How import custom POIs into Basecamp?

This is not rocket science. Just convert the CSV file to GPX and import the GPX file into BaseCamp just as you would any other file.

Or do as Sussamb suggested.

This is not rocket science. Just convert the CSV file to GPX and import the GPX file into BaseCamp just as you would any other file.

Or do as Sussamb suggested.

Actually, if you aren't quite literate in Basecamp itself and ALSO where/how to convert geomatic files, like POIs, it absolutely IS rocket science. Some days I think Basecamp is almost pure VooDoo...

@rkruz2

1. You can use an online site called GPSVisualizer to convert the POI .csv files into .GPX. Once you have a .GPX file you can use Basecamp's file>import function to import them.

Or:

2. You can connect your navigation device to the computer and insert your USB flash drive into one of your USB ports, copy the \GARMIN folder onto the flash drive, and possibly the .system folder (you'll have to tell Windows File Manager to show hidden folders if it's not already set that way), and copy the POI file(s) onto the flash drive.

Once the flash drive looks sort of like the GPS file system, Basecamp should start using as if it is your GPS and the POI files should show up in the maps list.

The reason I mention the possibility of having to copy the .system folder AND the /GARMIN folder is that on some GPS devices there is not a .system folder so everything necessary is in the /GARMIN folder.

I hope that helps. Feel free to ask for any clarification.

...ken...

The .system folder isn't necessary. Even on those devices that have it the necessary xml file that BC needs in order to be fooled that the usb stick is your device is in the Garmin folder.

The .system folder isn't necessary. Even on those devices that have it the necessary xml file that BC needs in order to be fooled that the usb stick is your device is in the Garmin folder.

Thanks for the clarification. That will save me a bit of work when setting up a flash drive in future. :thumbs-up:

...ken...

Thank you for the help Kganshirt. I did as you described, copied the NUVI Garmin folder onto a USB thumb drive. Now Basecamp recognizes the USB drive as my Nuvi. I then downloaded several POI files of interest (camping sites, ghost towns etc) from the POI Factory website both as .csv and .gpx and used the Garmin "POI loader" to transfer them to the thumb drive (where they became .gpi files). The POI Loader of course thinks its transfering them to the Nuvi and puts them in the correct folder and format. Its nice becuase the POI loader will transfer both gpx and csv formats.
Once this is done and when opening Basecamp with the USB drive still attached, BC then recognized the POIs as Custom POIs and I am able to select Custom POIs which now appear on the map display allowing me to create a route to the various desired custom POI locations.:o

One handy thing I discovered is that the POI Loader will take all files that are in a folder and combine them into a single .gpi. Once that happens you lose the ability in Basecamp to select a particular Custom POI category. Its more convenient to organize the POIs by putting only a single POI file in a folder and having several folders (1 POI each) and then use the POI loader to individually install them on the thumb drive. This way, the function "Maps/Manage Custom POIs" when selected will allow you to select or deselect the various categories you created and if selected will be included in the Basecamp POI search. Very very handy for the way I use Basecamp. thanks again for the help!. The ability to supplement the stock Garmin POIs is very powerful. Ive attached an image from the resultant Basecamp Manage Custom POIs selection to help make clear.

My pleasure! I know we've both been around here for awhile but that doesn't make Basecamp any easier to learn the things we don't yet know. It's extremely powerful but it remains one of the least intuitive programs I've every used.

Combining that with the issue of external file types and/or conversions, if you haven't done them at all or for a long time, doesn't make it any easier.

Thanks for sharing what you were able to accomplish. I had completely forgotten about the POI Loader.

...ken...

One handy thing I discovered is that the POI Loader will take all files that are in a folder and combine them into a single .gpi.

This is detailed in the link I posted for you, when you said you couldn't see how it helped ;)

I did as you described, copied the NUVI Garmin folder onto a USB thumb drive. Now Basecamp recognizes the USB drive as my Nuvi.

Well you were told this early on in the discussion, good to know you've now got it. I'll close this thread.