Working on new and Updated Icons (BMP files)..

 

I have started working on Icons that you can use on your GPS, I have been updating some of the older ones that I have posted here a long time ago, as well as creating new ones that are still missing for the POI files that is on this site.

Since I am doing this, I would like to know if anyone has any request what they would like. If you have a new idea for one, or even if you have a existing BMP (or other type of graphics) file you want converted, you can send it to me and I will see what I can do for you. Not all types can be converted but I can try.. Some graphics just don’t look good that small and/or lose quality

To JM and GlobeTurtle, when I feel I got some to send to you, I will be zipping them up and sending them off to you. Hope to have more than 100 or more for your enjoyment

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Looking forward to seeing

Looking forward to seeing them smile

Jonathan

Does this mean

you are making the bmps better detailed or bigger? In any case this is a good idea for many. I'll keep watching.

I use a transparent (pink?) master then copy and paste and the results are pretty good - at least to my old eyes.

--
phlatlander

YEP

phlatlander wrote:

you are making the bmps better detailed or bigger? In any case this is a good idea for many. I'll keep watching.

I use a transparent (pink?) master then copy and paste and the results are pretty good - at least to my old eyes.

Yes, Since the newer GPS will work bigger and better BMP files, that is what I am trying to do. I am also going to try to use the "transparent" methed that I use for most of them.. That way we dont have the map with big square blocks graphics.

Any Ideas as to the size we should be using? I know the currrent is 16x16 and I am going to keep those but hope better graphic I also am thinking of making 24x24 for those that can use the larger scale.

I could use some info on what others are using. As you could see by my last icons that I got to poi-factor (over 200 of them) they do look good but I know I can do better now...

What do you think?

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Icon size

I always use 24x24 when I make icons, as it's the largest size the unit displays.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

Icon Size

Even my old 660 will handle 24X24 icons.

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

I also

I also believe that at least the 3790 series the bitmap is limited to 256 color images. AFAIK, they are limited to 24x24 as well.

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

Thanks..

t923347 wrote:

I also believe that at least the 3790 series the bitmap is limited to 256 color images. AFAIK, they are limited to 24x24 as well.

Good to know...

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Looking To Make My Own Icons

Does anyone know how to load new icons into my Garmin? Also, are there any pointers on how to create my own?

Z

I would like icons for red

I would like icons for red light cams, speed cams, and rest areas for Nuvi 3790T.

Icons

fletchz wrote:

Does anyone know how to load new icons into my Garmin? Also, are there any pointers on how to create my own?

Z

FAQ for loading icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/4359

Icons you create must be 256 color and no larger than 24X24 pixels.

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Icons

ianlin wrote:

I would like icons for red light cams, speed cams, and rest areas for Nuvi 3790T.

Red light camera icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6503

Speed camera icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/7908

Rest area icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6643 (scroll down the page between the description & change history)

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Icons

For them to be transparent, they need to have a 255,0,255 background colour, and indexed 8 bit for a .bmp.

Here's one I did for the Esso logo: http://www.poi-factory.com/files/Esso_1.bmp

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

24 x 24

bobkz wrote:

...I also am thinking of making 24x24 for those that can use the larger scale.

Bob, thanks for making these new icons!

Even my 760 can use 24 x 24 icons. If it is just one pixel more the nuvi will crash. So I think the right size for older units is 24 x 24, but I do not know what the size would be for new units.

Thanks,

dobs108 smile

Keep them with the POI file

fletchz wrote:

Does anyone know how to load new icons into my Garmin? Also, are there any pointers on how to create my own?

Keep them in the folder in the PC with the POI file they go with. If you have a subfolder Redlight Cameras, inside you will have the POI file Redlight-Cameras.csv . Put your icon file inside that same subfolder and name it Redlight-Cameras.bmp (exactly the same as the POI file except for the filename extension.) When you run POI Loader the icon will be loaded and it will be associated with the POI locations.

