What are Garmin TourGuide files?

Garmin has created an exciting new type of point of interest or POI (for more information on points of interest from Wikipedia click here). Most GPS mapping software includes millions of POIs on restaurants, hotels, recreation areas and many other topics.

Garmin has recently (and with very little advertising) made available the capability to upload a POI with an associated audio file (MP3). When an audio file is associated with a specific point on the earth within a GPS device there are a number of interesting applications.

For example, you could download a POI for the White House in Washington DC with an audio file that played automatically and explained a short history of the architecture and the building. If you combined multiple POIs for sites in Washington DC you could create a self guided tour of major areas of interest. Garmin TourGuide POIs are currently compatible with the nüvi™, zūmo™, and the StreetPilot® c550, 2730, 2820, 7200 and 7500.

Garmin uses a file format for their custom POIs called a ".GPI" file, if you look on your own compatible GPS device you will see a POI.GPI file in your Garmin/POI folder (usually only visible when viewing the files on your GPS device when it's connected to your computer). Most Garmin device's use this format for all custom POIs, including TourGuide files. A Garmin TourGuide is basically a custom Point of Interest (POI) with an associated audio (mp3) file that can be made to play automatically as you near a custom point of interest (POI).

There are many possible applications of this technology, however it takes some work to create these files and upload them to your GPS. We have a Forum to share information on creating these files and exploring the possibilities of this new development. You can also visit our Directory for a list of FREE files to download (HERE) or share your own files.

Enjoy!