Creating Custom POI Files with Coordinates

Custom POI (points of interest) files can be created on a computer and transferred to compatible Garmin devices using Points of Interest (POI) Loader.

Coordinates are a set of points displayed in longitude and latitude, which can be used to create custom POI files. There are multiple methods of creating CSV (.csv) and GPX (.gpx) files containing custom POIs. For instructions, select the link for the desired method below:

• Creating Custom POIs in BaseCamp™
  • NOTE: Some devices are not compatible with BaseCamp. To view the list of compatible devices see  Automotive Device Compatibility with Receiving Routes Transferred from BaseCamp
• Creating Custom POIs in Microsoft Excel
• Creating Custom POIs Using a Text Editor

Once the POI files have been created, they can be installed on the device using POI Loader.

When loading the POIs as a .csv file, POI Loader uses the following format for each POI: Longitude, Latitude, Name, Comment

• Longitude and latitude must appear in decimal degrees format (ddd.ddddd°)
  • Negative numbers indicate West and South
• Coordinates must use the WGS84 map datum.

Examples Include:

• -94.50095, 36.35431, Roaring River State Park, Light-colored worms
• -92.51394, 37.43547, Bennett Spring State Park, Maribu jigs
• -94.76416, 38.81227, Garmin, 1200 E. 151st St.

Other programs can also be used to create custom POIs. You can create .csv files using a text editor, Microsoft Excel, or a similar program. If the program you are using does not support .gpx or .csv files, you can use the coordinates to create your own custom POI files to work with Garmin devices.