csv vs gpx? Which to use?

 

My 765t is sitting under the tree. sad

I've been looking over some of the POI files and I'm confused as to which format to download.

If I understand correctly the 765 can use either csv or gpx. Is that correct?

If so, which would be the better choice?

Finally, I read that to load multiple POI files to the unit all the files should be in one folder. Would it be a problem if they are in different formats?

P.S. I'll be using this in my motor home as well as my car. So far I've downloaded the low clearance file and have located the Flying J file. The latter is available in the two formats I'm asking about.

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96 Safari Sahara- 3530, 35', CAT 300 ex 68 Ultra Van. Garmin 765t

GPX vs CSV

According to the Garmin website, gpx can contain poi icons and sound files, so if you want those, gpx is better. If you don't care about custom icons or proximity alert sounds than csv is fine.

On the other hand, I created a gpx file from a csv without added graphics or audio and the gpx is twice as big. The reason why is all bits of data are surrounded by tags, whereas a csv file is just the data separated by commas.

http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/creating_custom_po...

Hope this helps!

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/\^~BpACKer~^/\

GPX or CSV

GPX is better if you want a lot more detail. CSV takes up less storage space. I use them both, but have a lot more CSV files than GPX because of the file size.

CSV vs GPX

Ultra Ken wrote:

My 765t is sitting under the tree. sad

I've been looking over some of the POI files and I'm confused as to which format to download.

If I understand correctly the 765 can use either csv or gpx. Is that correct?

If so, which would be the better choice?

Finally, I read that to load multiple POI files to the unit all the files should be in one folder. Would it be a problem if they are in different formats?

P.S. I'll be using this in my motor home as well as my car. So far I've downloaded the low clearance file and have located the Flying J file. The latter is available in the two formats I'm asking about.

Which is better? Both are!

It depends on what data you want in the file and how the file will be used. CSV files can have limited amounts of data in the 4th column.

GPX files can contain a lot more data like phone numbers that you can dial direct from the GPS through your bluetooth phone. They can contain hours of operation, addresses, pointers that point to pictures files and/or sound files and you can set proximity and speed alerts differently for each entry.

GPX files are a lot more versatile however that versatility comes at a price. GPX files are much larger than compairable CSV files and they are a lot harder to write.

Sometimes you don't need the versatility of a GPX file. Railroad crossings don't have phone numbers or address. If all you need is an alert when you approach a certain point, then CSV can give you that in a smaller size that's easier to write.

I hope this helps. You can also do a search for GPX and maybe get more info.

.csv/.gpx

BpACKer wrote:

According to the Garmin website, gpx can contain poi icons and sound files, so if you want those, gpx is better.

-=-=-=-=-=-

But so can .csv files!

Gary Hayman

--
Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Prev.GPSs: Drive61 LM, nuvi 3790LMT, 755T & 650, GPSIII+, SP 2610, 250W; Magellan 2200T; Originator of GARMIN NUVI TRICKS, TIPS, WORKAROUNDS, HINTS, SECRETS & IDEAS http://bit.ly/GARMIN-TNT

I use almost all csv

95% of my files are csv format. You still can use custom bmp icons and sound files with them. I set my poiloader to "manual" mode and set the distances away that I want an alert. I create folders depending on what category my poi is. AKA "Restaurants", "shopping", "motels, campgrounds", etc. Keep in the back of your mind, you can only have a maximum of 32 POIs in a folder. For each POI you name the actual POI, bmp, and mp3, the save exact file name, except for the extention. Use poiloader to load in manual mode, and set the distance for each one. You have to have the "rest stop" POI for sure. "Offveat Tourist Attractions" is another good one! It is really quite simple, and easy to do. I am proof positive that adding POIs with sound and icons is rather idiot proof! smile

--
Unless you are the lead sled dog, the view never changes. I is retard... every day is Saturday! I still use the Garmin 3590 LMT even tho I upgraded to the Garmin 61 LMT. Bigger screen is not always better in my opinion.

Ultra Ken wrote: My 765t is

Ultra Ken wrote:

My 765t is sitting under the tree. sad

I've been looking over some of the POI files and I'm confused as to which format to download.

If I understand correctly the 765 can use either csv or gpx. Is that correct?

If so, which would be the better choice?

Finally, I read that to load multiple POI files to the unit all the files should be in one folder. Would it be a problem if they are in different formats?

P.S. I'll be using this in my motor home as well as my car. So far I've downloaded the low clearance file and have located the Flying J file. The latter is available in the two formats I'm asking about.

You can use both csv and gpx files in one folder or subfolders.If you plan to download a lot of custom poi files like most of us end of doing go ahead and start out using subfolders.It will be more organized when using your own specialized categories see http://www.poi-factory.com/node/25721 .Most advantages for using gpx files has already been covered by other posters.One advantage not covered is using a program like Extra Poi Editor when working with csv or gpx files.I prefer to build my alert distances into a gpx file to eliminate using manual mode for Poi Loader.You can use Extra Poi Editor and download a csv or gpx file to it and save in either format.Here is the outline for building the alert distance in.