Bigger is better, but if you exceed the maximum size the nuvi will crash. For most units and older units that is 24 x 24 pixels. Newer units can use bigger icons but I do not know what size.

Perhaps Juggernaut knows - he is an expert on icons.

dobs108 smile

size matters :D

Even on the 3790, 24x24 is the largest. I tried months ago when it came out to use up to 70x70 icons. No joy.

Anything past 24x24 on my 775T gets 'edited', and you lose part of the icon, as in, a reduced and incomplete graphic.

--
nüvi 3790T | Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, will make violent revolution inevitable ~ JFK

Just a thought

Don't forget that Garmin is not the only brand of GPS in use. Try to keep other brands in mind when creating icons for general use.

I believe that the dimensions for TomTom icons are also 24x24, but I'm not sure what the limits are for other makes.

Also - my sincere thanks to everyone who creates such specialized icons. It is much appreciated.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

.

-et- wrote:

Don't forget that Garmin is not the only brand of GPS in use. Try to keep other brands in mind when creating icons for general use.

I believe that the dimensions for TomTom icons are also 24x24, but I'm not sure what the limits are for other makes.

Also - my sincere thanks to everyone who creates such specialized icons. It is much appreciated.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

Thanks for mentioning this. You beat me to it.

The default size for TomTom icons is 22x22, but I just tested a 24x24 24-bit BMP icon and it seems to work okay.

Ditto

I would be very interested in the red light cam, speed cam, and rest area icons for my 3790LMT.

See Above

DiQuest wrote:

I would be very interested in the red light cam, speed cam, and rest area icons for my 3790LMT.

See my post about 7 posts up from here on this page. Those icons are already available on the site.

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Thanks bobkz

I can and have made my own icons but they are not real stylish. I don't have an artistic bone in my body. So I appreciate those that can and do.

24x24 @ 256 colors works for all my different models.

P.S. - I do know that many of the current icons on our site are a much higher color resolution. The first thing I do when I download a new one is open it in paint and save it as a 256 color bmp.

--
Harley BOOM GTS, Zumo 665, (2) Nuvi 765Ts, 1450LMT, 1350LM & others | 2019 Harley Ultra Limited Shrine - Peace Officer Dark Blue

Depends on the particular model--and some notes on iconage

Garmin, if I recall correctly, will take up to 24x24 RGBA (A is "alpha layer", that is, what makes transparent BMPs transparent) BMP

TomTom: 22x22 RGBA BMP, 24x24 works

Various smartphone and multi-unit GPS programs:

iGO 8: Depending on screen resolution can take up to 64x64 RGBA BMP, a decent compromise is 48x48 RGBA BMP, can use 24x24 RGBA BMP but the icons seem a bit small on larger resolutions

CoPilot Live (v8.x and below): Can take up to 25x25 RGB BMP, does NOT recognise transparency layers (these show up as pink)

CoPilot Live Premium (v9.1.0.32 and above): Can take up to at least 32x32 RGB BMP (not sure if it properly handles transparency with BMPs with an alpha channel). Some reports that PNGs (including with alpha channel) also work.

Sygic Aura (11.0.2 and above): Reportedly can take up to 100x100 RGBA BMP (as recommended on Sygic's website).

Also, a minor note on editing BMPs with transparency.

There are surprisingly few editors that are freeware that will edit a BMP with an alpha channel for transparency properly--usually they show up as pink colour in editing.

Editors I have found that are free (as in beer) and work nicely:

a) Pixelformer: http://www.qualibyte.com/pixelformer/ (Probably my editor of choice for smaller BMPs)
b) GIMP 2: http://www.gimp.org/ (Not only free both as in speech AND as in beer, but pretty much available for every platform known to man)

IGo Primo POI sizes

I think Igo Primo2 for OE Aftermarket Nav-Radios (Res 800x480) supports 26x26 pixels on a Max square base of 30x30 pîxels. Also, .png format may be used to achieve transparency giving a better look to Logos..BMP 256 colors also supported.

