Garmin Custom POI Files

 


Creating Custom POI Files

Advanced users can create their own *.csv and *.gpx files that contain Custom POIs (points of interest) for use on compatible Garmin devices. Both *.csv and *.gpx files are loaded to the device using the Garmin POI Loader application. After processing the files, POI Loader uploads a single *.gpi file to the device.

All POI-related files should be stored in a main directory on the computer. One level of sub-folders is allowed for organizing files and creating POI categories. The POI Loader combines all files in the main folder and its sub-folders to create one *.gpi file. Each time POI Loader sends POIs to a device the existing *.gpi file is overwritten.





Creating Basic POIs

A basic POI includes the Coordinates (Longitude, Latitude), Name and an optional Comment field.



Creating a .csv File in a Text Editor



Creating a .csv File in Microsoft Excel


Creating a .gpx File in BaseCamp

 

Creating a .gpx File in MapSource

  1. Create a waypoint using the Waypoint Tool, the Find feature, or by right-clicking on the map
  2. In the Waypoint Properties dialog box, enter information into the appropriate fields as needed:
    • Name: The name of the waypoint, as well as speed alert information if desired
    • Proximity: To create a proximity alert here, uncheck the Unknown box and enter the desired distance for the alert
    • Comment: Enter a description for the waypoint as desired
    • File/URL: Browse to and select the file or directory you wish to associate with the POIs in this file, including custom icons and *.mp3 audio files
  3. Click OK
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 as needed for the waypoints you wish to save
  5. Select File > Save As
  6. Select the desired save location for the waypoint(s)
  7. Enter a filename
    • If no numbers were entered in the Name field in step 2, POI Loader will consider any numbers entered here as speed alert information
    • Speed and proximity alert information entered in step 2 will override any other speed or proximity alert information in the file name, such as in step 7, or manually entered into POI Loader
  8. From the Save As Type drop down list, select GPS eXchange Format (*.gpx)
  9. Click Save
  10. After saving the *.gpx file, use POI Loader to locate and export this file to your GPSr.

 

POI Organization:





POI Alerts

Speed and proximity alerts trigger an audio and visual notification on the GPSr when approaching a POI. Alert information can be included in the POI name, POI filename, or added with POI Loader’s manual mode when transferring to a device.


Speed Alert Information
  • The POI Loader determines if a file contains speed alert information by checking the individual POI names and the filename.
  • If speed information is included, the GPS will display an alert if the set speed is exceeded while approaching the POI.
  • Speed alerts will repeat until the speed drops below the set value or the POI is passed.
  • If no alert information is found, the POI is treated as simple destination POI.
  • The GPSr can calculate a route to a destination POI.
  • For POIs containing any speed alert information, the GPSr cannot calculate a route and it will serve only as an alert POI.
    • Speed information in the individual POI name is preceded by the "@" sign: “Speed@20”.
    • Speed information in the filename is preceded by an underscore, “Speed_30”.
    • Any number below 125 (mph) or 200 (kph) is considered valid speed information.
    • POI Loader prioritizes speed information from highest to lowest priority: Speed information included in the individual POI name will retain the alert regardless of the filename or information entered in manual mode. For example, a POI named "SpeedZone@30" will have an alert speed of 30 even if the filename is “SpeedZone_20” and manual mode is set to 20.
    • Speed information entered in POI Loader’s manual mode is applied to individual POIs with no speed information in their name and will override speed information in the filename.
    • Speed information included in the filename, “School _20.csv” applies the value to individual POIs in the file with no speed information.


Proximity Alert Information
  • Proximity alerts can be created with a minimum distance of 0 feet or meters, and a maximum distance of 200,000 feet (37.88 miles) or 60.690 meters (60,69 kilometers).
  • Proximity alerts are triggered by speed information, keywords in the POI name or filename, information entered in manual mode, or entered in BaseCamp’s waypoint properties proximity field.
  • Including specific keywords in the POI name or filename will trigger proximity alerts:
    • GATSO
    • mobile
    • SPECS
    • safety
    • speed
    • redlight
    • camera
  • If a POI filename contains one of above keywords, but does not have any speed information, POI Loader will use an alert speed of 0, which always generates an alert on the GPSr at a distance of 400 meters or .25 miles.
  • Proximity alert information can also be added to individual POIs using BaseCamp.
  • To add proximity information to a waypoint in BaseCamp:
    • Double-click on a waypoint in My Collection or a List
    • Enter a value from 0 feet to 24901 miles in the proximity field
  • The proximity alert information is included in the exported *.gpx file.
  • The POI Loader prioritizes proximity alert information from highest to lowest priority:
    • Proximity alert distance in individual POIs in a *.gpx file. This information overrides all other proximity alert information.
    • Proximity alert distance entered in manual mode. Maximum distance that can be entered in manual mode is 37.88 miles.
    • Proximity alert distance calculated by POI Loader based on speed information in the individual or filename names.
      • This calculation uses the following formula: Prompt Distance = 36 seconds * Speed.
  • In this formula, the speed value represents the value in the individual POI or filename, not the speed of the GPS when the alert is triggered.
  • Convert miles an hour to miles per second (Prompt distance = 36 seconds * 20 miles / 3600 = .2 miles or 1056ft).
  • Regardless of the vehicles approaching speed, the alert distance will remain the same.
  • The same formula can be used for kilometers per hour.
  • In addition to alert information, custom icons can be associated with Custom POIs.




