iGO Poi DB format used by Mio C310x

Wow, think I just solved my dilemma. I've been looking for a good unit that still was transportable between boat and car and allowed for a track-back function (this unit has a track log allowing you to export tracks, most don't do that nowadays). May give this unit some serious consideration.

By the way the Mio C310x is selling at Staples right now for $199 until the 24th, and it looks to be very compatible with many of the higher priced units.

Hey Gary, did you get a Mio? See my posting at http://www.poi-factory.com/node/483#comment-1252

I'm working on converting POI's for it now, so far that is the biggest negative about this unit is it's difficult to grasp loading custom POI's for it.

If you've got it knocked, let me know what you did!

Does MIO include software like POI loader? How does the process work?

JM

No they don't and I'm not sure the C310x is intended to allow for remote entry of POI's. Meaning I can tap the screen and tap "Add POI". Then I can pull down the file that it writes to and modify it. All that takes extra work.

Basically the biggest flaw in this unit is related to it's biggest salvation, that is it's encased in the WindowsCE environment. The flaw that limits adding cams and POIs via SD card or PC gives you the flexibility to connect to the unit via Microsoft ActiveSync at an operating system level. It looks and feels like regular Windows, and you have access to all the files available. The biggest, baddest part of this little baby is that with it being encased in CE, you can add functionality that the manufacturer didn't sell. I'm watching videos on mine now!

However, if you're just wanting to add cams and POI's and not delve into the inner workings, it's a very good basic unit. I use my existing POI files in csv format here, convert them to GPX, then I have a program to convert them to the file format used in the Mio. Actually, all the software I'm using for that is for the iGo. That's what the db is built on to begin with, so modifying it just takes going and downloading the iGo software and using it.

Anyway, will continue playing with it, am trying to create a more user-friendly user's manual just for adding cams and POIs. When I'm done I'll make it available for any who would like a copy.

Oh my, that was much easier than expected. I already have all my POI's either in csv format or kml/kmz from Google Earth. Using Microsoft's ActiveSync, you pull the POI database from the Mio to your PC, then open iGo's POI loader and import the POI database into it. Not sure how many different categories I can have but I have multiple right now.

Then you import your POI file into the iGo software, then simply drag and drop the POI's into the DB. Then you export the DB back to your PC, then over-write the db in the Mio. Took less than 5 minutes to add 114 POI's. The only thing I didn't see in that was how to change the Icon's outside of the unit, meaning once the POI's are loaded they all have the same icon. I'm sure I just haven't dug into it far enough.

One thing I noticed is that the Garmin format for POIs in a csv file don't work with the Mio. I didn't spend much time looking to reformatting as I'd have to pull a "concatenate" formula to put the cells together for the Mio, so instead went with my GPX files since all my POIs are in both CSV and GPX. That imported with no issues at all! I'm psyched!!!!

If you've got a Mio, and want some short cuts, don't spend the hours I've spent surfing for the data. I am putting together a simple guide that will include where to go to download the software needed, and the steps associated.

This is both for redlight cams/speed cams and the POIs.

Hi, sounds really cool. Do you have the steps to do that. entering them manually really sucks...
I don't even know how to get poi's google earth stuff????
Thanks for any assistance......
Rich

I'm working on a small "guide" just for use with the Mio C310x and will publish it as soon as I'm done.

In the meantime, I just tested this unit by uploading a ton of POI's into it, and am going out on the boat tomorrow to test their accuracy. I was loading POI's that I developed for channel markers and marinas and such on the lake that I live on. Now that I've figured out the unit I simply love it!

Give me just a bit and I'll drop a line here with a link to the docs. If you can, pop me an email and I can get you to them directly. I'm still playing with the files and hopefully will have them done tonight. Just wanted to test all my theories first.

Robin,

I await your guide eagerly. Interested to hear how the marine environment test went too. I had never even considered the Mio for that purpose!

Matt

Have you made an easy guide to explain how to install a list of persoanl created POI's that are in CSV format. If so please could I get a copy.

I have a Pioneer AVIC-S2 which shares the same platform as a Mio C310X with the iGO MY WAY navigation software. The AVIC-S2 also has a iGO.db file as the POI database which is the same file format as the Mio.

I simply use the software iGO POI EXPLORER to interchange the *.db format with other format such as *.csv files. To do so, first backup the My POI data onto the SD Card and copy the iGO-backup.db files to the harddrive. Open the *.db file with iGO POI EXPLORER and you can see the details of your self-created list of POI's.

You can add (or import) other POI files such as those listed in this website into the IGP POI EXPLORER and save it as kml file. You can also edit your files on your computer. When you finish, you can export the data as a iGO_backup.db onto your harddrive with the explorer. Caution: if you do not want to overwrite the old .db file, rename it to something else.

Next, copy the new igo-backup.db file onto the base directory of the SD card and restore it into your GPS device with the "User Data Management Menu".

Have fun.