What is easiest way to convert address into Lat/Long for a POI

Try this: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/

I just found it. I never used it. I'm interested in creating my POIs as well but don't want to manually convert every address. Let us know if this works for you!

You might want to try this batch converter.

http://www.batchgeocode.com/

I just started with this GPS stuff (new Garmin for Xmas) so I am still learning. But I have been using this service...

http://www.takitwithme.com/

which is free and works by converting Google maps. As you may already know, you can create custom maps in maps.google.com and place your own points of interest. Maps can be saved and updated as you wish over time (so of course you need to register a free account with them).

Next, you take the google map you created and input the URL to the TakItWithMe page and you can either download it directly into a Garmin device hooked up to the computer or you can have it generate a GPX file.

When you download directly, the points on the map go into a Garmin as Favorites. If you instead generate GPX files you can load them as Custom POIs.

In either case, this allows you to find locations on a map and get them into your GPS withOUT having to figure out the long/lat coordinates and also allows you to more precisely locate your points on the map (turn on satellite view to place your marker right on a driveway, building, etc.).

All of the above is free, so big bonus!

PT

take a look at GPX Editor. Great shareware product that has some good new enhancements to accomplish what you are trying to do.

I tried it and managed to get it to do the first step, which appears to be to convert addresses to a file that show on a map like Google Earth. What is the next step? I assume I need to then convert from a file format that supports Google Earth to a format supported by my Garmin Nuvi 200 ?

See http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6664 on the faqs.

http://www.contacts2garmin.com

I have seen way too many errors in POI files created by GPS-Equalizer and other online batabases.

I am currently updating the Bank of America POI file. Here's an example that took me over 1/2 hour to figure out last night:

BofA lists:

CVS Pharmacy 5688
1099 W Army Trail Rd
Bartlett IL 60103

BofA site, CVS site, Google Maps and Google Earth all show the location to be at -88.14610, 41.94038 or very close to it.

Couldn't find it using Google Maps "Steeet View" or using Bing's "Bird's Eye". To compound the problem, a lot of the icons on the maps were in the incorrect location as well as the addresses being wacky: even numbers were on both sides of the street.

Finally checked what L/L was in the current POI file. Low and behold, the L/L in the POI file was 3.2 miles away and was correct. Someone made a correction in the past to -88.20756, 41.94601.

Now, this was not the norm (but not that unusual either). Had I just entered the L/L that I "thought" it might be, then someone someday would be very frustrated and/or angry.

So, use those programs if you want, BUT:
"Trust, but verify".

On the rare occasion where I have had this problem with a retail location, I have called them on the phone, played dumb, told them I was trying to get to their "store" and asked for detailed directions... all the while following what they are telling me on Google Earth so I can pinpoint the coordinates.

I enter the address and verify it is correct on the maps, and the right-click the location and select "What's here?". That puts the lat/long in the search box.

I usually use GOOGLE EARTH. Often the addresses will get you close enough to see the destination, but especially in city situations, the parking area may be in a different place... also one way streets may complicate your navigation... all fixed by using GOOGLE EARTH to plot the point.

...also...

If you save your point as a .KML file, then add it you your POI file with POI EDIT (http://www.poiedit.com/downloads.htm).

POI MANAGER is not the same thing... that program sucks, use POI EDITOR.

Check out the restaurant we had the pleasure to visit last Sunday, LAT/LONG included for new customers.

With so many people using GPS navigation it makes good business practice to include the coordinates in the advertising.

http://www.alamosteakhouse.com/

It is great when they do that. I suspect that the smaller and individual locations will get the coordinates very close if not right on. The chain stores are mass geocoded and are usually way off.

Yes, this is the problem - mass geocoding. The larger the list, the less likely it's been checked by anybody at corporate.

Search for Extra POI Editor on this site. What a wonderful piece of software!