How do I do this!? (create a POI)

 

Forgive me for being completely retarded, but how the heck do I create a POI???

I've read everything on this site's FAQ and Garmin's.

I'm no closer to creating a POI than I was several hours ago when I decided to pursue such an undertaking...

Can someone please HOLD MY HAND to get this done?

Here's the file I'm wanting made into a POI: http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/Locations/Find_Locations/#...

I know it's already on this website, but I'm wanting to do it myself because I KNOW the POI currently available here is missing some locations...

TIA...

I'll try and get you started

If you use the downloadable file that they have on the site you are better then half way there. Most o it is already done, just in the wrong order. Generally the Lat/Long, or Long/Lat, are the first two colums then I believe title then address info in the 4th column when using a csv file. From the download and install the Extra POI Editor at http://turboccc.wikispaces.com/Extra_POI_Editor . With this you can save in various formats. If you open the newly edited csv file you can then edit each location with additional information. When saved as a GPX file this additional info will be available on the screen of the GPS. Not sure about when saved in the csv format though. The Extra POI Editor may or may not open that csv file properly as it is formatted. But using the POI editor does make everything a lot easier. If I left something out or need corrections I'm sure someone will point them out.

Extra POI Editor

You can have more than four columns in the CSV file, but you need the 1st 4 to be as wknight40 said. So the csv on their site does need editing for order before using the editor.

Or

You could just use the one already here: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/541

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

If you are an Excel user,

If you are an Excel user, you can download the excel .xls version and modify in excel. From above, it sounds like you need to reverse lat and long. Insert / delete columns, copy / paste as needed to get in correct format. Col 1 = long, Col 2 = lat, Col 3 = name, Col 4 = comment. Do a File/Save As and select csv file type.

Extra Poi Editor is probably the way to go in the long run, but this might give you a better understanding of file structure.

Hope this helps.

--
Hawk - Nuvi 1450

alandb wrote: You could just

alandb wrote:

You could just use the one already here: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/541

I could, but as I said, It's missing some locations...

Thanks for the replies thus far.

I'm taking a crack at it now.

Sorry, I missed that

in your original post. If you get an updated file created, hopefully you will submit it so Miss POI can post it for everyone to use. Have fun.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Just played with the file myself

Must insert a column at the beginning of this file.
Delete the contents of the original first column
Cut and paste Longitude in to the first column
Cut and paste Latitude in the second column
Delete the header row
Save as csv file

The rest can be done in the Extra POI editor. At least that is the way I would do this. Everyone has there own way. Good luck and enjoy.

S3NTYN3L wrote: Forgive me

S3NTYN3L wrote:

Forgive me for being completely retarded, but how the heck do I create a POI???

I've read everything on this site's FAQ and Garmin's.

I'm no closer to creating a POI than I was several hours ago when I decided to pursue such an undertaking...

Can someone please HOLD MY HAND to get this done?

Here's the file I'm wanting made into a POI: http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/Locations/Find_Locations/#...

I know it's already on this website, but I'm wanting to do it myself because I KNOW the POI currently available here is missing some locations...

TIA...

The members usually report missing locations to the author of the file so they can make necessary changes.Like you stated you know there is already a file listed at Poi Factory.The gpx file http://www.poi-factory.com/node/24020 contains extra information supplied by the author.The author of this file does a pretty good job keeping it updated.If locations are missing I know he would be glad to add any new locations at your request.Just wondering if it wouldn't be easier to do another file.Something new that could be added to Poi Factory that may benefit other users.I would be glad to help out and sure other members would also.

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

Step by Step

S3NTYN3L wrote:

Forgive me for being completely retarded, but how the heck do I create a POI???

I've read everything on this site's FAQ and Garmin's.

I'm no closer to creating a POI than I was several hours ago when I decided to pursue such an undertaking...

Can someone please HOLD MY HAND to get this done?

Here's the file I'm wanting made into a POI: http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/Locations/Find_Locations/#...

I know it's already on this website, but I'm wanting to do it myself because I KNOW the POI currently available here is missing some locations...

TIA...

1. Download file., use either .csv or .xls. remember you will have to save it in .csv format, so you may as well start by downloading in .csv.

2. Examine the column headings and what columns they are in.

3. These columns must be in an order that other programs can recognize. The extra_poi_editor can do this for you. I'll come to that later.

4 Decide what information you want to see on your garmin. Any columns you don't want, delete them now.

5. Cut and paste the columns so that they follow the order common to all garmin poi programs.

Column 1 - longitude
Column 2 - latitude
Column 3 - POI Name
Column 4 - Street Address
Column 5 - City
After column 5 you can insert most data so long as you define the heading.

6 Save your file

7. Open extra_poi_editor.

8. Go to the options tab and click on M-column CSV Fields assignment.

9. You will see a tale listing 24 columns. Each column has a drop down tab.

10 Set each column to the heading on your .csv file.

11. Open file. Each screen should show you the data that is in the original file.

Note, if you don't want to cut and paste, you can go to extra_poi_editor immediately.
Open the options/Mcolumn csv fields and carefully set each column heading to the same name as on the original file. If the heading is not available then use the closest meaning. I used description for facilities and comment for the Interstate exit.
Now you can open the original file directly. Any changes will be in the same format.
Save the file as a .gpx file in extra_poi_editor.
You can then use POI loader to put it in your garmin.

