Rest areas question

 

I have a NUVI 265T and downloaded the POI File RestAreasCombined(Ver.H).csv (142.26 KB) and installed it with no problem.

Now the question: Does the rest area pop up by itself when I get within X number of feet of the rest stop?

Yesterday I went by two rest areas and nothing happened. I did not have the rest area set as a way-point or via. Was under the impression that the rest area appeared on the top banner (top line of GPS) when I got close to them and a "boing" would sound.

Am I wrong or how should the rest area files be handled? confused

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Mark - Nuvi 265T NUVI 50LM

manual mode

Try reinstalling it using manual mode in POI loader, not automatic mode, and put in an alert distance that you believe will give you enough time to safely get in the right lane and make a safe exit. I suggest at least 1/2 mile (2640 feet).

Custom Alerts

mstarn wrote:

I have a NUVI 265T and downloaded the POI File RestAreasCombined(Ver.H).csv (142.26 KB) and installed it with no problem.

Now the question: Does the rest area pop up by itself when I get within X number of feet of the rest stop?

Mm I wrong or how should the rest area files be handled? confused

The file will need to be reloaded using the manual setting in POI Loader. In the Manual mode, you will have the opportunity to set a distance or speed. I happen to have mine set for 3000 feet which give me plenty of time to prepare for the exit.

You are aware that Mr. Ken has taken the time to geocode the exit for these areas, so the alert goes off when you approach the exit ramp and not the actual rest stop.

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ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

Rest areas

OK reloaded the file; however, renamed it restareaspeed and it allowed me to set a distance. Did the load manual and set distance - should be good for go now. Will test it out next week. Thanks for the help.

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Mark - Nuvi 265T NUVI 50LM

If you want voice notification

the 265 does not have mp3 capability and you would need to make a wav file for notification or use the beep which is the default.

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260, 295W, 1490T,2455LMT

Beep

I'll just use the beep. Thanks.

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Mark - Nuvi 265T NUVI 50LM

Read next EXIT details on the top of the screen.

mstarn wrote:

I have a NUVI 265T and downloaded the POI File RestAreasCombined(Ver.H).csv (142.26 KB) and installed it with no problem.

Now the question: Does the rest area pop up by itself when I get within X number of feet of the rest stop?

Yesterday I went by two rest areas and nothing happened. I did not have the rest area set as a way-point or via. Was under the impression that the rest area appeared on the top banner (top line of GPS) when I got close to them and a "boing" would sound.

Am I wrong or how should the rest area files be handled? confused

I loaded that file, and it shows the next exit on the top line of the nav unit. When you pass an exit, the next exit pops up there. It always tells you what exit is next, along with the exit number.

It's sort of useful, but would be better as a feature which you could turn on and off.

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Nuvi 265WT & Edge 705

No

plemirande wrote:

I loaded that file, and it shows the next exit on the top line of the nav unit. When you pass an exit, the next exit pops up there. It always tells you what exit is next, along with the exit number.

That is not the result of the POI file. That is a part of the unit's firmware -- I would guess your model always shows the next cross street (on a non-freeway).

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Nuvi 660 -- and not upgrading it or maps until Garmin fixes long-standing bugs/problems, and get maps to where they are much more current, AND corrected on a more timely basis when advised of mistakes.

Hmmmm???

bentbiker wrote:
plemirande wrote:

I loaded that file, and it shows the next exit on the top line of the nav unit. When you pass an exit, the next exit pops up there. It always tells you what exit is next, along with the exit number.

That is not the result of the POI file. That is a part of the unit's firmware -- I would guess your model always shows the next cross street (on a non-freeway).

Hmmm. Now I'm not sure. I've only traveled with it once before I loaded the EXITs POI. Maybe some day I'll rename the file and see if I notice the difference.

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Nuvi 265WT & Edge 705

I have a 255W

The 255W operates the same as yours in this respect. When you are NOT in navigate mode (just viewing the map) and ARE on an interstate highway the green bar at the top shows you the next exit number. If you are on any other type of road, whether it is 2 lane, 4 lane, US highway, or whatever, the green bar will ONLY show you the name of the road you are driving on.

If, on the other hand, you are navigating to a destination, the green bar will always show you where your next turn in the route is, regardless of what type of road you are on.

As someone else mentioned, the Exits POI file has nothing to do with this function.

I used to have a Streetpilot C340 and it ALWAYS showed the next cross street in the green bar when you were just in the map viewing mode. I kind of miss that feature in the Nuvi 255W.

.

