Garmin Poi Gpi File Format
Each Garmin GPS device comes preloaded with numerous points of interest, or POIs. However, any one of these POIs may not have sufficient information, such as rapid speed reductions, red light cameras or known areas of traffic congestion. Software like GPS Babel and GeePeeEx Editor lets you make changes and updates to the existing database file, entering the changes in pre-defined fields. You can even use Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet program to make edits in comma-separated value format. Using Garmin's POI Loader software lets you send the modified file, converting it to Garmin's proprietary GPI format.
Getting Started
The United Kingdom - GPS POI Files for the United Kingdom (GPS POI Zone). Points of interest and support for all popular smartphones, tablets, GPS devices and software. Road safety, recreational and corporate points of interest. Garmin POI files use the suffix.gpi. If your device has a micro sd card, simply switch the device to USB mass storage mode. On Windows, a new drive and on the Mac, a new volume will appear. In the folder named Garmin you'll find a folder named Poi. If not, create them. Then copy all of your gpi files inside the Poi folder. Unmount the device.
Step 1
About GPI Files. Our goal is to help you understand what a file with a.gpi suffix is and how to open it. All file types, file format descriptions, and software programs listed on this page have been individually researched and verified by the FileInfo team.
Use the supplied mini-USB cable to connect your Garmin device to your computer.
Step 2
Click the POI Loader icon, read the introductory screen and click 'Next.'
Open Gpi File
Step 3
Click on the 'Garmin Device' option to indicate where you want to save the GPI file, such as your desktop. Click 'Next.'
Step 4
Verify the drive name under the Device header that corresponds to your Garmin unit. Click 'Next.'
Step 5
Select a custom point of interest database from the Garmin Custom POI Sources Webpage (see Resources.) Options include POI Factory, Travel By GPS and POIEdit.
GeePeeEx Editor
Step 1
Step 2
Click 'File' and select 'Merge.' Locate the point of interest database file you saved to your desktop. Merging the file auto-loads parameters into the GeePeeEx Editor fields.
Step 3
Enter any changes or details in each field as necessary. For example, you can edit latitude and longitude, address data, phone number information and more.
Click 'File' and select 'Save.' Your edits will be written back to the original database file on your desktop.
GPS Babel
Step 1
Click on the database file you saved to your desktop. Your output file will look similar to 'gps babel -i gpx -f ' RedLightCameras.gpx' -o garmin_gpi,speed=30mph -F 'RedLightCameras.gpi,' for a red light camera alert.
Step 2
Accumulate any additional data you feel needs to be edited or changed, such as correction to latitude and longitude, street addresses and others.
Step 3
Click on the 'Options' button to select the type of alert or adjustment you wish to add, such as 'Speed,' 'Category,' 'Notes' or 'Position.'
Step 4
Add adjustments into the corresponding Options field. An example file in the 'Category' field might look like 'gpsbabel -i gpx -f 'My Points.gpx' -o garmin_gpi,category='FavoriteHotels' -F 'My Points.gpi.' This adds a category header for your favorite hotels and motels along frequently traveled routes.
Microsoft Excel
Step 1
Gather and name the data you want to add or change to the existing file.
Step 2
Enter the data you wish to change under the appropriate headers. For example, typing latitude and longitude corrections under a 'LATLONG' header organizes the file and makes it easy to reference. Each data point or category should have its own row.
Step 3
Add further details to the latitude and longitude information, such as the name, address and phone number of a hotel, gas station or store. Enter this data in its own subsequent row, labeled, for example, 'NAME,' 'ADDY,' and 'PHONE.'
Click the 'File' menu and select 'Save As.' Click the 'Save As Type' drop-down menu and choose 'CSV (comma delimited).' Save the file back to the original location. POI Loader will make the necessary conversion to GPI.
Uploading the Edits
Step 1
Use the supplied mini-USB cable to connect your Garmin GPS device to your computer.
Step 2
Start the POI Loader software. Follow the on-screen prompts to locate your saved and edited file.
Step 3
Wait for the POI Loader software to upload and convert the file to Garmin's GPI format. POI Loader supports GPX, OV2, KML, LMX, CSV, ASV, ITN and other file types to the GPI format necessary for use on Garmin GPS devices.
Disconnect and power cycle your Garmin device. Locate your new point of interest by tapping 'Where To,' choosing 'My Locations' and selecting 'Custom POIs.'
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Garmin GPS devices can only read POI files formatted as GPX. Other devices such as the TomTom GPS are only compatible with files formatted as OV2. Whether you're converting a POI file so it's compatible with a Garmin GPS, or converting a Garmin POI file so it's compatible with another type of GPS device, there are various online tools and software programs that can help.
Step 1
Convert a Garmin POI file with POI Editor (see Resources), a free, online conversion tool. This tool converts GPX, OV2, KML, LMX, CSV, ASV, ITN and UPOI files. First, load the POI file into the interface. Select the 'Save POI file' tab and enter a new name for the converted file, if you prefer. In the same tab, select the output conversion and download the converted POI to the computer.
Step 2
Change the format of a POI file with the POI Manager (see Resources). This free online tool will convert CSV, GPI, KML, GPX and OV2 files. To convert a Garmin POI file, upload the file to the POI Manager interface. Then select the edit option. All of the uploaded POI files are displayed. Select an output format besides the 'Save As' option and the POI files will be converted to the specified output and will automatically download to your computer.
Reformat Garmin POI files with the PoiEdit software. This software converts Garmin POI files to a variety of formats including OV2 and GPX, and also includes design features so you can create new POI files from scratch. Once converted, the software downloads the POI file directly to your GPS device. This software is free to download and install.