GPS POI > GPS Forum > Garmin > Difference between Garmin compatible POI file formats

ken1deb1

What is the difference between Garmin compatible POI file formats Like MP3, CSV, GPX, Garmin custom POI, Garmin MP3 alert etc.

I have all but the CSV loaded in my POI folder and as a result I seem to have duplicates. I read that all related files had to have the exact same name with different extensions and that is why I grabbed them all. What do I really need as one who has access to the members only file section. I'm doing mostly the traffic safety alerts.

Is there a file that will give me icons but no audio for other POI files I may want to load like Costco or Frys electronics that I don't need audible alerts for?

I also don't know what to expect with each format change will cause in the Garmin devices I'm using (Street Pilot 2720 and soon to be delivered 885T).

PS: Can you view your POI files in the Garmin Mapsource program? I used the loader to send it to mapsource and got the success ### were added to your map. If they are there I don't know how to view them.

Thanks

ken1deb1 · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 07:54 Post subject: Found most of it

I googled everything and here is what I found...

CSV and GPX are essentially the same info done with a different creation tool both will work in my units.

MP3 is the audio alert option and can be used or not.

BMP is the icon option and can be used or not.

Garmin POI custom -I don't know I could not find any info on what this file has or does. I left it out and will see what changes.

GPX is the proximity alert option is settable with the drop down box next to it and this also can be used or not.

I suspect my duplicates were the sub folders where I put the GPX file because it kept overwriting the CSV file. I deleted all POI files in my Garmin and then I the got rid of the GPX sub folders in my PC. I hope that eliminates my duplicates. I also had a US speed traps file and a file for speed traps for my state. No need for the State file so I deleted that too.

I had to add the speed cameras since they are everywhere in my state and I keep forgetting about them. These POI alerts are a life saver. Thanks to all who put this together. My state seems to use sensors in the road or smart cameras that calculate speed based on distance over time. My Valentine One sees nothing even when these things are active.

I now have 18,703 POIs in my Garmin. I just hope I can fit that many or more on my 885T when it gets here.

I still can not view POI files in my MapSource on my PC and I'm not too sure that this is possible. The POI loader has an option to load it to my MapSource though.

ken1deb1 · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 07:46 Post subject: POI GPX and CSV

FYI,
I'm finding that a GPX or CSV file can operate very differently based solely on the Garmin GPS model you are using. My 2720 does tone alerts only and my 885T does both tone and voice alerts. Placement of the text on the screen also is different.

So it is truly a situation where your individual results may vary based on uncontrollable outside limiting factors of your hardware. Testing files in my 2720 was a waste of time since it was only done to see what files I would use on my 885T. My 885T reacted very differently to the files so I had to test them all over again.

johmazz2006 · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 21:24 Post subject: Re: POI GPX and CSV

Found the same Ken, trial and error with what file (.csv or .gpx) to use for best results.

bakapoko · Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 01:02 Post subject: Re: POI GPX and CSV

syd · Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 16:41 Post subject: Re: POI GPX and CSV

I am using the csv files in My Kenwood unit.

crolton · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 21:40 Post subject: Great

...was wondering what was different about the GPX files

johmazz2006 · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 08:11 Post subject: Re: Great

areb · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 20:13 Post subject: What about CSV extended?

Anyone know what the difference is between GPX and CSV extended?

I compared std CSV with CSV extended, but could only see the third column divided with the same info into an extra (4th) Column

campsandvans · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 08:08 Post subject: Map Source

To view your POI's in Map Source you need to open your gpx file in Mapsource, then save it as a gdb file.

Use this if you want to add icons and split up your data and address etc.

life.by · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 16:02 Post subject: good

Can I say that GPX files installed in unit and the speed alert zoon (mp3) will work?

ikhalede · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 04:16 Post subject: File location

I still do not understand the difference
CSV will show under "Extras"
Where the gpx will be shown, under "Favorites"?