I have found that most of the Rest Areas marked are in the actual Rest Area and it is to far from your actual route, so you do not get an Alert. I have found that it should be within 50ft of your route to receive the advanced Alert, provided that the file was properly loaded as describe above. I've be slowly going through the Rest Area file and placing the Rest Area marker at the ramp. You can test it your self by setting your GPS to Simulation Mode provided your unit has that option.

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Looking for a place to go this summer? Try Oshkosh, WI, July 20-26, 2015. The largest gathering of aircraft in the world. http://www.airventure.org/index.html

I don't know which Rest Area file

I don't know which Rest Area file you are using but the "Rest Areas Combined" POI file has the coordinates set at the entrance to the Rest Areas and has alerted quite consistently.

I can't speak for the coordinates of the individual state rest area files !

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

I can tell you from my own

I can tell you from my own experience coming from VA to FL down I95 and trip down I10 I got alert for everyone of them.

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Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

The rest area file for Utah

The rest area file for Utah is set on the entrance to the ramp like the large combined one is

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

.

Just downloaded and checked the Rest Area Combine and it sure isn't the one I downloaded from here weeks ago. Works for me.......

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Looking for a place to go this summer? Try Oshkosh, WI, July 20-26, 2015. The largest gathering of aircraft in the world. http://www.airventure.org/index.html

The Rest Areas Combined file

The Rest Areas Combined file has been pretty much in it's present format since it's first upload to POI Factory in Oct. 2007.
There have been significant additions, deletions, and corrections since that time but I'm going to say that it's been quite accurate in it's data for the past 7-8 months.

But, I'm glad it works for you ! That's what it's all about !!!!!!!

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

.

After checking I downloaded some individual state Rest Areas. The combine file works GREAT.

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Looking for a place to go this summer? Try Oshkosh, WI, July 20-26, 2015. The largest gathering of aircraft in the world. http://www.airventure.org/index.html

Best Going

I doubt whether you'll find a better Rest Area POI than the one authored by MrKenFL. The amount of work he's done on this file is phenominal.

RT

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"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Rest Area POI...

I agree... Excellent POI...

Many Thanks MrKenFL...

Thank You

Thank you for the kind words !
May all your travels be totally event free EXCEPT for pleasant ones !
arrow idea wink

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

Alerts, etc.

I use the combined file and it rocks. I'm a bit odd in that I set my alerts for 2 miles. There is normally a roadside sign 1 mile from the rest areas but it's sometimes behind a truck or something and I don't see it. I get the alert at 2 miles (10560 ft.) and then it alerts by itself again at 1 mile. Two alerts works just fine for me. I also really LIKE that it tells me the distance to the next rest area as well. I can ask my wife if she wants this rest particular rest area or if she wants to wait xx number of miles for the next one.

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

265wt

do you get a beep are sound file?

I tried downloading poi )different ones ) and I do not get a beep are anything on the 265.

+1

thrak wrote:

I use the combined file and it rocks. I'm a bit odd in that I set my alerts for 2 miles. There is normally a roadside sign 1 mile from the rest areas but it's sometimes behind a truck or something and I don't see it. I get the alert at 2 miles (10560 ft.) and then it alerts by itself again at 1 mile. Two alerts works just fine for me. I also really LIKE that it tells me the distance to the next rest area as well. I can ask my wife if she wants this rest particular rest area or if she wants to wait xx number of miles for the next one.

I set my rest area alerts for 2 miles also, for the same reason. Works great, gives me plenty of time to decide to move over or ask my wife if she wants to wait XX miles for the next one. Must be a wife thing. wink

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Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

ME 2

SAME HER...SORRY "HERE" mrgreen 2MILE SET

Restarea combined

You must first clear all existing custom pois and then reload, using Manual. That allows you to set alerts. 1/2 to 1 mile is ideal for a rest area.

I also have all the POIs that I want, into a specific subdirectory. It makes it easier. You don't want Proximity or Speed Alert on everything.

Also be sure to go to your settings menu. Scroll down until you see Proximity Alerts and be sure that you check Custom POIs and/or Safety Cameras, otherwise the audible will not work.

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DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

Rest Area

Most legit rest areas on US highways have well-placed signs a few miles before you approaching them. Setting an alert for a few hundred/thousand feet does not seem to be necessary, unless you were sleeping while driving smile

Good luck!

Rest Area

True all Interstate rest area's have a sign on the highway but I have missed several because of passing a semi or large vehicle as we pasted the sign, then it can be to late to stop when you get to the ramp exit. It is nice also to know a couple of miles ahead to ask everyone it they need to stop.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Ahhh, that is the choice

I agree with Johnm405 - however, your choice is simple. If you don't feel you need the Rest Area file don't download it. If you don't want a proximity alerts don't set them up.

