Prerequisites

In order to use the POI's from www.GarminPOI.co.uk you need the Garmin POI Loader software which can be found here: http://www.garmin.com/poiloader

Make sure that all POI files (.csv, .bmp, .wav*, .mp3*) are in the same folder - i.e. if you use the pocketGPSworld.com speed camera files make sure these are in the same folder as the POI's from www.GarminPOI.co.uk. Each time you upload new POI's it wipes out any previously loaded custom points so make sure all the POI files are in the same folder!

* compatible devices only

Installing the files

• Unzip the POI files into an obvious folder (eg "My Documents\Garmin POIs")
• Make sure POI Loader software is installed and then connect your Garmin Unit (or memory card) to your PC using the supplied USB lead (or card reader)
• If the software does not automatically start, open it now.
• Then you need to browse for your POI folder and follow the on screen instructions.
• For beginners I recommend using the auto mode but there is a manual upload selection where you can specify the proximity alert distances for each individual file.
• If you do not need a certain set of POI's simply delete the .csv and .bmp from your computer.
• Follow the prompts and you should have the POI files loaded in no time!

Where To...?

You can navigate to the POIs in pretty much the same way as you would any POI built into your device, however you need to specify that you are searcing within the custom POIs as opposed to those built in...

Where Are They?!

StreetPilot i3/i2 - Where To > Food, Hotels & More > Custom Points
StreetPilot c3x0 - Where To > My Locations > Custom POI's
StreetPilot 2xx0 - Where To > My Locations > Custom POI's
StreetPilot 2720 (older firmware) - Where To > Extras > Custom POIs
StreetPilot 2720 (newer firmware) - Where To > My Locations > Extra's
Nüvi 3xx - Where To > My Locations > Custom POI
Nüvi 2xx, 6xx, 7xx - Where To > Extras > Custom POI
zūmo - Where To > Extras > Custom POIs

To make your own POI file you need at least 3 things: longitude, latitude and a name. If you can find it on a map then things are quite easy! Go to the submission page and find it on the map. Zoom in as much as possible and move the marker to the actual location (entrance to car park probably the best bet). The current longitude and latitude will be shown on the form on the right hand side.

If you use another method of getting the co-ordinates then make sure you have the correct format. You need decimal degrees (eg 48.84333) as opposed to degrees:minutes:seconds (e.g. N 48:50:36). If you have the latter then don't worry, you can use the simple converter which can be found on the tools page. Also ensure any 'West' and 'South' data is shown as a negative e.g. '-1.02554'.

Create a new file in Excel (or similar) and make 4 columns with the headings: ;longitude,latitude,name,details. Make sure you include the preceeding semi-colon ';' or the Garmin POILoader software will not recognise the file. Insert the long/lat in the relevent columns, put the name in the name column (eg 'Boots - Bradford') and any other details in the 4th column (eg 'Darley Street, 01274 888555'). Repeat the above steps to fill out your new POI file.

Save the file as a comma separated value (.csv) file - e.g boots.csv. Then create a 22x22 pixel icon and save it as an 8-bit .bmp file - name it exactly the same as the associated csv file but with .bmp at the end instead.

Alternatively try using the software from EasyGPS.com to extract the raw data from your Favourites. I.e. if you find a point, save it as a favourite on your Garmin unit then extract it and add it to a csv file for others to use.

Submit the POI file and bitmap using the upload file form remembering to include your name, email address and any relevant comments.