Rest Areas Combined-USA Discussion

Sounds interesting. I'll give it a try and report back.

made the change yet to the file on poifactory. Later today.

Thank you for all your hard work.
As I get older, I find I look for the rest areas more and more.
(I guess that is one of the things I have to look forward to)

...you da' man! Bill, you are amazing. This is a big undertaking and from checking the newest download, you are making great progress in making this file better than it was. Great ideas in making this file better and with the help of the factory folk, this will be more helpful than it was. Again, great job!
Harold

This completes the update of the file. I would like to think that this is the final, but I know that I will be receiving inputs from members to make this file even better.
It also includes the column C modification that I mentioned earlier in this thread.

Your work is appreciated!

Had a chance to work with the revised file and I find that the changes you effected are useful and more efficient.

I do sort the csv file to easily find "strategic" rest areas when planning trips and the consistency of the data simplifies the task. Cleaning up column D is also appreciated.

Thanks! ...Good Work!

Thanks Harold. I really appreciate that.

Thanks, I was hoping that the new listing would be of help to the users of the file. Kind of makes the work worthwhile.

Rest Areas Issue (SC & GA)

I made the following comment on the SC & GA thread.

Clarification On Column D
Specifically regarding Restrooms. I will be using the following:

RR Self explanatory
RR(PP) Porta Potties
RR(VT) Vault Toilets (My definition of this is a
permanent PP only larger)

For those members that like to see numbers:

My latest listing of locations for cars, which I have not uploaded yet, has a total of 2651 line items. Of this 2651,
RR 2158
RR(PP) 10
RR(VT) 33

The listing for Trucks has 75 locations, of which 23 have Restrooms listed. For REAL emergencies, members may wish that ??????????????.

I am not quite ready to upload this latest file. Kind of want to see what kind of response I get from the above.

I find that it is extremely difficult to verify these facilities line by line. I welcome the inputs from member/users of this file in order to ensure the correctness of this information. I request that, if possible, when you use one of the rest areas, verify this information and post them on this thread or send them to me.

Thanks

MikeG1, the file must be a GPX file for POI Loader to correctly handle the "proximity" in "Express" mode.

EPE always wants to save any file as a .gpx. Indeed, If you wish to save a file you have been working on in anything other than .gpx, you must use the drop down box to pick the format.

Would these help any?

http://restareas.appspot.com/

http://www.interstaterestareas.com/

http://www.interstaterestareas.com/family-restrooms/ (Only w/ family restrooms)

http://roadnow.com/interstate-highway-restareas

http://www.allstays.com/Special/rest-areas-map.htm (Click on N bound, S bound, etc.)

http://www.allstays.com/Special/rest-areas-amnofac.htm (With NO Facilities)

I have used these for the information, but they do not always agree with each other. I figured the best way is to get inputs directly from members/users.

I have just added a paragraph (2nd paragraph on the file download page) stating what the next revision will allow members/users to perform prior to loading the file onto their gps. I believe this covers most sorting options.

Reference:
The data in Column C and in Column D, is being configured in a manner that allows sorting on the following:
Column C can be easily sorted by State, Highway and Direction of travel.
Column D can be easily sorted by which facility is wanted. RR, PT, VM, Pets, HF, RV Dump, etc. I believe most users would sort on RR. In this column, you can also sort on those locations that are for TRUCKS. You can use this option to delete these TRUCK locations from your own personal file and subsequent loading onto your gps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question:
Are you saying that every time the Rest Areas POI is updated/changed/corrected that the file will be the fully loaded version, and if we do not want [for example] trucks only, non-RR, no service, etc. that we should go through the entire file and delete (sort) what we don't want in the POI file before installing it to our GPS?

Maybe I don't understand. Can you confirm/explain in a post here if you really expect that we are to 'sort' the POI file before installing it to our GPS? If this is true, that's a first! And if so, it is my opinion that this file has become too unnecessarily convoluted in order to please literally everyone (even commercial truckers) at the expense of the 98% of us that are looking for primarily one thing in a Rest Area - rest rooms...