--
nuvi 855. Life is not fair. I don't care who told you it is.

@ S3NTYN3L

The GPX version has just been updated and reformatted.

Highway and exit numbers display as the address. Fast food outlets are also noted.

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

Thanks for that. I just did

Thanks for that.

I just did the same thing with mine.

Ours differ in "layout" only.

I see no point in uploading my version now that you've updated yours.

Thanks to all that have contributed to this thread.
I've now got a grasp on how to create these POIs. wink

Now if I could only change the symbols on certain entries to reflect my company's fueling policies...
(Some of these locations I'm only allowed to grab up to 75 gallons)...

No CSV reorder needed with EPE

If you change the M column preferences in EPE you can import a csv file that has the fields in any order whatsoever as long as you define it. Unlike the 4 column prefs that only apply to the save order, the M column prefs apply to open as well as save. If there are only 4 cols in the input file, just set the rest of the M column open/save fields to '(not used)'.

Then make sure to save the file as a gpx since gpx field order is fixed and doesn't change, or save as (a properly formatted) 4 column csv.

I won't swear to it, but I think you can probably use one user-defined M column definition set to open the file, change to another after it's loaded, and save a different ordered csv that way as well.

--
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.

Re: No CSV reorder needed with EPE

You're right. I often do this.

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

Separate gpx would help.

S3NTYN3L wrote:

Now if I could only change the symbols on certain entries to reflect my company's fueling policies...
(Some of these locations I'm only allowed to grab up to 75 gallons)...

What you could do on this one is make a copy of the whole file, naming it SeventyFivePilot.gpx In EPE, delete all the ones that do not have a restriction. Rename each POI in this file to have a "#" as the first character of the POI name.

Now move the two gpx files to a folder named Pilot. When you select Custom POIs/Pilot, select All Categories and you will see duplicate names with a "#" on the ones that have that restriction. Any locations nearby that do not have that restriction will only have one entry. That should help you decide when you need to stop.

By leaving the original file alone, you can update it whenever there is a change by the author. But you will have to recreate or update your SeventyFivePilot.gpx file. If symbols help, you can also put different bmp's in for each file, but I'm not sure if you would see both of them at the same time.

"SeventyFivePilot" rather than "75Pilot" name was used because you don't want the GPS to see this as a speed camera warning. csv would work as well as gpx in the above example.

EPE also allows you to merge files, so you could merge SeventyFivePilot.gpx with the original, show duplicates and delete the duplicates that do not have a "#" in name col-1. That way you only need to load one Custom POI file. I'm sure there are other ways to roll this. The point is to avoid distractions while driving and get the info you need to plan your ride. Have fun with this.

My assumption was that you are using a Garmin GPS. Other brands may not care if there are numbers in the filename. Assumption ditto with bmp's to display the POIs.

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

where do the POI files go

where do the POI files go once they're uploaded to POI Factory? one i've uploaded a while ago seems to appear to be in limbo.

--
-CC4

To the Queen

CC4 wrote:

where do the POI files go once they're uploaded to POI Factory? one i've uploaded a while ago seems to appear to be in limbo.

When you upload a new file it goes to the Borg Queen for her to assimilate the data. When she has digested the data, she makes it available to the rest of the collective.

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

don't know if it's possible,

don't know if it's possible, but it would be helpful if there some sort of confirmation that the file is "waiting in the tube" or "awaiting validation" / "denied" or "rejected" listed in the "My Account" section. i wasn't even sure if the file made it there correctly. idea

--
-CC4

not at this time.

CC4 wrote:

don't know if it's possible, but it would be helpful if there some sort of confirmation that the file is "waiting in the tube" or "awaiting validation" / "denied" or "rejected" listed in the "My Account" section. i wasn't even sure if the file made it there correctly. idea

I will mention this to the web man;)

I have your file and it is now published.

Miss POI

gracias

cool. thanks.

--
-CC4

waaaaaaa laaaaaaaaa

See how easy that was. just mention it and it magically appears. She has a lot on her plate and sometimes stuff gets put in the back ground. All you have to do is mention it and she gets out her shovel and digs it out.

--
Jerry...Jacksonville,Fl Nüvi1450,Nuvi650,Nuvi 2495 and Mapsource.

Got it loaded. Now, how

Got it loaded.

Now, how would I add a custom icon so it shows on the map?

I'm still using that EPE software if it makes a difference...

I'm also wanting to do the same with the Low Clearance POI that Driven1 originally created. I'm sorry to the new "manager" of that one, I forgot your handle...

Icon display

There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to use the standard Mapsource icons which you can assign in EPE. The other is to create an icon (or download one from the library) and name it exactly the same as your file except it has to be a 24 x 24 pixel BMP file. The POI file and icon must be in the same folder when you load them to the unit using POI Loader.

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

Thanks for that. I've got it

Thanks for that.
I've got it sorted. wink

does your have the cv file.

does your have the cv file. or how can i uplaod it my 465T? also you doing any other truckstops

.

I'm sorry, the files are on my computer at home.
You can use the POI Loader software found at Garmin's website.
I'm posting from my cell so I cannot provide a link to it at the moment.

My company only allows me to fuel at Pilot locations so I don't have too big of a need for any other truck stops right now.

IIRC, someone else created a POI for Love's and TA locations.

If you like the way my Pilot POI is formatted, I can work on getting some other establishments done in the same manner.

See you on the highway...