You can download Extra Poi Editor at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor and build the distance in for the alert. When you download the program if you get message about OCX file missing scroll down on the main page and under troubleshooting you will find the Extra Poi Editor Installer that you will need to download. Once installation is completed you will need to set up the preferences you want first. Under options click on preferences. For example using ft for input. Under units you will see editor, select Imperial/US. For Field Read and Field save select Metric. After setting your preferences click on file and click open to select from your computer the file you want to build the distance alerts for. Then go to edit and click on replace field. Once the next screen comes up use the down arrow for Field name and pick proximity. Under new field value put in the distance in feet you want for the alert. Then click replace all. You now have distance set for each custom poi. Then save as a gpx file. You will lose the built in alert if you save as a csv file. The nice thing about this method is that you can use express mode for poiloader.

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

Are you saying that if I use

Are you saying that if I use a gpx file that I shouldn't select an icon and an alert sound since it's already there?

or,

That if I select an icon and an alert that it will replace the one in the gpx file?

Thanks,
Ken

--
96 Safari Sahara- 3530, 35', CAT 300 ex 68 Ultra Van. Garmin 765t

Most here don't include

Ultra Ken wrote:

Are you saying that if I use a gpx file that I shouldn't select an icon and an alert sound since it's already there?

or,

That if I select an icon and an alert that it will replace the one in the gpx file?

Thanks,
Ken

Most of the GPX files here don't include alert or icon files. Even though my 885 plays MP3s I still use WAV alerts. I started using WAV files with my original unit, a Nuvi 200 and prefer them because MP3 alerts have been known to cause skips if you are playing an MP3 file and an alert is required.

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

Start Here

Start here-
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6203
and follow the other links on that page for some of the details on why GPX is usually a better choice than csv, especially if you want to use the existing nuvi icons and if you want to have your 765 auto-dial phone numbers, etc.

With an editor like Extra POI Editor or GeePeeEx it's not really any more difficult to create & edit gpx. While they do take a little more space on your PC hard drive, the extra space on your gps is not that much more than a csv once it's compiled.

Imho.

--
It's about the Line- If a line can be drawn between the powers granted and the rights retained, it would seem to be the same thing, whether the latter be secured by declaring that they shall not be abridged, or that the former shall not be extended.

MapSource and URLs

You can open a gpx file in MapSource, use it in routing and from the properties of a POI, start a website reference from a URL you or someone included for that point.

Update to earlier comments is that icons in a gpx file are only good for MapSource. Unless you include a separate bmp file with the gpx/csv, the icon displayed on the gps is a dot.

You can mix gpx and csv files. POI Loader will process both.

--
Zumo 550 & Zumo 665 My alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.

Gpx alert

Ultra Ken wrote:

Are you saying that if I use a gpx file that I shouldn't select an icon and an alert sound since it's already there?

or,

That if I select an icon and an alert that it will replace the one in the gpx file?

Thanks,
Ken

By using the method of Extra Poi Editor to build the alert distance in you will get the defult bong alert.Selecting a mp3 file for the voice alert will only replace the bong alert with a voice message.It will not change the built in distance you set up with Extra Poi Editor.

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

Mix CSV and GPX files hangs POI Loader

Hi, new 265wt Nuvi user/owner. I've been adding csv POIs to the folder and POI-Loading them w/o any problems.

However, when I add a GPX file to the folder mix, the loader hangs in the process. If I switch the GPX file with the CSV version the loading completes.

Any ideas on why this would be? BTW, the file is the national list of Credit Union/COOPs.

-------------

Also, when displaying the Custom POIs while driving it would be great if the unit dropped off any point that I've driven past (the arrow is now behind me) say, after a few 10th of a mile. Don't see any way of setting this option.

thanks, Steve

What is the exact file name?

geneaum wrote:

Any ideas on why this would be? BTW, the file is the national list of Credit Union/COOPs.

What is the exact file name you are having problems with?

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

Hi. The filename

Hi. The filename is:

USA-CO-OPNetwork.gpx

thanks. GA

No GPX

geneaum wrote:

Hi. The filename is:

USA-CO-OPNetwork.gpx

thanks. GA

There is a CSV file, but I didn't see a GPX.

CO-OP ATMs USA.csv

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

Just looked at the CSV version

geneaum wrote:

Hi. The filename is:

USA-CO-OPNetwork.gpx

thanks. GA

Part of the problem may be the amount of data in column D of the CSV. As an examole:

920 Kamokila Blvd Kapolei HI 96707 CU Service Center Mon: 10:00-6:00 Tue: 10:00-6:00 Wed: 10:00-6:00 Thu: 10:00-6:00 Fri: 10:00-6:00 Sat: 8:30-2:30 Sun: closed- Ph: 808-674-8350 Fax: 808-534-4349

I personally can see no reason for listing each day of the week when MON-FRI: 10:00-6:00 would have sufficed. And why would you need a fax number in a POI listing?

