The BMP is the icon shown on the screen, the csv is the details of where the item is located and the GPX is a compiled version of the files. You need at least the BMP and CSV files for POILOADER to produce the GPI file which is then copied to your sat nav.
Get poiloader software:
- POILoaderforMac_210.dmg POI Loader for Mac, Ver. 2.1.0 (10.77 MB) January 30, 2009
- POILoaderforWindows_253.exe POI Loader for Windows, Ver. 2.5.3 (10.10 MB) August 22, 2008
This is what worked for me and confirmed by gps-data-team. You need the following POI files:
1) bmp = display icon
2) gpx = garmin data file
Additional "nice-to-have" file(s) if available:
3) mp3 = audible warning (gps-data-team usually provides this file; otherwise, Garmin unit will just chime as you approach the POI, or just record your own mp3.
When you have the mp3 file(s), just include it in the folder with the bmp and gpx files and load it as normal with the POI Loader. It should upload automatically as well. I use the "express" setting.
For the audible warnings and icons to work they must have exactly the same name as the poi file and be in the same directory. Only the file extensions are different.
e.g.
UK_Gatso_forty.gpx
UK_Gatso_forty.bmp
UK_Gatso_forty.MP3
I have a mix of both GPX and CSV POIs loaded on mine. The GPX's are definitely great for extra details etc., but for simple things like locations of Starbucks and Tim Hortons coffee shops, the CSV is fine too. Using POI loader, the both load up great. So it all depends on how much extra info you want.