Categories for favorites.

You should be able to copy your Current.gpx file over to your PC, look at it to see how the new favorites are flagged, edit it to flag the other ones the same way, and put it back. As this file also contains a lot of track log information you may want to clear your "trip log" in the nuvi right before you do this.

I only have a 750 so I can't test this. But is it creating categories from the built in POIs or from your downloaded favorites? My guess is that it will only create a category for the built in POIs which are saved as favorites.

That was my first thoughts to GadgetGuy2008 but Frovingslosh may be on to something with his reply.

I don't know what gg means by downloaded favorites. This has nothing to do with custom POIs, which are under extras and completely different. But if you are indeed talking about favorites that you manually put in the gps then they are in the current file and should be in an xml format that you can edit.

I never said custom POIs. I said downloaded favorites. They are two separate things.

The OP is loading points to his GPS using Google. They are saved as favorites.

The OP is also saving the built in POIs as Favorites.

These are two separate actions.

That is what I am talking about favorites.I also just touched one of the selections without typing the name in for banking.Sure enough got another category for banking.

The only thing different is when I use Google to send to gps they are just listed under favorites no category.When I select the internal ones and save as favorites it creates a category.

OK, you must have some information that I don't have, I didn't catch anything that said he was creating favorites from Google and downloading them. Bit as long as the stuff is stored under favorites (and not extras where custom POIs are stored), then it is stored in the current.gpx file, which is in an editable xml format. One should be able to transfer it to the PC, edit it with any text editor (or an xml editor if you have one and know how to use it) and put it back.

The OP mentioned it in his second sentence.

The current.gpx file is for output purposes only. The Nuvi units do not read the file if you make any changes. You must rename the file for the changes to be saved.

Here's a prior thread discussing this http://www.poi-factory.com/node/19087

Yes, he did, I missed it.

This struck me as so strange that I had to test it, but it is indeed correct, I edited my current.gpx file, put it back in the gps, started the gps, and the favorite that I had changed was back in the original form.

So what I was suggesting will not work.

However, this thread is bringing up another clue as to how to do this. If "the original poster (who's name must not be spoken)" downloaded into favorites from his PC, then there must be a way to get favorite information into the nuvi from the PC. If Google can do it then we can figure out how to do it too. Maybe we would have trouble getting the categories set up, but maybe not. The first step is to find out how Google does this and then to see how much flexibility we have in the input data. And I'm certainly wondering, since they apparently don't do it by modifying current.gpx, just how they do accomplish this.

If someone figures it out please let us know.I tried one more thing.Just typed address in after saving as favorite. I got another category under favorites "address book" .This would a nice feature if you can figure out how to take the existing favorites and put in categories like when you save from internal locations.It appears I can go back and type them in or select from internal pois to get the categories.

Mapsource can edit the <gpxx:Categories> within Favourites. It has a few pre-defined ones and you can customise others using 'Preferences'.
They appear to be just arbitrary text strings.
The Nüvi 5xx series supports them as well, I believe.

(The upcoming version of GeePeeEx Editor 'preserves' any it finds, but there are no current plans to allow editing them-not least, because none of my devices support them )

Using MapSource you can create up to 16 different categories. Click on Edit>Preferences>Waypoint Categories.

I use all 16 of them and have them labeled in different ways. I have some labeled in states, ex. Florida, Arizona, Texas. I put in the states that I travel to a lot and use them when in that state. I also have things like Ghost Towns, Hotels, Scenic Areas, and one called A-Main. I use the A-Main for all of my favorites that I use on a regular basis so that A-Main is at the top of the category list on the Nuvi. You can also assign mutiple categories to each favorite. For instance, on a ghost town I have it under Ghost Towns, and the state it is in. Same goes for Hotels, etc. That way I can look it up in different ways.
In order for all 16 categories to show up on your Nuvi, you must have a favorite in each category. You can't create a category first and then add to it later.
Using MapSource you can upload all of your current favorites and then open then and create/modify the categories. Then just write it back to your Nuvi.

So it works with the Nüvi 7x5 series as well then?...

I had it set up like that on my old 760 and the 755 now. As far as editing the .gpx file, that sounds like a lot of trouble to me.
MapSource is the easiest way to do it. And you can read your current favorites, assign them to categories, and then write back to the Nuvi. No re-entering everything and no trying to read .gpx strings.
Also, once you have a favorite in each category you set up, you can go into the Nuvi and edit your favorites by selecting on it, then selecting edit, then edit category. They are in a list with checkboxes and you can add a check to each category you want it to appear in, or remove the check from the category you no longer want it to show up in.

Thanks for all the information.So all I have to do is import my favorites to mapsource,edit each one and add a category.Then send them back to gps.

Yep. It's a very quick and easy process. When you choose "received from device", select waypoints only. Then double-click on each waypoint (favorite) and choose the category(s) you want it to be in. You can also change the symbol that is shown on your map for that favorite. If you have pictures in your Nuvi, you can assign them to that particular favorite and you'll see that photo next to your favorite. Click OK when done, and double-click the next waypoint. When you have finished them all, click on "send to device" and again only select waypoints.

