How to create categories and folders in GPS device

woorob · 07-24-2010, 11:16 AM

Hello, I have a list on Excel of about 500 different locations in the US and Europe. The list includes separate columns for place name, latitude and longitude coordinates, address, phone number, web site and remarks. I have been able to import the list to the Expert GPS program by first saving the .xls file as a .csv file and then using File > Import Data. This generates a list, arranged alphabetically, of locations which I can then save as a .gpx file and copy to one of my Garmin units when connected to my computer with a USB cord. When using the Garmin this works well enough but makes navigating through the list on the Garmin quite difficult as the device displays locations by proximity. So if you are in St. Paul and want to see what's available on the list in Chicago, you might have to scoll through over one hundred entries.

I have three questions and would greatly appreciate any help in figuring them out.

First, is there a way to categorize the locations into hierarchical folders? For example, US > Midwest > Wisconsin > Madison? That way one could first navigate to the "Madison" folder on the Garmin to see what's available in Madison, without having to scroll through many other extraneous entries. Same for Europe (Europe > France > Paris > Museums).

Second, can this information be copied onto an SD card (using Windows Explorer, for example) which could then be inserted into the Garmin, allowing access to this information without having to connect each unit to a computer? That way, for example, I could send an SD card to my brother in Colorado and he could then navigate to the locations I have specified in Madison, just by inserting my SD card into his Garmin.

Third, can I make this work in the same (or similar) manner with a TomTom device? I don't believe TomTom uses .gpx data but is there a way to get my list from Excel onto a TomTom, preferably using an SD card?

Many thanks in advance for any help. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to these matters so greatly appreciate your input and help.

Bob Woods
St. Paul

07-24-2010, 11:16 AM	#1
woorob Join Date: Jun 28 2009 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Posts: 5	How to create categories and folders in GPS device Hello, I have a list on Excel of about 500 different locations in the US and Europe. The list includes separate columns for place name, latitude and longitude coordinates, address, phone number, web site and remarks. I have been able to import the list to the Expert GPS program by first saving the .xls file as a .csv file and then using File > Import Data. This generates a list, arranged alphabetically, of locations which I can then save as a .gpx file and copy to one of my Garmin units when connected to my computer with a USB cord. When using the Garmin this works well enough but makes navigating through the list on the Garmin quite difficult as the device displays locations by proximity. So if you are in St. Paul and want to see what's available on the list in Chicago, you might have to scoll through over one hundred entries. I have three questions and would greatly appreciate any help in figuring them out. First, is there a way to categorize the locations into hierarchical folders? For example, US > Midwest > Wisconsin > Madison? That way one could first navigate to the "Madison" folder on the Garmin to see what's available in Madison, without having to scroll through many other extraneous entries. Same for Europe (Europe > France > Paris > Museums). Second, can this information be copied onto an SD card (using Windows Explorer, for example) which could then be inserted into the Garmin, allowing access to this information without having to connect each unit to a computer? That way, for example, I could send an SD card to my brother in Colorado and he could then navigate to the locations I have specified in Madison, just by inserting my SD card into his Garmin. Third, can I make this work in the same (or similar) manner with a TomTom device? I don't believe TomTom uses .gpx data but is there a way to get my list from Excel onto a TomTom, preferably using an SD card? Many thanks in advance for any help. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to these matters so greatly appreciate your input and help. Bob Woods St. Paul