I believe that it will be necessary to sort and delete.

Mahoney is doing a pile of "volunteer" work to maintain this very large file. To do it any other way, would require that he separates the files and add to his workload.

When I load the Rest Areas combined, I just load the whole file, and don't bother sorting. I occasionally get an alert for the Rest Areas on the other side of the road, but it's a very minor annoyance.

If I get the GPS telling me "Rest Area Ahead" and it turns out to be a truck only stop, I'll either see the signage or pull in and realize my mistake. Same for porta-potties. At that point I drive right through and continue to the next full Rest Area, or stop to stretch my legs. The whole procedure has cost me 1 or 2 minutes on an 8 hour drive.

Thanks Mahoney for all your effort.

I also load the entire file.

I have been using this file since 2008 and never had a problem with the way it was setup. Could some one explain why we are having so much discussion about this POI file now. We never had this when MrKen was keeping the file. I think it should be as simple as possible and just thank Mahoney for even taking on the work.

I waited until after I went to Church this morning hoping for Divine intervention, but it didn't work.

My response is:

SHAME ON ME. SHAME ON ME, for providing a product that members can use to configure to his or her own preferences. I apparently should know better. According to you, NO other members have adapted a file for their own personal configuration. I should not have spent TNTC hours bringing the old file up to date. This by the way was quite a task, since it only had coordinates and highways to work with. Hours with maps and google earth were necessary.

Here are some facts;

The old file that I updated consisted of the following:
Total locations: 2283
Locations with RR: 1886

Note: This file also included a few TRUCK ONLY locations

The new file which I have not uploaded at this time:
Total locations: 2731
Locations with RR 2212

and increase of 326 locations with RR (I did the math, so that you didn't have to).

Note: This new file has approx 80 TRUCK ONLY locations.

Since all I did was to update the old file and provide an easier way to adapt the file for individual preferences, I am not sure why I am receiving the negative responses.

This new configuration also allows me to be able to update the file easier, but you probably didn't consider that, since I noticed that you personally don't maintain any files.

If by now it sounds like I am upset, I just keep telling myself, SHAME ON ME for taking this on. I am real close to giving it to someone else and telling those members to &&&&&^^^^^%%%%%%%, but again SHAME ON ME.

By the way, I have kept a copy of the old file , but in case you or others have forgotten, it has 326 less locations with RR's.

I think you will find that most members at the Factory are thankful and appreciative that you were willing to take on this job, so don't let a few complaints get you down. You know the old saying ..."you can try to please most of the people most of the time, but you can't please everyone all of the time." And lets not forget the complaints that happened when the services column was eliminated. You have done us a great service in bringing that back.

The Rest Areas file is arguably the most important resource at POI Factory next to the camera files. You have done and are doing an excellent job with it. Thank you and please ... keep up the good work.

for the kind words.
I guess that the words "Can you confirm/explain in a post here if you really expect that we are to 'sort' the POI file before installing it to our GPS? If this is true, that's a first! And if so, it is my opinion that this file has become too unnecessarily convoluted in order to please literally everyone."
really got to me.

I fully agree with alandb, if people don't like what your doing let them do it and see if they can do better. I have been around you and worked on a few POI's with you over the years and know the kind of work and thought you put into each one that you maintain. Think of the ones of us that really do like and use the file. Good Job and keep up the good work.

I totally agree with you that Mahoney is doing an OUTSTANDING job !

Your dedication, time & work on this file along with all the others you maintain is sincerely appreciated by the vast majority of us

He stepped up to run with this and I'll add my appreciation for him doing so along with the other excellent files he maintains. I'll continue to help him by sending him new ones I spot in my travels as well as updates on those that some counties and states have deemed fit to close or reduce services in.