Make sure you have set all of the categories up first in MapSource Edit>Preferences>Waypoint Categories.

Creating Waypoint Categories

You can create up to 16 categories to help organize your waypoints. For example, you could create a category called "Campsites" and assign the appropriate waypoints to that category.

You can assign waypoints to a category using the Waypoint Properties window. See Editing Waypoint Properties for more information.

To create a waypoint category:

Select Preferences from the Edit menu. The Preferences window appears.

Click the Waypoint Categories tab.

Select the text in a Category field. Then enter the Waypoint Category name (i.e. "Campsites," "Rest Stops," etc.).

Repeat Step 3 as needed.

Click OK. Your Waypoint Categories are saved.

Greg2561.Got all the categories set up and transfered waypoints to gps.One question.Do you view the waypoints on the map and select from there for edit?Some are pretty clustered together making it hard to pick them.I know I can zoom out but am I missing a listing of all the waypoints in one location that I can edit?

I wonder if you ran your favorite current.gpx file through POI loader would categories still show up in custom POIs.

Will this work on the C340 Street pilot too?
I have the points categorized but not loaded.
Chuck

Not sure if it will work on c340 but see no reason it will not.But don't take my word for it.Use to own a 340 but never tried this with it.I still have a couple of questions.(1)I would think when you send back to gps it will create duplicate favorites unless you delete them from gps before sending back.(2)Will all the information be sent back such as address and phone number?Some programs don't retain that information.I know easygps drops it.Not sure about mapsource.

You can take the gpx file and add it to a subfolder and it will show as a custom poi file.

Do you mean viewing them on MapSource or on the Nuvi? If you mean on MapSource, the answer is no.

In MapSource, go to View, click Show User Data Tabs (if it says hide user data tabs, skip this part)

In the User Data Tab (The vertical box to the left of the map) click on waypoints. Mine has 188 waypoints in parenthesis next to it Wapoints(188). Then you have a list of your waypoints. You may want to enlarge your user data tab by dragging it where it meets the map.

I don't have any duplicates and I have done this dozens of times if not more. I'm not sure if it overwrites each time or just looks for changes.

All of my address and phone number info remains intact as well.

If you mean on the Nuvi...No also.
Just touch Where To>Favorites. Select a category or use all, touch on the favorite you want to edit, touch EDIT at the bottom of the Nuvi, you will then see the different editable tabs. Choose Edit Category and change it.

Got it.Thanks big help.I was viewing in mapsource.Using the user tab put it all together.Thanks again.

Any thoughts on chaspoi question.Will it work on the c340?

I have never used anything other than the iQue M5, Nuvi 760, and Nuvi 755. I am not sure how the C340's operating system is laid out, but it can't hurt to try. As long as the c340 works with MapSource, I think it should work.

It worked out nice on my 265.Still shows all categories at top like before by now have separate categories to put favorites in and do a easier search .Now any time I add a favorite just select one of the categories I established on the nuvi and put in under it.Like having custom poi files for favorites.

Help, I'm Stumped. Have a Nuvi 780
Have had categories setup in mapsource for a long time. Have 90 waypoints, many of them (but not all) associated with one or more categories.
When I Send to device, all the favorites show up on Nuvi, but no categories under favorites.
Any idea what I could be doing wrong?

Greg2561 guided me through the process.I made myself outline of how to do it.Check and see if you followed the steps he gave me.

Making categories for favorites using MapSource

1. Hook gps up to computer using usb cable.
2. Bring up map source.
3. Click on transfer and select receive from device.
4. Put checkmark in waypoints only. Click receive.
5. Click on edit, preferences and click the waypoint categories.
6. Change the 1-16 for the categories for the ones you want listed on the gps. Hit ok after each one you select until you complete.
7. Go back to view at top and click show user data tabs
8. Now click on the waypoint and put check mark in the category you want for that favorite. Complete all waypoints.
9. Select transfer, send to device and put check mark in waypoints only. Click send.

I've done all that except didn't receive favorites from Nuvi because I already have them in mapsource. That's how I loaded them in to the nuvi to start with. Also didn't use or setup all 16 of the categories, only about 10 or so to start. Doesn't seem like I'd have to use all for any reason?
Anyway, I'll try it all again.

You don't have to use all 16 of the categories if you don't need them.I need to modify the outline.Let me know how you make out.

Ok, I deleted one of the favorites from nuvi and then resent everything just to make sure they were getting sent and it did get back to the nuvi, but alas No Categories

I don't get categories in my favorites either. I too, used Mapsource and added some categories to my favorites and then downloaded from Mapsource to my GPS.

Are you using a recent version of firmware? Not sure but maybe that has something to do with it.

You could test to see if it's the Nuvi or your mapsource like this.