Standard icons

I'd love to have access to the original icons that Garmin has built in. I supposed that means recreating the built in icons.

--
Kenwood DNX710EX (powered by Garmin) Garmin eTrex 20 Florida Trailheads POI File

Truth about Transparency

kusuriurikun wrote:

Garmin, if I recall correctly, will take up to 24x24 RGBA (A is "alpha layer", that is, what makes transparent BMPs transparent) BMP

...

Also, a minor note on editing BMPs with transparency.

There are surprisingly few editors that are freeware that will edit a BMP with an alpha channel for transparency properly--usually they show up as pink colour in editing.

I've worked with bitmaps at the low level coding and I can assure you the there is no fourth "alpha" level in 256 color bitmaps, just 3 RGB sets of bits for the red, green and blue pixels. The transparency achieved by the GPS receiver on the display is simply a matter of treating a magenta pixel (255,0,255) as if it were not there.

Of course, this has the side effect of not being able to display a pure magenta pixel, but it isn't a serious disadvantage, as you could still display a 254,0,255 pixel, or a 255,0,254 pixel or even a 254,0,254 pixel and the eye wouldn't catch the difference.

Sure, some editors do support a concept of transparency for higher level images (such as 32 bit images), but there is just no such concept for 256 bit bitmaps, and if an image were created at the much greater depth settings it would not likely properly translate to the magenta setting for the transparent pixels when the final output was reduced to the required 8 bit setting.

Just about any editor can properly make the 256 bit image required. I use Photoshop and Gimp a lot, but have made great looking Garmin icons with the very basic editor built into the great free image display program IfranView. Yea, the pixels show up as magenta, which you call "that pink colour", But that isn't really a problem, I sure don't want them just transparent and have them look either black or white. I use black and white in a lot of icons, it would be confusing if the transparent pixels looked the same. Magenta is a pretty good choice to use, as it rarely conflicts with the rest of the icon.

I like these, but no idea if

I like these, but no idea if you can do them in the size and format required. Just a suggestion!

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.clker.com/cli...

This one would be great too (with the "green" color fixed):

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.locationnotes...

--
"Primum Non Nocere" 2595LMT Clear Channel and Navteq Traffic

text fill not fit

williston wrote:

...
This one would be great too (with the "green" color fixed):

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.locationnotes...

The size limit on Garmin icons is too much to allow for the "Photo Enforced" text of this image, it would only become a blur when the image is reduced, there just are not enough pixels to work with. While I could play some games, suck as keeping the light and putting a crude "PHOTO" vertically next to it, do you really need or want the "Photo Enforced" legend at all? After all, you likely don't have any icon for all of the non-photo red lights in the areas that you travel, so any red light icon should alert you to why this one gets extra attention.

Understood! Just thought it

Understood! Just thought it looked good and I have no understanding of the limitations placed on you when creating these. But you're right: at the size it would be on my screen the text would be too tiny to read. I currently have the tri-color speedometer for the speed-cams and one of the generic traffic lights for the red-light cams. I used the AT&T text-to-voice app to create really nice voice warnings for both.

--
"Primum Non Nocere" 2595LMT Clear Channel and Navteq Traffic

Sounds

Gary A wrote:
ianlin wrote:

I would like icons for red light cams, speed cams, and rest areas for Nuvi 3790T.

Red light camera icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6503

Speed camera icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/7908

Rest area icons arrow http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6643 (scroll down the page between the description & change history)

I see some sounds in some of these references. I wish the sounds were WAV files because the 3790 won't use MP3 files. I have a terrible time converting. Some will convert, others won't.

