Creating POI files

For those of you who are using the POI Database tool, you'll notice a few changes. I just installed an updated version with these new features:

- Downloaded POI files will show a POI ID# if a name is not entered for a POI

- The fourth column (description) field for downloaded POI files now includes information from the notes field (along with the address and phone number)

- Added a download counter (visible to authorized maintainers on the POI Type Locations screen)

On my last creation "Community Colleges", I am missing about 7 places that don't show up in the Nuvi660 and I can't figure it out.. Would appreciate some help again in creating .csv files using Excel or notepad.. I just can't seem to put my finger on it.

Hi! I have a Nuvi 360. I downloaded the POI Loader software from Garmin, went to your website, joined, and attempted to download. I read your garmin poi loader instructions (very well written, thanks!!!!) but contrary to what the instructions say, whether i right or left click on the file, save target...save as...my computer automatically catalogs it as an excel file. Is that ok? will the nuvi recognize it? I thought it HAD to be in csv format?

Do you need to buy Google Earth Plus in order to get the coordinates??? I am having trouble using Google Earth, can anyone help??? I have your directions but I dont get it!!!

Any help would be great!!!

Mark

Does anyone know of any programs or websites where there's anyone working on hacking the .gpi file that garmin uses as their POI database? If this was able to be converted back to a .csv file it could be edited and updated in POIEditor or Excel, am I correct?

Roger660's new campgrounds file for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park inspired me to creat a new section for national park files.

I'd eventually like to assemble a collection of files -- one for each park -- that include campgrounds and other interesting features.

If you're interested in creating a National Park POI file, just send me a note via the contact form and I'll set you up with the POI Database tool. It lets you build the file by entering coordinates into a web page.

I've read where you need to download all POI's at once to the Nuvi by placing them all in one folder. Do you need to copy the original POI that comes with the nuvi to this folder too and include that in the download? If I don't copy it there first & include with the custom POI's will the original factory loaded POI's get erased?
Thanks,
Tom

how do I create and upload pois to this site?

I've added a new category to hold data files that are not yet geocoded or that need to be reformatted to work with GPS.

If files are uploaded that have good data but are not fully formatted for GPS, they should be placed in this category with a note that describes what needs to be done.

Others who are interested in assisting, can post messages in the discussion area to coordinate activity for the file.

I'm not looking to just make POIs for an upcoming trip, I'm trying to fill some of the gaping holes in my Garmin 660's main POI database. How do I make custom POIs fall into a desired category in my main "food, lodging, etc" database and not have it go into the "extras" folder where in my mind it's useless. I don't want half of my "Gamestop" locations in the main folder and the rest in the "Extras" folder. There must be a way to edit the main .gpi file.

Does anyone know if there is a way to code phone numbers added to the fourth field on custom POI's so they work with the Bluetooth phone connection like the phone numbers that are loaded with the regular POI's on the Garmin?

OK
When people up-load my Paintball file, and use POI Loader to install it. They ALL get a Error message that says something like
Error line 773

They hit OK
and the file loads properly, and works.

BUT WHY THE ERROR MESSAGE.

Anything I can do to get rid of that error message??

Hi-
This is my first post for your forum. I have a nuvi 660 and can't get anything to load through the poi loader. Not even something as little as bridges. I have searched FAQS everywhere and am very confused is I have a defective unit. I can load MP3 to the card so the card is O.K. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Is there an easy way to enter the carrage return on Column 4 information so the address wraps around correctly? I am using a Nuvi660 and have a lot of lines that I am trying to format correctly. I would perfer not doing this by hand. I know of the "Alt Enter" trick and think that there should be some way to program it!! -Thx Paul

I'm creating business POI's for my Garmin C550 and have just about everything figured out but one detail.

Does anyone know if there is a special format or procedure to use to make the phone numbers in the POI list dialable (my own word) directly from the listing? The installed POI's have that function and it would be very useful to me to just be able to push the DIAL button on the GPS itself.

there are two new poi's posted what do i do the afle called petro_plaza_stops.zip.csv

If I sort my EXCEL file, What is the best way to sort it
Lat ?
or
Long ?

I kind of want to get them sorted by distance, but not quit sure how Lat/Long work?

Thanks

After uploading POI data to my nuvi 350 I get a message asking if I want to transfer the files from the SD card to internal memory. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to doing this?

I have Magellan Color waypoints saved as a .wpt file in MapSend Topo. Also have the same file as an Excel type. What is the best way to get to a format to upload into the c330?