Mahoney.Thank you for the time and effort you are putting into this file. It has got to be one of the biggest projects here to do. A lot to take on for sure. Didn't see any volunteers jumping up and down and saying pick me.It is your file and how you handle it is your business. Based on the quality of your other files I will be more then happy to accept the end product you select. Like you said make it easy on yourself.

Thanks for the support. I really appreciate it.

As if you didn't need it, here is another item to consider:
The following Rest Area on I-270, on the MO/IL border, has limited hours. 8 am to 5 pm, then it is closed. It is off the Hwy., and services both Eastbound and Westbound traffic. There is a sign indicating hours, if someone happens to see it.

-90.185304,38.768724,"MO,ADDRESS,,CHAIN OF ROCKS WELCOME CENTER","[RR, VM, PT, Pets, HF] |DUNN RD & RIVERVIEW DR, ST LOUIS,MO 63138"

We have this COW and COY awards. If we could have a present day CHOF (Contributor Hall of Fame) award, that belongs to Mahoney!

The rest areas POI file is very important to me and I really appreciate your effort in maintaining it. I can't believe the nit-picking complaints from some. Keep up the good work, its appreciated.

for the input. I just made the change to the file. I will upload the revised file when and if I calm down.
Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

I just don't know where you find all the time to maintain the number of files you do. My hat's off to you.

As to the complaint about "You expect me to do what???" I would mark it down to someone who expects everything to be handed to them on THEIR silver platter and couldn't be bothered with the concept of being thankful they have a list to complain about.

I'd like to add this thought. I am a commercial driver. First trucks and now a tour bus. The Rest Area file is invaluable to me, whether I'm driving professionally or private. There is one thing to note about the Trucks Only Rest Areas. When the first blue sign shows on the highway, it will tell you that it is a Trucks Only area and if there are no facilities or not.

It's there. It's not going anywhere. And if you haven't planned your route well enough that an unusable Rest Area throws your whole trip off, then I'm sorry. There are still a myriad of exits off the Interstates, and 90% have devices of some kind. Bathrooms included.

Mahoney, (BTW, how is she?), you are doing fine job with the Rest Areas, Please don't change it just to suit a very, very small, bit of the users.

Your efforts were much appreciated.

Mahoney, I agree with all the others of how well you work with this file. I don't drive across country often, but I use this file quite often to decide if a "potty" break is due within the time frame of the next rest area or not when I do. I like to add in interim stops at times and this helps me greatly in deciding on my stops.

I also do not change the files to my customized thinking of how things should be, since I am not the one maintaining it, but appreciate the fact that when a new one comes out, I just upload it to my GPS and go happily on my way. As someone who maintains a few small ones, I know how hard it is, especially with the constant changes to the data. I also believe, more is better, especially when it comes to the data that is there. You can either take it as it is, or take it over and run with it.

This is an all volunteer group, and we all do what we do because of the passion we have for traveling and for ensuring the accuracy of the data we provide. If the data is wrong, then everyone is lost (yes, some pun intended). If the data is correct, and we are not able to decide for ourselves the correct course to take with that data, then that is our problem, not the person who didn't read it correctly.

In our current state of politics, it is easier to blame everyone else for your mistakes instead of accepting blame, or inconvenience, of the decisions we make. I didn't want to turn this thing political, but I just get tired of everyone blaming everyone else for their own poor decisions.

Again, thanks Mahoney for all you do and keep up the good work. There is a reason why you have won 2 annual awards from this site, and it isn't from giving up or bowing down to every single customized request, but from providing excellent "data" and useful content to all.

Alan

I often use the file as is..... It works for me. Your efforts to provide a flexible data format are greatly appreciated.

I feel the "silly" requests result from those who do not know what sorting means or even why it is useful and are afraid of any/all changes.

At this site, thankfully, I feel they are a minority.

Thanks again!

This is one of the most useful POI files on here. Many thanks to everybody involved.