As there is no GPX listed, did you convert the file to GPX using EPE?

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

CSV & GPS mixed... Hang?

I have almost 99% CSV except only one GPX file for Love Truck Stops om 265 & 255 Units. They work fine.

Have to tried to uninstall all POIs & reinstall them?

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Garmin Nuvi 2555 LMT, Street Pilot C340, nuvi 265WT, Mio Moov 300, nuvi 255W, Navigon 2100 (Retired)

Why not....

a_user wrote:

why would you need a fax number in a POI listing?

Nice to have if you use your GPS as a mini phone book at home/office.

But I agree reduce the open hours....

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Garmin Nüvi 650, 255WT

Get GeePeeEx

Great inexpensive software for creating GPX files, and will convert CSV files to GPX format.

a, thanks for the info.

a,

thanks for the info. BTW, I didn't create this GPX file - it was downloaded from another site.

I'll just stick with the csv.

Steve

mp3 file not playing as prox alert with csv POIs

Hi - I must confess to being a GPS newbie, but work in the computer industry....
I have loaded sets of csv POIs, along with similarly-named bmp and mp3 files.... put all in the same folder... and downloaded to my Garmin 1390T using manual mode on POI loader. The POIs show up on the map screen, accompanied by a "bong" but not the associated mp3. The Nuvi settings screen shows me an option of "single tone" or "continuous tone" prox warning, but no mention of "mp3".
I was beginning to get the idea that I really needed gpx files not csv, to be able to trigger those mp3s. However, from the above discussion I now read that mp3s will in fact work with csv prox point files.
Now I'm really confused..... advice will really be appreciated.
Thanks.

The 1390t does not have the

The 1390t does not have the ability to play mp3 you have to use wav files to get your voice alerts both for csv or gpx.Here is the process.

a.Download the latest PoiLoader file at http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/ .
b. Download Sox Exe at http://rapidshare.com:80/files/139638423/sox.zip .
c. After un-zipping Sox.Exe file place it in your Garmin folder where the PoiLoader exe file is located on the computer. This is a one-time installation.
d. The wav file for alerts will be named the same as the CSV or GPX file except for the extensions.
e. You can make your own wav files by going to http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php and typing in what you want it to say or use a program to convert mp3 files to wav. When using the conversion it must be saved as PCM, 44.100 kHZ., 16 bit, Mono. Wav files are also on site for download.
f. Select manual mode on poiloader to set speed or distance for alert.

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

That's because

That's because your 1390 doesn't support MP3. You will need to use .wav files. All the other rules stay the same about file names etc.

A good tutorial can be found at http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/pagepoi.02.htm#...

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Thank you

Thank you folks - I'll do just that !

Thanks again

Charlesd45 and t923347,

Thank you again for the information on sound files for POIs. I followed your instructions, and now have the audio working perfectly !

Regards,

Jetlag13

Glad you got it to work

Glad you got it to work Jetlag.Now that you are doing the alerts for your custom pois you may want to look at building your alert distance into a gpx file using Extra Poi Editor so you can run poiloader in express instead of manual mode.If interested here is how you do it.

You can download Extra Poi Editor at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor and build the distance in for the alert. When you download the program if you get message about OCX file missing scroll down on the main page and under troubleshooting you will find the Extra Poi Editor Installer that you will need to download. Once installation is completed you will need to set up the preferences you want first. Under options click on preferences. For example using ft for input. Under units you will see editor, select Imperial/US. For Field Read select metric and Field save select Metric. After setting your preferences click on file and click open to select from your computer the file you want to build the distance alerts for. Then go to edit and click on replace field. Once the next screen comes up use the down arrow for Field name and pick proximity. Under new field value put in the distance in feet you want for the alert. Then click replace all. You now have distance set for each custom poi. Then save as a gpx file. You will lose the built in alert if you save as a csv file. The nice thing about this method is that you can use express mode for poiloader.

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

Sounds good

That sounds good. Thanks again Charlie !

Real world difference?

I understood POI's to be so small that for most every user space was simply not an issue.

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17

Re. Real world difference?

Space used on your GPS is not that different between a csv and a gpx file. gpx files are larger than csv on a PC, and some may have hard disk space problems. I convert all my POI files to gpx files because I use the POIs in MapSource for routing that way. It's handy to have URLs built into these POIs so I can quickly look up a website while planning a ride.

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Zumo 550 & Zumo 665 My alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.

thanks for the answers to

thanks for the answers to this. I had same question too.