--
NUVI 660, Late 2012 iMac, Macbook 2.1 Fall 2008, iPhone6 , Nuvi 3790, iPad2

Conversion issues? Use audacity

geochapman wrote:

I see some sounds in some of these references. I wish the sounds were WAV files because the 3790 won't use MP3 files. I have a terrible time converting. Some will convert, others won't.

Try opening up the mp3 in Audacity and saving them as wav files. Sometimes you've just got to do the conversion yourself.

--
Kenwood DNX710EX (powered by Garmin) Garmin eTrex 20 Florida Trailheads POI File

Larger 48x48 would be nice

I would like them in 48x48 24bit for my Kenwood/Garmin Unit. The 7" screen kind of needs the larger icons for things like Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Chase bank, and others. You can always make them smaller. If they require transparent backgrounds then my Kenwood DNN needs that color to be 256 8 bit 255,0,255 Magenta.

More Generic Icons

I would like to see more generic icons, such as Hotels, Gas Stations, Grocery, etc.

Also, left, right and straight through arrows. When set a route in Trip Planner, I find that it doesn't always give the direction to the next waypoint, until you pass, the previous one.

--
DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

See here

GPSgeek wrote:

I would like to see more generic icons, such ... left, right and straight through arrows. When set a route in Trip Planner, I find that it doesn't always give the direction to the next waypoint, until you pass, the previous one.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/43680

John

Oops! Looked but missed it.

jgermann wrote:
GPSgeek wrote:

I would like to see more generic icons, such ... left, right and straight through arrows. When set a route in Trip Planner, I find that it doesn't always give the direction to the next waypoint, until you pass, the previous one.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/43680

John

Oops! Looked but missed it.

I reserve the right to claim a Senior's Moment.

Thanks John

--
DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)

Maybe not

GPSgeek wrote:
jgermann wrote:
GPSgeek wrote:

I would like to see more generic icons, such ... left, right and straight through arrows. When set a route in Trip Planner, I find that it doesn't always give the direction to the next waypoint, until you pass, the previous one.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/43680

John

Oops! Looked but missed it.

I reserve the right to claim a Senior's Moment.

Thanks John

It looks like jg just created the arrows at 11:11 AM today. Hmm, "your wish is his command." wink

Garmin 3597

MeanGene wrote:

I would like them in 48x48 24bit for my Kenwood/Garmin Unit. The 7" screen kind of needs the larger icons for things like Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Chase bank, and others. You can always make them smaller. If they require transparent backgrounds then my Kenwood DNN needs that color to be 256 8 bit 255,0,255 Magenta.

I used a 48 X 48 for my Bank of America POI in my 3597 and it works quite well. The 24 X 24 size was puny compared to the Garmin installed map icons.

--
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA

What works "best"

I have read several places, including Gary Hayman's Tips and Techniques that an Icon needs to be

Quote:

1.Must be of the Windows .bmp file type
2.Prefix of file name MUST match the .csv or .gpx file name
3.Size should be no bigger than 24 x 24 pixels
4.Best to use 256 RGB color palette with standard web safe colors
5.The color 'magenta' (RGB R:255, G:0, B: 255 [#ff00ff ] is treated as a transparent color)

Now we know that newer units seem to be able to use 48 x 48 pixel size icons, so that is a change from the old days.

Also, I understand that if the device will only deal with 24 x 24 that it truncates the Icon. BUT, I do not know exactly what it does. Does it take the 24 x 24 starting in the upper left, for example? Anyone have any experience?

Also, I know that 24 bit depth on color works because I have several Icons from poi-factory that have that property. For example, Arby's and Burger King are 24 bit, while McDonald's and Tim Horton's are 8 bit. Because they are all small, I can not see any difference. (24 bit allows millions of colors while 8 bit allows 256)

I have a program that will do batch resize and color depth changes - but would like to understand what is best before going hog wild. Since I have a 765 and a 2595, I want my Icons to work on both.

Who has done some experimenting and can give more information?

Bringing this Post Back to life!