Custom POI Symbols
  • Custom symbols can be used with POIs on most Garmin GPSr.
  • The symbols are displayed on the map to mark the location for each POI.
  • POI Loader integrates the associated *.bmp image file into the *.gpi while loading.
  • Custom symbol images must be located in the same directory as the *.csv or *.gpx files for POI Loader to process them correctly.
  • The image must also be in the proper format, size, and color palette:
    • Format *.bmp file type
    • 8 or 16 bit RGB color palette
    • 24x24 pixels in size
    • Transparency color is Magenta (RGB: R=255, G=0, B=255)
    • The *.bmp file name must be identical to the *.csv or *.gpx file name
  • BaseCamp can add a custom symbol to an individual point in the waypoint properties window.
    1. Double-click a waypoint to open the properties window
    2. Click the Notes tab
    3. Click Add File button
    4. Browse to the image file
    5. Click Open
    6. When asked to create a new geotagged photo choose 'No'.
  • When POI Loader processes the exported *.gpx file it will include the file in the *.gpi file on the device.
  • Custom waypoint and POI symbols are available from many sources, including GPSrChive and POI Factory.
  • See our Custom POI Symbol tutorial for additional details.




TourGuide Files
  • TourGuide files are created by private users or third-party developers. Garmin does not create or support the creation of TourGuide files. The TourGuide feature is available on Garmin devices with MP3 players.
  • TourGuides consist of custom POIs joined with descriptive *.mp3 audio files and accompanying *.jpg images. TourGuide POI are chosen as a destination from the Custom POI menu, and when approached the device plays the *.mp3 file and displays the associated image.
  • A TourGuide consists of one *.gpx file that includes waypoint information for each location and a matching *.mp3 and *.jpg file for each location. All files should be saved in a single directory on the computer. One level of sub-folders is allowed to improve organization. POI Loader integrates all 3 files into the *.gpi file when loading to a device.
  • All associated files must contain the word "TourGuide" in the filename to activate the TourGuide feature on the GPSr (T and G must be capitalized). Do not use any keywords or special characters like the “@” symbol in the filenames. For example, "TourGuide.mp3," "TourGuide USA.mp3" or "TourGuideOKCORRAL.mp3" are all valid TourGuide filenames.
  • Common TourGuide folder structure:
      • ~\Documents\Main Folder\TourGuide.gpx
      ~\Documents\Main Folder\First POI\ {TourGuide.mp3 and TourGuide.jpg files for first POI}
      ~\Documents\Main Folder\Second POI\ {TourGuide.mp3 and TourGuide.jpg files for second POI}
      ~\Documents\Main Folder\Third POI\ {TourGuide.mp3 and TourGuide.jpg files for third POI}
  • When creating the POIs in BaseCamp, use the waypoints properties window to add the *.mp3 audio and *.jpg image files from their respective folder to each waypoint. BaseCamp includes the proper relative link to the files location. This is a necessary addition for when the POI Loader creates the *.gpi file.
    • To add files to a waypoint:
      1. Double-click a waypoint to open the properties window
      2. Click the Notes tab
      3. Click Add File button
      4. Browse to a *.jpg or *.mp3 file
      5. Click Open
      6. When asked to create a new geotagged photo choose 'No'.
  • The default proximity alert distance for a TourGuide file is 0.25 miles. The manual mode in POI Loader can be used to override this setting. Individual proximity setting can be set for each waypoint in BaseCamp using the waypoints properties proximity field covered earlier in this document.
  • Custom POIs are a popular topic with a lot of resources available online which provide hints, tips, and tricks, along with detailed explanations on how to utilize POIs in different scenarios.
  • Except for the basic handhelds and older Rino 2-way radio GPS devices, all current outdoor and automotive products are compatible with Custom POIs. TourGuide POIs are only compatible with MP3-capable nüvi and zumo devices. Check the particular Garmin model’s spec sheet for Custom POI compatibility.


    • Flag Counter