Mahoney, don't pull your hair out yet. I think the few complainers may be the less experienced GPS folks here and they're over-thinking this whole thing.
Just download Mahoney's Rest Area POI, use EPE to set the proximity to two or three miles (10560 ft. or 15840 ft.), use the express mode of the POILoader to put it in your GPS, say thank you, and be on your way.

Phil

you haven't seen my head. I really don't have much to pull out, even though I felt that way the last couple of days. I really appreciate all of the responses that have been listed on this thread. Well,maybe not all.

READY TO BE UPLOADED. THIS IS THE COMPLETE LISTING INCLUDING 88 TRUCK LOCATIONS, REST AREAS (WITH AND WITHOUT RESTROOMS), SCENIC VIEWING AREAS AND PROBABLY SOME NOT SO SCENIC VIEWING AREAS, VISITOR CENTERS, ETC.

FOR THOSE MEMBERS THAT MAY ONLY WANT THE REST AREAS THAT HAVE
RESTROOMS, FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING STEPS.

1. DOWNLOAD THE LATEST FILE.
OF COURSE, WAIT UNTIL I UPLOAD IT.
2. OPEN THE FILE USING A SPREAD SHEET
I USE EXCEL
3. YOU SHOULD HAVE A LISTING OF 2735 LINE ITEMS

4. HIGHLIGHT THE ENTIRE FILE.

5. SORT ON COLUMN D.

6. AFTER SORTING, DELETE THE LINES 1 THRU 496.

7. MOVE DOWN THE FILE TO LINE 2198 AND DELETE LINES 2198 THRU LINE 2214.
8. CLICK SAVE AND VIOLA, YOU NOW HAVE A LISTING OF 2222 LOCATIONS ALL OF WHICH HAVE RESTROOMS.
9. FILE IS READY TO BE LOADED ONTO YOUR GPS.

IF ANYONE HAS A PROBLEM WITH BEING ABLE TO PERFORM THE ABOVE, CONTACT ME EITHER BY THIS THREAD OR BY MY CONTACT TAB ON THE FILE DOWNLOAD PAGE. I HOPE THIS HELPS.

Don't listen to the "Boo Birds" up in the cheap seats. I have been using the file for almost seven years and when I hear the voice telling me "Rest Area Ahead" it's a treat. Seeing that it might actually be on the other side of the interstate hasn't brought on heart failure yet!

THANK YOU!

I have been using Mahoney's files for the last 6 years and, not to make anyone else who maintains files angry, but I have found his files to be some of the best on the Factory. He is almost always quicker to do updates than some of the other maintainers, myself included, even though I only do one file. I have sent updates to a file to him and some of those have been posted a few hours later. At the most, it usually takes him 24 hours to get them posted. Bill, keep it up. You are doing a great job! Forget about the naysayers and keep on doing what you have been doing. I am one of the many who support what you are doing.

I have nothing but praise for Mahoney's Rest Area files. I don't use everything in his files (my TomTom GPS is not able to do so) but I do appreciate ALL of the work he does. His "extra mile" approach is definitely appreciated.

I really do not understand an attitude that says the world should revolve around "me".

As others have said, the "Rest Areas" file was the first one I downloaded, and is the one I am most religious about keeping up to date. THANK YOU Mahoney - a thousand times THANK YOU !!

And lest it seem that I have forgotten, my Thanks also to MrKenFL for his many years of maintaining this file in the past.

- Tom -

I do believe some of this is from my post... Hey, I'm just the postman...

We, too have been using this POI for years and years, and it has been a great asset.

Wife knows how to search POI's and this all came about from a potty break that was needed, found, and when we got there, the potty stop wasn't available to us...
When I posted, if you check it out, you'll find I'm asking why as well as how to fix it... Because we had never encountered a rest area that was not available to us before. It seemed at the time as a superfluous entry, until we found a 2nd and 3rd.

