Garmin info versus custom poi's

 

Just downloaded the Dunkin Donut custom POI file. But why? I just have to ask it to "find place" and then Dunkin Donut. I see direct advantages to red light alerts, but not much so in the DD poi. What am I missing?

Welcome

Welcome to the site.

We usually recommend the following.

There is a "Learn" button in the upper right of this page next to "red light cameras" that takes you to a Getting Started page. It is worthwhile visiting this page.

To make navigation easy, most browsers provide the following option. When you want to follow a link - but still keep your current page open - you can hold down the "Ctrl" key as you left-click on a link. That action will open a new "Tab" in your browser up on the "Tab" bar. When you then left-click on that new "Tab", you will follow the link - leaving the "Tab" you are now reading open and available to click on and return here.

So, using the "Learn" link, you might try the "Ctrl" - left-click sequence and then return here. You can return by either "X-ing" out of the "Getting Started" page (using the "X" on the "Tab" itself) or just left-clicking on the "Tab" for the page you are on right now.

Note that the Learn Button will give you access to two valuable reference pages -
the "Index" to all of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and the Glossary of Terms and Links.

Since you are new here, I encourage you to go through a couple of the Tutorials.

The first link makes sure the settings on your computer are such that you can do more advanced POI loading.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30393

The next link helps you make a backup of your GPS by attaching it to your computer. (NEVER do anything to your GPS until you have a backup). It also assures that you put your (newer) unit into a state where you can see all of the folders there.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30394

I'll indicate why I download POIs. It is because of my first experience with a POI. In my own hometown, I looked to see how easy it would be for me to find the Subaru dealership; and my local dealer was not there. As I was about to head for Canada to visit friends, that did not give me great confidence that I would be able to find the nearest dealership if I were to have a car problem while on the road.

So, the Subaru file was the first I downloaded.

We have never determined exactly what criteria Garmin uses to include establishments in their POI file of many million places. But, we do know that most of the factory's POI files are updated regularly.

In my case, I have asked Google to notify me of news articles involving those files that I maintain. True, most of the articles are not about new stores or closures of existing stores, but it is worthwhile to me to be notified whenever there are changes,

Dunkin Donuts.

As an example, my local Dunkin Donuts (Marion IA) is not included in the Garmin built-in POI's, but it is in the POI Factory file maintained by member Mahoney.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Frequent & Accurate Updates

Even if you download the latest Garmin map update, which most of us don't, our esteemed member Mahoney updates the DD Poi file more accurately and often more frequently than Garmin.

Garmin Info Versus Custom Poi's

Yes, it makes for common sense. To illustrate I recently went to the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility in Florida. McKechnie Field which recently changed names to LECOM Park were both unknowns to Garmin - very frustrating. My wife easily found it on Google maps. Maybe someone should create an MLB Spring Training Facilities POI?