Masonic Lodges

I will pass this along. I have a few friends who are Mason's.

Thanks for this. I have two friends that would love to hear about this.

You have inspired me to create a file for Texas masonic lodges. I have to create 4 files because the state is so darn big. thanks

I have created and posted a GPX file listing all the lodges in Ohio. It is here:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/13536

There are also two S%C icons links.

I hope this will also inspire everyone to get out and visit other lodges. I have asked our Grand Lodge to post the link on their web site. Maybe you would do the same.

Based on what I found here, I have been compiling a file for the 431 lodges in Pennsylvania. I have verified coordinates for 426 of them at present. I have successfully compiled a file and started testing it on my Garmin. When completed, the Grand Lodge would like to host it on their site.

I would also like to post it here, but don't know how one does that. I searched, but didn't find any info -- help would be appreciated! I am also in need of testers, if anyone is interested. You can contact me directly at Richard . Muth @ comcast . net

I do think this is a great tool to aid in visitations, and the Arizona file helped me out on a recent business trip there.

If you look to the upper right, there is a link:
upload and share a CSV or GPX file

Click on this and follow the instructions.

I saw that link after posting here, but couldn't edit the original note. Still, it seems there is more that I should know about posting files here...

All files are initially submitted using the upload and post link. After they are processed and checked, they are then made available for other members to download. You will become the "file maintainer" and with a windmill, have additional options in regard to the file. You will be able to submit corrections and additions without having to go through the moderator's queue. If you become a General Maintainer you will then be able to make changes to the file online. There are a lot of advantages to having those two badges.

Hi,
Have you done anything with the any of the difffent bodies such as Chapater, Council or Commandries?
Thanks,
Jesterdan

The thought crossed my mind, but since the York Rite bodies don't have their own buildings (with very rare exceptions) I felt the list of Blue Lodges would suffice. On the other hand, I did create an extended database for Pennsylvania with all the Grand Lodge Masonic "Villages" (Homes), Scottish Rite Cathedrals and Shrine facilities.

I suppose, however, that the Pennsylvania York Rite should be my next weekend project seeing as how I am a current TIM, King and Commander...

I have my Pennsylvania Blue Lodge file ready for posting. I will put it here in the standard CSV and GPX formats (I assume that both is best).

The Grand Lodge wants to host the files, and that was a condition of my receiving data from them. My question to you all is what is the best way to do that? Most users there will not be familiar with the formats and upload process and we can't support all their issues. We will need a simple way to for users of various GPS units to download and install the files to their particular device.

I'm thinking that posting the GPX file, with a link to Garmin's POI loader will be good. Tom Tom has a way to make a link that directly loads a file you have hosted, which was tested with good results. Extra POI Editor will allow files to be saved in Magellan format, but what kind of instructions would then be needed?

Your thoughts are very welcome.

What about creating a link to the POI Factory? I'm sure there are quite a few people here that could assist with loading custom POIs. Also, they may find some other POIs here that they could be interested in as well.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36075

I uploaded the file in GPX format, but don't know how to add the CSV file without making a separate posting.

The category is "Other" as nothing else seemed appropriate. Clubs and Fraternal organizations would seem to be a useful category if someone could add that...

I would look at what other companies are doing that host files. One I rework and post every month is the Exxon/Mobil/Esso files from Exxon.com. They offer files from their website in several formats along with instructions on how to accomplish the installation.

As Turbo's Extra_POI_Editor is so flexible, you can output files in the most common formats and send them to the grand lodge for posting on the website.

That idea occurred to me, but I'm not sure how receptive Grand Lodge will be to it, for various reasons. If I receive any direct email queries I would point them here, but the GL may not be willing to post the link.

I'd see it as a win-win situation. They wouldn't have to worry about support as people would come here, and the additional traffic to this site would introduce people to other POIs as well. I don't think it would hurt to ask, but also ask the moderators here as well.

Thanks for that advice. I looked at the Exxon site and will send that link to the GL web committee chair. I think something similar is the best idea.

Any advice on how I can place multiple formats on the same page here? I tried but it only overwrites the file. Somehow a the TomTom format did show up in addition to the Garmin, but now it's gone again.

POI-Factory only supports CSV and GPX files. JM will convert the CSV to OV2 but not allow you to load one.

How about just including a note in the Lodge's entry if they have York Rite at their location? You could also include meeting dates and times in the note. Easy to do with GPX, one reason why I prefer GPX files.

I did include the meeting day and time, if other than the PA standard of 7:30 pm, as well as additional location info as appropriate. My experience (though limited) is that only so much extra info shows up, so adding appendant bodies was not a priority. This also turned into a GL project, and that had an influence.

However, I like the idea of a separate York Rite file, as well as the AASR and Shrine file I have almost completed. These may also make searching easier since my Garmins (780 & 3590) don't look in the comments or description for key search words.

Files with 199 Pennsylvania York Rite Bodies are located at:

• GPX: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36133
• CSV: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36134

The GPX version has additional information on meeting dates and times.

I'll post Pennsylvania Scottish Rite and Shrine locations in a few days...

Let's keep it going

Pennsylvania Masonic Villages (Masonic Homes), Scottish Rite, Shrine and other locations have been posted. The GPX version will display some additional information such as Phone numbers.

• GPX: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36162
• CSV/OV2: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/36163

I have made some BMP icons for the various bodies as well, in both 24x24 and 50x50 sizes. The larger images work much better on my new Garmin (3590) with a 5" display. Once I figure to how/where to post them, I will.

Thanks everyone!
We need an Ontario Canada one.
and New York and California, where is the Texas one someone was working on?