd column must be a short descriptive name
- 4th column is optional and can hold additional data like address and phone number (all together in the same cell)

You can find more details on the Garmin CSV format in the faq & help section here at POI Factory.

Post an update if you're still stuck or to let us know how it turns out.

JM

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When I use batch decoder for numerous addresses and then attempt to copy and paste into excel spreadsheet, latitude is displayed first and then longitude second...is there a way to move the info that is dropped in cell B to cell A so that longitude is first and latitude is second? Trying to shave time off creating a csv file and I am a newbie to excel..help!

The easiest way to load your data from batch decoder into 1 worksheet and then create a second blank worksheet. In the new worksheet, in cell A1 you want to put in a formula that equals the longitude value in A1 of the original worksheet. Enter an = and then select the longitude cell from the original worksheet and hit enter. Do the same thing in B1 for the latitude, C1 for the description, and D1 for any other data if desidered.
Then, replicate the formulas through the entire length of entries.

Also, while in Excel, click on the first column (click right on the A" to highlight the whole column. Then click Insert, Column. Then go to the column you want to move into this space. Highlight it the same way. Then click Edit, Cut. Then click back on column A and click Edit, Paste.

Move the columns any way you want then delete any blank columns when you are done.
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Thankyou Motorcycle Mama & MKahn. Both scenarios will be attempted for my next POI file. I will let you know the outcome.

I tried both....No luck...

Send me an email through my profile and I'll see if I can fix it for you.
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Hi all.....if I open poi list with excell can I just remove a poi I don't want by deleting it then just save it... then load into my c330? Cam

If you open it as a CSV file, you can delete, or modify anything you want...just remember to save it as a CSV file again, not as an excel workbook.

(yes, I've done it...)

I can't seem to get the POI's from the Excel list to another location so that I can load on my Garmin c550. I guess I need step by step instructions. LOL

Not exactly sure what your question is but have you looked at this page?

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/85

POI Loader is software from Garmin that's used to load custom points of interest into many of their newer GPS models. You can download it (free) from the Garmin website from a link on this page:

http://www.garmin.com/products/poiloader/

Basic steps for loading POI files are as follows:

* download POI loader from Garmin's web site
* install POI loader on your computer
* open the .ZIP file(s) you downloaded from POI Factory and copy the .CSV file(s) inside to a new directory on your computer
* connect your GPS to your computer
* start POI Loader and select the directory that contains the .CSV file(s)
* follow the on-screen prompts (default choices should work just fine), and POI Loader will transfer the locations to your GPS

Step 1: Make sure Excel document is 3 to 4 columns in the order of longitude latitude, name, and optionally description.
Step 2: Save document to your PC as a .csv file into an empty folder or one containing POIs.
Step 3: Attach GPS to PC and run POI Loader. Select the folder where you saved your .csv file as the source.