There is another post talking about new Icons and I am going to be asking for requests for new Icons for your Enjoyment.. See Next Post for this information!

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Ask for your Icons Now!

I am willing to create newer Icons (48x48 BMP) to start with for the newer GPS system out there!

I am requesting here for anyone that wants any new ones, Leave a message here and I will start working on them.

Remember, we can only use photos that are in the public Domain (most stores and such are in that category)

Also Email me if you have a photo that you want to be made into a Icon! The

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Like it

Great idea especially for older peeps who don't have that 20/20 anymore (like me). Here's the thing. Some are marked as 48x48 which is good but others are not marked in the POI Icon Library as like Best Buy 48 BMP Icon. Camera 2 BMP Icon has a 48x48 but you can't see that unless you you go into the page. idea

--
2 DriveSmart 65's - We do not live in Igloo's and do not all ride to work on snow mobiles.

Icons marked first page

Speed2 wrote:

Great idea especially for older peeps who don't have that 20/20 anymore (like me). Here's the thing. Some are marked as 48x48 which is good but others are not marked in the POI Icon Library as like Best Buy 48 BMP Icon. Camera 2 BMP Icon has a 48x48 but you can't see that unless you you go into the page. idea

That would be a good idea to eliminate the extra clicks and have all information up front to view.. Angela or Jon would have to take care of that.Maybe they will see the thread and comment.Needs to show like this http://pages.citebite.com/c5u0o8q1f7kec

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

contact

bobkz wrote:

I am willing to create newer Icons (48x48 BMP) to start with for the newer GPS system out there!

I am requesting here for anyone that wants any new ones, Leave a message here and I will start working on them.

Remember, we can only use photos that are in the public Domain (most stores and such are in that category)

Also Email me if you have a photo that you want to be made into a Icon! The

bobkz. Can you drop me a email from my contact tab. You have yours in the off mode so no one can contact you.

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

Shouldnt be...

charlesd45 wrote:
bobkz wrote:

I am willing to create newer Icons (48x48 BMP) to start with for the newer GPS system out there!

I am requesting here for anyone that wants any new ones, Leave a message here and I will start working on them.

Remember, we can only use photos that are in the public Domain (most stores and such are in that category)

Also Email me if you have a photo that you want to be made into a Icon! The

bobkz. Can you drop me a email from my contact tab. You have yours in the off mode so no one can contact you.

Let me look at that .. thanks for the info.. will make sure anyone can use it.

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

similar images

charlesd45 wrote:
Speed2 wrote:

Great idea especially for older peeps who don't have that 20/20 anymore (like me). Here's the thing. Some are marked as 48x48 which is good but others are not marked in the POI Icon Library as like Best Buy 48 BMP Icon. Camera 2 BMP Icon has a 48x48 but you can't see that unless you you go into the page. idea

That would be a good idea to eliminate the extra clicks and have all information up front to view.. Angela or Jon would have to take care of that.Maybe they will see the thread and comment.Needs to show like this http://pages.citebite.com/c5u0o8q1f7kec

I spoke with Jonathan and we think it's best to keep similar images together. If the image different from any we already have we can create new content for it.

~Angela

Hmm

GlobeTurtle wrote:

I spoke with Jonathan and we think it's best to keep similar images together. If the image different from any we already have we can create new content for it.

~Angela

Ok so we go into the POI Icon Library. I see a Camera 1 bmp icon and Camera 2 bmp icon. So how many bmp icons are there? you would think just 2, but there are 3. There's a 48x48 in there also. I don't know where those larger Icons are unless i go through every post that charlesd45 posted or every icon. Seems like a lot of work. These Bmp's might all be similar but not every one can use them or i should say they won't work for every one. I think for now we might want to keep them all separate. Could create a directory called 48x48 icons in the Icon Library. Just an Idea idea

--
2 DriveSmart 65's - We do not live in Igloo's and do not all ride to work on snow mobiles.