My post had no malice... Nothing more than that... I'm not good with excel but am trying to create a macro to automatically search our an remove the rest areas that are not needed.

JanJ, let's say that you want to reduce the Rest Area file to only those locations that have Rest Rooms. Note that the presence of rest rooms is indicated by "RR" in Column D of the file. For example,
"[RR, PT, VM, Pets, HF]"

Here are steps to accomplish this
01. Open the Rest Area file in Excel
02. In E1, type the following character string:
=ISNUMBER(SEARCH("RR",D1))
03. Note that E1 will contain "TRUE" if the characters RR are somewhere in D1, and "FALSE" if not, because if the "SEARCH" finds the characters RR, it will return the "starting location" of the string and then the ISNUMBER function finds a number and sets the condition to "TRUE".
04. Copy E1 to E2 thru Exxxx, where xxxx is the last line of the file.
05. Highlight A1 thru Exxxx.
06. Click on Data in the Menu, then click on Sort.
07. In the "Sort" dialog that appears, change "Sort By" to Column E, then click on "Descending" to the right of "Sort By" in the dialog.
08. Click "OK" at the bottom of the "Sort" dialog
09. Note that the file is now sorted such that all of the rows that have TRUE in Col E are sorted ahead of those that contain FALSE
10. Scroll down to the first row that contains FALSE in Col E.
11. Delete this row and all those below it.
12. Delete Col E (by right clicking on the "E" in the headings and select Delete).
13. Save the file with a name of your choice.

NOTE: since RR currently appears first in Col D if it is present, sorting on Col D directly will accomplish the same thing. However, I offer this set of instructions in case someone would want to include only those with PT (picnic tables) or Pets. In such a case, one would replace RR with PT or Pets in step 2 above.

Mahoney (and some others) - JanJ's needed help to modify (Sort and Delete) this Rest Areas POI file is an example (one of many I presume) of what I meant in my recent post when I raised the question (see below) that got some people all-bent-out-of-shape over.

All I am saying is that not everyone that uses these POI files feel comfortable modifying the contents of the files. In fact, very few GPS device owners (including some members here) even feel comfortable loading (installing) any POIs to their GPS. It is a very unique person that owns a GPS device that would be interested in doing what 'we' do. Probably only 1 in a 1000 GPS owners would even dare consider trying to learn and understand what needs to be done to use any of these POIs on their GPS devices. Yet, here we have a very useful POI that most users (I'd guess 98%) would much prefer to not have the 'No Rest Rooms' and 'Truck Only' locations in the file...and to modify this file they must Sort and Delete what they don't want using Excel. I use Excel often so modifying (sorting/deleting) the file to eliminate what POIs I don't want was a non-issue for me, but for people that are not familiar with Excel I believe it is too much when 98% of us are looking for primarily one thing in a Rest Area - rest rooms.

To Mahoney - I apologize if my question (below) was worded in such a way that offended you. It was not meant to make you angry. It was meant to offer an opinion that might give you one person's insight, which might make the POI better. You did say; "I am not quite ready to upload this latest file. Kind of want to see what kind of response I get from the above." didn't you? I took your statement as being genuine...therefore you might want to re-read my response below with an appreciably different perspective in mind. By the way, thank you Mahoney!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Question:
Are you saying that every time the Rest Areas POI is updated/changed/corrected that the file will be the fully loaded version, and if we do not want [for example] trucks only, non-RR, no service, etc. that we should go through the entire file and delete (sort) what we don't want in the POI file before installing it to our GPS?

Maybe I don't understand. Can you confirm/explain in a post here if you really expect that we are to 'sort' the POI file before installing it to our GPS? If this is true, that's a first! And if so, it is my opinion that this file has become too unnecessarily convoluted in order to please literally everyone (even commercial truckers) at the expense of the 98% of us that are looking for primarily one thing in a Rest Area - rest rooms..."