That's the beauty of choice !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

I have them loaded and its

I have them loaded and its been a godsend a couple times for that exact reason -- trucks sometimes obscure the signs.

The Starbucks POI has been pretty useful, too.. smile

Potty Stops

johnm405 wrote:

True all Interstate rest area's have a sign on the highway but I have missed several because of passing a semi or large vehicle as we pasted the sign, then it can be to late to stop when you get to the ramp exit. It is nice also to know a couple of miles ahead to ask everyone it they need to stop.

There have been times we have been out on the super slab and I hear a voice telling me "Need to start looking for a potty stop..." That's when going to Where To, Extras, Custom POI, Rest Areas lets me ask if they can hold it for the next X minutes or do I need to look for someplace else.

That, and the reminder "Rest Area Ahead" often triggers a request.

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ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

Rest Area Alert set for Two Miles

I've set my rest area alert for 2 miles. That gives me time to wake everyone else in the car to check if anyone needs to stop ... laugh out loud

Boy - are you lucky !

My Better Half wouldn't speak to me for a week if I woke her up to see if she needed a pit stop !

Or maybe that's a good idea ! rolleyes

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

Rest Area Alerts

I'm getting two Rest area alerts when there are rest areas in both directions. Does anyone know how to correct this or is this just something we have to live with?

Alert Both Directions

Its been my experience that this will happen, especially in areas where there is not much separation between the traveling lanes. Since the actual rest stop coordinates are purposly set at the entrance to the rest stop, sometimes the rest area in the opposite direction is close enough to trigger an alert.

In more rural areas where there is a wider center median between the traveling lanes, its less likely to happen.

It can also happen on highways where one shared rest area is located in the median between the traveling lanes, serving both traveling directions.

I have just learned to glance over at the GPS and read the alert. If I'm traveling northbound and the alert shows SB, then I ignore it.

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Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Alert Both Directions

Thanks Gary - That's pretty much what I do. I hadn't seen it mentioned anywhere else, so I thought someone just might have a soultion.

Rest Area alert distance

I generally set mine for 20,000 feet. That is quite a bit farther than the signs appear. The real value is, however as others have mentioned, the ability to find the approximate distance when you are 20-30 miles away.

Choice is good, and I choose

Choice is good, and I choose to set an alert for 2 miles, if you don't fine but it works for me and my family. Thanks, MrKenFL for the hard work.

Rest Areas Testing

I believe you can do a virtual test, by creating a trip that takes you past a rest area and let the Garmin simulate the drive. The unit should give the alert, but best to do, while you're watching tv or listening to your spouse. In other words something where you don't have to pay attention. It could take a fair amount of time.

If you convert the file to a tour guide you will get an icon pop up that allows you to quickly touch and get the description of the rest area pop up. That way, you will know if it has food, gas etc.

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DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

I'm on the road quite a bit and use the

Rest Area POI all the time. I have it set to alert me about 5000 feet before so I can prepare myself to exit. It works like it supposed to. It shows the entrance to the rest area. Also has mile marker number and other info about the stop. MrKen has done a great job with this POI file, including updating a rest area that was no longer opened when I emailed him about it. THanks, MrKen! Great job!!

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Not doing anything worth a darn.

Simulate, Don't Drive

davidkbrown wrote:

I believe you can do a virtual test, by creating a trip that takes you past a rest area and let the Garmin simulate the drive. The unit should give the alert, but best to do, while you're watching tv or listening to your spouse. In other words something where you don't have to pay attention. It could take a fair amount of time.

David,
You are correct that "simulating" a drive past a POI is the proper way to test alerts. However, it is not necessary for this to be a lengthy test. The trick is to set your location to a spot just outside the alert distance from the POI. Then, when the simulation starts, it is only amount of seconds before the alert triggers. To set your location, you need to turn on simulation, or turn off the gps receiver functionality (depending on model), then tap the map to put it into browse mode, drag the screen to a spot just outside your alert distance, tap the route until the resulting arrow is right on the road of choice -- then hit the "Set Location" button. Then, as you did before, choose a point well past the POI (to avoid getting a "reached destination" announcement), and hit the "Go" button. The test is over in seconds.

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Nuvi 660 -- and not upgrading it or maps until Garmin fixes long-standing bugs/problems, and get maps to where they are much more current, AND corrected on a more timely basis when advised of mistakes.

Worked Great

Finally got back on the interstate today. Had my alert set for 2 miles and each time I came within 2 miles of a rest area it "bonged" and showed a small banner. Worked perfect on all the rest areas. Think 2 miles is about the right distance. Gives you time to get in the right lane (if you aren't) and get off the interstate with no problem.

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Mark - Nuvi 265T NUVI 50LM