Maybe a dumb question, but

The reason that people use custom POI's verse the pre-installed ones is that the pre-installed ones never get updated. Stores close and open and changes are made. With the custom POI's they are usually more up to date and more accuarate. Here at the POI factory the POI files are constantly being updated.

No dumb questions here. We’ve all been a newbie at one time or another.

The custom POI’s are usually more current on the information for locations than that on the internal memory of your purchased unit.

If we lived in a static world there wouldn’t be a need for custom POI’s and the Nuvi would never drop to an affordable price.

Ask anything about GPS and you'll get lots of advice from very knowledgeable people in here. I’m still learning from the many posts in here.

In addition to finding a wider variety of custom POI files on this site, what you will also find is that the POI's pre-loaded into your unit may be outdated. Take Wendy's, for example. There may be new Wendy's locations not included in your Garmin file, and there may be old Wendy's that have been closed. So the main advantage is a more current listing of those establishments. If you're happy with what Garmin included in your Nuvi, don't load the custom POI file. But if you have a Wendy's obsession, the information is there for the taking.

As an aside, you can help keep the custom POI files updated by reporting inaccuracies through this forum. Then you'll be recognized for your efforts. It's a lot of fun.

I use Custom POIs for many different locations such as business locations, family and friends etc. Also there are many POIs that are not pre loaded such as rest areas, redlight cameras, Attractions etc. The list of POIs on this site should give you an indication of the many different places that are not pre loaded. As to pre loaded POIs I find most of the custom POIs are more accurate as to new and closed locations and you can search a specific name and not all locations in the category. For example I want the nearest McDonalds not the nearest Food - Fast Food. locations.

And the other reasons...

One is that some people are a tad obsessed with Custom POIs and simply enjoy creating them and posting them here.

Another reason is that Custom POIs allow you to set up alerts to tell you when you are near one, where as you can not do this with the built in POI files. So for example, if you simply MUST stop at every Starbucks for a cup of charbroiled Joe, you can have the Garmin alert you every time you approach a Starbucks on your route.

PT

Accuracy

Bob

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/17109

I then have a "stupid" question to add to this discussion. What happens if there is a correct McDonalds listed in my GPS, and then I were to add an POI list of all Mcdonalds. Will I then see two McDonalds at the same location or does one get cancelled out or how does that work?

I believe the files are mutually exclusive and you would only see the McD's from the source selected. Custom POIs or original GPS POIs...not both.

Custom Pois are not mixed with the factory installed pois. Customs pois are stored under extras.

Having custom POIs makes it easier to search for the POI. Instead of having to type in the name of POI each time, you can select the specific POI from the list of custom POI files. Of course, you will probably want to limit the list to favorite/preferred restaurants, hotels, attractions, etc., so you're not having to navigate through several screens of custom POI files on you GPSr.

-Dave

An advantage of Custom POIs is that you can generate a meaningful list of points that are very atypical or highly specialized.

Some quick examples:
I am a ham radio operator and utilize systems called repeaters throughout my travels. It is helpful for me to know what repeaters are in the area- what the frequency is and other access information. This information is not part of the pre-loaded information.

Some folks like to find covered bridges, civil war battle grounds or adult specialty stores. There would be no meaningful way to gather this information unless someone compiled it on their own.

The Red-Light Camera database alone is an invaluable resource to many.

I bet that if you took the time to go through the immense library of member generated POIs, you will find a few that meet your specific interests or curiosities.

Welcome to POI Factory!

Rob - Long Beach, NY

Thanks for the answers. That answered all my questions. I thought that they would be duping out in the unit. And if accuracy is the key, then that's what I want also. I've already loaded the Red Light and Speed ones and downloaded a bunch off here. Thanks for all the help.