1. Touch Where TO>Points of interest>Food
2. Choose All Food and touch any restaurant you see.
3. Touch Save
4. Now go back to main menu, and where to
5. Then touch favorites and see if you have a category of FOOD.

If you do, then it's got something to do with MapSource, maybe not the latest version. I have 6.15.3.

If it's not there, it has something to do with the Nuvi, and I'm not sure what that could be.

Pulled up the manuals on the 750 and 780.Under editing favorites nothing listed for changing categories.

Yes, I tried that twice and still no categories...
I've got SW version 3.10 on nuvi 780. Haven't checked if that's the latest... and I do have the newest mapsource version...
Sure would like to figure this out because I always wondered why there were categories in mapsource but not on my GPS..

Edit: Ok I've checked and see that SW 4.60 is the newest, but now... Everything except curent thread is working great and I remember people having problems updating software... possibly to 4.60. Guess I better check on that thread before I try updating...

Yes, I tried this on my 750 and I don't see any food category for the McD that I saved. I can see the category on MapSource but not on my gps.

BTW, I have the most recent upgrade of both MapSource and on my 750.

Not sure what to tell you. You know how this stuff works though, when you are really trying it won't happen, then one day by accident it works!

I am pretty sure I had the same setup in my 760. When I bought the 755 I read all of my waypoints out of the 760 and sent them to the 755. All Categories were intact, but now I can't recall if I saw the categories on the 760 or not.

My guess is that categories only work on the newer xx5 series. I tried it on my 750 and also couldn't get it to work.

That sounds likely. I don't think anyone so far has reported this in a xx0 series..
Greg: maybe you're remembering from the poi "extras" that has categories?
Oh well, If anyone with 7x0 series can verify I'll keep trying.
Thanks to all.

Maybe I need to upgrade to xx5 now

I just tried it on both. It only works on my 255W.

Don't be so quick to upgrade to an 7x5 series like I was. I love the new features it has, but it appears there are still bugs in it.

While driving down the turnpike today, the unit just shut off and would not turn back on for about 10 minutes. I had flashbacks of the posts I read about the 7x5 series shut downs. It worked fine for the next 25 minutes and I arrived at my destination.

On the way back home the unit shut down again in the exact same location (except for direction of travel) as it did before. This time it powered back up in about 3 minutes. I am guessing it has something to do with the poi file I had that gives me a proximity alert at that location.

After reading numerous posts, a lot of users are recommending leaving the unit as it comes from factory and not adding custom poi's. To me that is unacceptable. If I can't use all of it's features, it was a waste of money and I'll go back to the 7x0 units. If I can't depend on this thing on a trip than I don't want it.

My suggestion: WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT!!!!! Do not get a 7x5 unit yet!!!! It's not worth the aggrevation for a few extra features.

I just checked Walmart.com and I can get a 760 for $218. I am seriously considering buying it and keeping it with me as a back up. I travel and lot and have become so dependant on a GPS that I never carry a map. If my 755 turns off in the middle of a long trip, I would have to stop and buy a map. If my Nuvi shuts down once or twice more, that will be the deciding factor for me. And if the problem continues for some time, I'll get rid of it all together.

You can drag and drop your Favorite current.gpx file into Mapsource.

Mapsource Waypoints can be modified and then saved to gpx file.

File/Save as/enter File Name/select File Type gpx.

Guess I won't rush into it.
Be sure and let us know if it continues shutting down like that...

Out of frustration from my "incident" yesterday, I set up about 20 poi's with different sounds, different .bmp's, and in several different .csv files. I placed them all on my route home and placed some of them very close together. I was trying to get the unit to shut down again, but no such luck. It hammered out the proximity alerts and paused them when it was time for route directions like a champ.

I am hoping, praying is probably a better word, that this was caused by a corrupt poi.

I did make one observation from this. I looked at the csv file with the coordinates for my shutdown, and did notice one thing right away. In a file that had about 12 different coordinates, the one that was where my shut down occurred was different. It had an extra digit at the end of each string. It had 6 digits after the decimal, and all the others only had 5.

Here are the coordinates:
-80.377252,25.658421. All the others are like this: -80.38746,25.84859.

This extra digit at the end I believe is just slightly more accurate than the others. Or maybe provides elevation data? Need a coordinates expert to help out with that one. Could this possibly be the cause of the shutdown? I don't see why it would, but who knows.

Something worth looking into, as it is another strange coincidence that this was the only one on my trip with 6 digits instead of 5.

This exact file was installed in my 760 for months, and it never shut down there or anywhere else for that matter. Thats why I find it difficult to believe that the file was corrupt.

On the other hand, I have many .csv files that are all 6 digits, and they don't crash....

I went through a few of the owners manuals.When you look at the 205 and 705 series they are the only ones showing under favorites in the manual the option to manually change and add new categories.

Thanks for the Mapsource info on adding Categories, Greg2561. It worked great on my 755T!