GPX or CSV? Confused

See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6203 .I use a lot of gpx files for the ones I want alerts for.Using gpx files you can build the alerts in using Extra Poi Editor.This allows you to use express mode instead of manual mode for Poiloader.See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/28521

The differences between the two file formats is content and formatting.

CSV files are easy to build but are limited as to how much data can be presented and how that data is formatted. GPX files generally allow more data and allow the formatting of data controlling how it is displayed on the screen. In order to use bluetooth to dial an embedded phone number, the file has to be GPX.

CSV files are easily displayed and edited with just about any spreadsheet program, but any text editor will also work. GPX files are best handled by an editor designed for this type of file as the underlying file is in XML code. That doesn't mean you can't look at it with a text editor, it's just difficult to work with using a text editor because of the XML code.

As to how your unit uses them, there is no difference. POI Loader reads either CSV or XML (GPX) files and outputs a third file type, the GPI file which is what is in the unit. Even though a GPX file containing the same information as a CSV can be 3 to 5 times the number of bytes for the input, the GPI file will be about the same size, and that's what is loaded into the Nuvi.

I had already read the two threads in Charles' reply but still was unclear. I guess I could sum up in two questions:

1. For just plain end-user purposes (driving with the GPS unit), would the recommended choice be GPX instead of CSV POI files (when both version are available)? The only changes I can foresee making are the alerts for cameras.

and

2. What happens if the same named file in both GPX and CSV formats are loaded onto the GPS? Does it crash the satellites?

According to your account you have a 1490.It has Bluetooth.If you plan to get the full benefit from the feature you need gpx files.If not csv will be ok.

Not sure why you would download a csv file and a gpx file with the same name?They both give you the same information when you view the gps screen.

The redlight and speed cameras will give you automatic alert just like they are.You can change that using manual mode in poiloader.Key words like redlight and speed trigger the alert.From Poiloader help. If the file name contains "redlight", POI Loader assumes all records in the file have proximity alerts with a distance of 400m/0.25 miles.

If a file contains "GATSO," "mobile," "SPECS," "safety," "speed," or "camera," but does not have a speed, POI Loader uses a default alert speed of 0, which means you will always be alerted. You can override this default value by entering the speed in Manual mode.

I use both. It depends on what I want out of the file. My unit supports bluetooth, so for those locations where I might call I'll load a GPX. Normally, for those files where I want a speed or proximity alert, I'll build a GPX. I also build GPX files if I want special formatting, including using colors.

I think both files are read by poi loader and your unit will alert or display once for each file.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately my phone is not compatible with the 1490T's BT (it's an old phone).

As was mentioned, except for the phone dialing & attaching pictures and/or audio files (like a TourGuide.. to individual POIs), you can match most any POI feature with CSV. But, there are some subtleties in how each display (particularly addresses) on different units, as well.

Did you check out the display faq also? http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21274

Screen shots of how each show up in a 'list' screen are here- http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21281

And in a 'Go" screen here- http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21276

The 1490 wasn't out when I wrote these, but it likely displays similar to the 765T (I'm guessing).

.csv files are simple. Open one in Notepad (Windows) after backing up the file. Do not save changes. You can see it is just a text file and it is easy to understand.

.gpx files are more complex, but they can contain more information. This is good if it is needed, but if not, why not keep it simple?

Red Light Cameras and Speed Cameras are available as .csv files and should be loaded as .csv files. Since they are updated weekly, they should be used as they come.

If the same filename is loaded as a .csv file and a .gpx file, no one knows what would happen because that has never been tried before. Let us know what happens!

dobs108

As you wrote perp, since you do not plan on building or editing any POI files, it doesn't matter which you use, nor does your 1490T care which on you use either.

If you have a choice between the two formats, often the gpx version is preferable because it can contain more information, but many times the csv version will be more up to date, especially if more than one person maintains the files.

IOW, use the gpx version unless the csv version is more up to date.

Wow, This is a great webstie/forum. Prompt, courteous and informative answers/suggestions. I guess I will use csv's for the cameras because they are updated often, and gpx for the others that are relatively static. Thanks!!!

PS: I wonder if having the same file in both formats on one GPSr is as bad as crossing the streams in Ghostbusters.

Don't worry, it isn't.
If you have both versions of a file in your unit, you'll see the POIs listed twice. If you set up alerts for both files I would suspect at best the alert will sound twice. At worst, your unit's audio will jam up a bit and depending on the model, firmware, etc. may not work correctly until you restart it.

There is no good reason to load both versions into a unit unless you are comparing the two different files for accuracy or completeness, and that can usually be better accomplished before loaded them into your unit.

I've set up (so far, and still working out bumps) a situation where I have some large collecions of POIs such as someone's AAA offices file.

I take the CSV, and run it through the POI loader program and save it as "AAA-Offices.GPI"

I have another file with some static things in it such as friend's houses, etc. Those I have in GPX format. I did that by creating a list in Base Camp called "Friends-n-Family" and when I add someone to it I export it as a GPX file. This file I also run through POI loader and create a GPI file from. Not many changes so it doesn't happen often.

Then I've got a bunch of "Favorites" that come and go with my moods. These are on the GPS and can be added and deleted as I feel the urge.

The GPI files I created I put into the Garmin's "POI" directory and they appear under "Extras" on the menu and don't clutter up my Favorites unless I "save" it to the favorites list.

Just how I do it, your milage may vary.