GPS POI > GPS Forum > Garmin > Adding coordinates to Garmin Nuvi 285 WT

Jackbe

I bought the 285 WT, today. I was told that it is a replacement for the C580 which is no longer available. It's seems easy enough to use. It came with the 3 month trial of Direct.

I've read a little on this forum, and it seems that it's best not to load large files directly to the Garmin. I'm not sure when I look at POI downloads what file type I need to choose to download it to my computer. When I learn which one to choose (there are several options), is it best to put it in a folder and then drag it from my computer to the Garmin?

I'm particularly interested in downloading Georgia State Parks and I haven't figured out how to separate them from the whole US list.

I'd also like to get the name of the Rennaisance Theater in Kingsport TN. Is there a search feature that I am missing?

The manual included in the box (from Best Buy) does not have an English section. I don't think I really need it because I've got it working and I assume that it won't help with downloading POIs.

Thanks, in advance, if you have any information/advice you can share.

drmckenzie1 · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 15:43 Post subject: State-specific poi downloads

To get state-specific park pois, select the "Poi Files" link at the top of the page, then "United States", "State Parks", and then "GA" from the drop-down list of states.

Jackbe · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 05:40 Post subject: Re: State-specific poi downloads

SiouxCity · Guest

Hi
Find the park on a map and click on a "Save to GPS" just above the map. Use a "Garmin upload (direct)" option.

drmckenzie1

As an alternative to the direct download option, you can easily get the coordinates (latitude/longitude) for the park from the POI maker / geocoder utility, or the Poi Maps" menu on this website at the top of the page. Then enter them directly into your GPS: 1) select "Where to" 2) scroll down to "Coordinates" 3) enter the coordinates.

As far as finding points of interest that you've entered, you should be able to go to "Where to", then scrolls down to "Extras" and select it. This file contains your added POIs.

Guest

Thanks so much for your response, drm. I got as far as "Enter Coordinates".
On my Garmin it says in each box:
N 89 57.606
W 84 20.425

On the map site, it says GPS Position:
91 40 54W and 37 27 17N There's also a number 91.68167 , 37.455

When I enter 91, it doesn't change anything.

I'm further thanks to you, but I'm at a dead stand still, now.

Jackbe

drmckenzie1 · Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 09:50 Post subject: Adding coordinates

OK, I think I've got it figured out ... recalculating....

You don't have "Extras" because you don't have any additional POIs (Points of Interest) files added.

Once you have successfully added the park via its coordinates, it will become a "Favorite", which is where you will find the entry listed.

So to add a coordinate with the numbers configured as you stated in your post (and assuming your unit is similar to my 255W):

--Select "Whereto", and then "Coordinates".
--Select "Format" and then select the third option -- "h ddd.ddddd". Press OK.
--Touch the N coordinate number and you will get a number screen.
--Use the eraser to completely remove the old number.
--Enter the N number, 37.455, then press done.
--Do the same thing with the W coordinate.
--You should be back at the coordinate screen, with the new numbers showing in the two boxes. Press "Next".
--At the next screen, select "Save" and enter the name of the park.
--Select "Done", and that's it -- it will be listed in Favorites under that name.

Guest · Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 23:41 Post subject: Re: Adding coordinates

Oh, you are wonderful. Your directions are great and I entered exactly as you told me and it did do everything you said--I was able to pull it up under coordinates. Problem: When I hit "go", it said "Unable to calculate route: no roads near destination". I tried a second location, and it said the same thing. I'm so close, it's killing me. Thank you so much for your help. I'm going to fiddle with it to see what I'm doing wrong. Thanks again for your clear, concise directions. I really appreciate your help. I'll report back. Maybe I'm reversing the N/W? I don't think so, but I'll test it.

Jackbe · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 02:13 Post subject: Re: Adding coordinates

I thought I had answered this post with a big thank you for your help. You gave such great concise and precise directions and I got all through the steps--but when I was done the POI told me that they couldn't give me directions because there were no roads close (paraphrasing the alert).

I'm still fiddling.

I did manage to download the nearest Dodge dealer, to me, directly to the GPS but can't do that, again. Can't even find the dealer. DUH

BTW, I found the EXTRAS folder--right in front of my eyes. Had it been any closer it would have bitten me. Thanks, again, for taking the time to respond. Perhaps when I have time to fiddle with, again, later I'll figure it out. Have a great day.

Jackbe · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 08:05 Post subject: Re: Adding coordinates

Jackbe · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 13:59 Post subject: Re: Adding coordinates

It's me, again! I was able, finally, to enter coordinates and get a map! Yeah! I'm not exactly sure what I did--well, partly, I do. I enter the periods (DUH) and I didn't have the GPS hooked up to the computer. Hope this hels someone else down the road. Couldn't have done it without your help, drm. I really appreciate your response and the time you took to help me.