Creating Custom POIs in MapSource

GPX (.gpx) files that contain waypoints can be created in Garmin MapSource, then loaded as custom POIs (Points of Interest) on compatible Garmin devices using  Points of Interest (POI) Loader.

Note: Garmin MapSource is only compatible with Windows PCs. If your computer is a Mac, see Related Content below for other methods to create a custom POI file.

To create a .gpx file using MapSource:

1. Install and open MapSource
2. Create a waypoint using the Waypoint Tool, the Find feature, or by right-clicking on the map
3. In the Waypoint Properties dialog box, enter information in the appropriate fields as needed:
• Name: the name of the waypoint, as well as speed alert information if desired
  
• Proximity: to create a proximity alert here, uncheck the Unknown box and enter the desired distance for the alert
  
• Comment: enter a description of the waypoint if desired
  
• File/URL: browse to and select the file or directory you wish to associate with the POIs in this file, including custom icons and .mp3 audio files
  
4. Click OK
5. Repeat steps 2-4 as needed for the waypoints you wish to save
6. Select File, then Save As
7. Select the desired save location of the waypoint(s)
8. Enter a file name
• If no numbers were entered in the name field in step 3, POI Loader will consider any numbers entered in this step to be speed alert information
9. From the Save As Type drop-down list, select GPS eXchange Format (*.gpx)
10. Click Save

Note: Speed and proximity alert information entered in step 3 will override any other speed or proximity alert information in the file name, such as in step 8, or manually entered into POI Loader.

After saving the .gpx file, use POI Loader to locate and export this file to your device.

You can also open existing MapSource files containing saved waypoints and save them as .gpx files.