Working with Google Earth and establishing formats

 

hi al,

I'm kind of new to all of this so I apologise if this comes across as "simple".

Firstly I want to work with Google Earth to create POI files but I've run into some difficulty. I followed along with the instructions found here:http://www.poi-factory.com/node/343

but I'm guessing it's not up to date with the latest Google Earth release. I say this because there is no, "my favorites" folder but rather a Save to My Places options. Is this the same and if so where is this being held so that I can access it later?

Also, the tutorial says to change the preferences so that GE uses decimlas for the lat/long bu doing this: Tools > Options > View (tab) > Lat/Lon > Decimal Degrees > OK

however these are no longer the options given and I can't find any option for only Decimal Degrees.

So those are my Google Earth questions. Now in terms of saving all of this as a .csv file in Excel, would I be correct to assume that if I want to have a bitmap image associated with a csv I simply give the image the same name as the file?

Lastly, I know this process will work for many models of Garmin but will it also work for TomToms?

Thanks very much for any input you can offer.

biggestapple wrote: ... I

biggestapple wrote:

... I say this because there is no, "my favorites" folder but rather a Save to My Places options. Is this the same and if so where is this being held so that I can access it later?

Also, the tutorial says to change the preferences so that GE uses decimlas for the lat/long bu doing this: Tools > Options > View (tab) > Lat/Lon > Decimal Degrees > OK

however these are no longer the options given and I can't find any option for only Decimal Degrees.

Not an answer to all your questions, but...

Recomend you create a sub-folder under the "My places" and use that to export the the .kml file. That way you have control of the locations exported.

My GE does not say Decimal Degrees but rather Degrees and that give decimal degrees.

You could alway upgrade to the latest GE but it seem to have a reduced resolution.

Hope this helps. I have a Garmin so I can't answer your questions about the TomTom.

Bob W

--
Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. - Pablo Picasso (Bob - Garmin c530, eTrex Vista HCx)

.

biggestapple wrote:

Now in terms of saving all of this as a .csv file in Excel, would I be correct to assume that if I want to have a bitmap image associated with a csv I simply give the image the same name as the file?

"Associated" in what way? If you want the image to be the custom icon on your screen, you would name it the same as the POI file. Be sure that the image is 24x24 or smaller in size. Put the bmp in the same folder as the POI file and it will load as a custom icon when you run POI Loader.

But if you want it associated as in the full size image will pop up when you select the POI, you would need to do this with MapSource and attach it to the POI location. I'm not sure, but I think this may only work with units that are compatible with TourGuides files.

Quote:

Lastly, I know this process will work for many models of Garmin but will it also work for TomToms?

Unfortunately, I have no idea about the TomToms.

Re: TomTom

Hi and welcome aboard! smile

In answer to your last question, csv's will not work on the TomTom - you must convert them to ov2 format.

If you download POIEdit you will be able to convert from csv to ov2 and vice versa. Use the BATCH CONVERT feature listed in the TOOLS menu of the program. Also, you can create POI's of your own and save them in a variety of formats as well using the program. Just concern yourself with the ov2 format (TomTom) and csv format (Garmin, etc.) and you should be OK.

Regarding icon's/bmp's: as long as the icon is named the same as the csv file, or in your case the ov2 file, it will work.

Hope this helped!

ML

--
Freedom isn't free...thank you veterans! Heard about the tests to detect PANCREATIC CANCER? There aren't any! In Memoriam: #77 NYPD-SCA/Seattle Mike/Joe S./Vinny D./RTC!

Thanks to all for your

Thanks to all for your responses. I think that's got me sorted.

now to find how I set the forum preferences so that I get an email to post responses wink