Custom Wayinder POI catagories!

[YoDude]

Some N770 and N800 Navicore users may know of a WinTel program that converts POI files in various formats to ones that can then be used by the Tablets Navicore application.

That program called “Extension Editor” can be found >>here<< (http://www.navicoretech.com/Consumer/Support/Downloads/tablet/en_GB/tablet/_files/77242042730479757/default/ExtensionEditor1_1_0_70_dat_1_0_1_0-setup.exe) thanks to Internet Tablet Talk member the_fbi .
This WinTel program, when used correctly will produce an “nce” file that can be read by Navicore. However, this was a two part process that required that the “nce” file be further processed by Navicore running on the device its own dang self.

That is, once the “nce” file was produced by the WinTel program the user had to put it in a Navicore directory and the program would unpack and install the custom POI category.

Since “Maps” on a OS2008 device didn’t have this directory it may have been assumed that the OS2008 version didn’t have this capability.

Trial and error has found that this assumption would be wrong

Simply add an “extensions” folder to the “map” directory on your OS2008 device. In that “extensions” directory add a folder named “installed”.

Now any “nce” files created by Extension Editor will install when your OS2008 “Maps” program is run again if the “nce file is placed in the newly created “extensions” directory first. :)

I have included the following “ nce” POI files in the attached >>RAR file<< (http://files.myopera.com/yodude/blog/Wayfinder%20POI.rar) so you can try this yourself:

-Dunkin’ Donuts (Apu’s (http://z.about.com/d/animatedtv/1/0/F/9/apu_small.jpg) latest business opportunity.)
-Panera Bread (Free, easy to connect WiFi. The food served is pretty good too!)
-Lowes (Duct tape, widgets, and tools.)
-Home Depot (More duct tape. Just poorly displayed.)
-Wawa (Free ATM in the Greater Northeast. )
-Advanced Auto (Auto Parts.)
-Red Light Cams (Could net you a hundred dollar ticket if you blow one.)
-Speed Traps (Red Light Cams and speed traps reported nationally by others.)

Simply unpack the >>Wayfinder POI.rar<< (http://files.myopera.com/yodude/blog/Wayfinder%20POI.rar) file and add the desired “nce” files to your newly created “extensions” directory. The next time you fire up “maps” the program will ask “Do you want to install (your named) POI?” click “Yes” and it will soon report your custom POI was installed.
Enjoy!

These are USA POI’s and some are indigenous to certain regions in the Northeast. (Asking where the nearest WaWa is gets a blank stare on Sunday morning in NYC but a local WaWa is visited at least once a day by some folks who live and work just 40 miles to the south.)

POI’s that can be converted by Extension Editor can be found at various sites on the Internet. In particular, TomTom POI’s for the UK. (They seem to be everywhere.)

>> http://www.google.com/search?q=TomTom+poi&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8

(The Wayfinder POI link may not work with your browser. In that case, cut and paste the following addy into your web browser :)
>> http://files.myopera.com/yodude/blog/Wayfinder%20POI.rar

Or go directly to my Blog to download the Wayfinder POI.rar >> http://my.opera.com/yodude/blog/

Doh! :eek:

[Rebski]

Thanks for doing this, it is going to be very useful.

[bachviet]

Thanks for posting this. Now I could have fun adding POIs.

[YoDude]

Maybe we can use this thread for sharing POI's then?

If anyone can't post files give me a PM with your email addy. We could exchange your files via E-mail (I'll send my addy :) ) and I'll add them to my blog and send you back a link for posting...

[fenriss]

I wonder if you have some experience in doing export to new Wayfinder software shipped with Diablo?

I tried to export data using Extension Editor, but created .nce files have bad format - i get message like "Extension 'something.nce' not suited for this map"... But location of extension files seems to be ok, since it tries at least to load it.

I tried also to use Extension Editor in raw mode, which generate separate files .qt .poi and .mbm, which can be then copied directly to /map/mapdata/poi/extension_name_dir. When using this solution i get no error at startup, and new poi category is succesfully added. But when i try to view poi points i get empty list.

After some testing (using files from existing "WLAN-hotspots" category) i came to conclusion that .poi and .mbm files are correct. Do you have maybe some idea how to get .qt file in new, proper format?

[YoDude]

I wonder if you have some experience in doing export to new Wayfinder software shipped with Diablo?

I tried to export data using Extension Editor, but created .nce files have bad format - i get message like "Extension 'something.nce' not suited for this map"... But location of extension files seems to be ok, since it tries at least to load it.

I tried also to use Extension Editor in raw mode, which generate separate files .qt .poi and .mbm, which can be then copied directly to /map/mapdata/poi/extension_name_dir. When using this solution i get no error at startup, and new poi category is succesfully added. But when i try to view poi points i get empty list.

After some testing (using files from existing "WLAN-hotspots" category) i came to conclusion that .poi and .mbm files are correct. Do you have maybe some idea how to get .qt file in new, proper format?


No I don't... I don't think. :confused:

What data are you trying to export?

The original poi files that I created and posted in the begining of this thread loaded up just fine in Wayfinder running in Diablo.

[fenriss]

Thanks for a fast response:)

I'm trying to export speedcams for Poland mainly, but also tried to do this with your original file. Exactly the same problem.

Maybe its because i use only map "Central-Eastern-Europe TA2006.07"? Extension Editor asks for product name, maybe i should provide something different as my product is other then yours? There is also an command line option to provide product name as string, but i have no bloody idea what i should use :)

This is what i have in application about box:

Map
App v.2.2.8.436
Map v.2.2.1.301
TA2006.07

[YoDude]

Thanks for a fast response:)

I'm trying to export speedcams for Poland mainly, but also tried to do this with your original file. Exactly the same problem.

Maybe its because i use only map "Central-Eastern-Europe TA2006.07"? Extension Editor asks for product name, maybe i should provide something different as my product is other then yours? There is also an command line option to provide product name as string, but i have no bloody idea what i should use :)

This is what i have in application about box:

Map
App v.2.2.8.436
Map v.2.2.1.301
TA2006.07


yes, it is very sensitive to target product name as I recall.

Also, it will not convert OV2 files that are produced by TomTom. TomTom has some sort of checksum encryption scheme that it uses to protect them. OV2 files generated by a third party editor work though.

[fenriss]

Thanks for info. Just one more question :) Do you have any idea what product should i type? Is it a map name, or something else? I have tried UK version from Extension Editor (i bought my n810 in UK) and it does not work.

[allnameswereout]

For which country are the speedcams? How do I add for my own country? I have a database of speedcams right now, but it is out of date...

[gazza_d]

Has anybody managed to sucessfully convert pois into the 208 version of wayfinder.

Just checked and the navicore extension editor does not seem to work. Wayfinder is no listed on the products screen, and a google search does not bring up other than this thread

[gazza_d]

Since I actually purchased a licence for wayfinder, I decided that I am entitled to some support, so I have emailed wayfinder asking about this issue and we will see if I get a sensible reply.

[sirfelix]

Any update on this?

I cannot gat any CSV files to convert at all without error. Some OV2 files seem to work, but others are blank. I'm going to dig into CSV issue deeper. Any help?

[sirfelix]

OK, been doing a lot of experiments with different files and found that if the CSV file is not exactly formatted per ExtensionEditor's(EE) specs it will not read the file. (see pdf manual).

Many of the CSV files I found online contain "paragraph returns" in the text file or data in separate rows in a spreadsheet. EE simply won't read this format. Data must be one row per POI entry as per EE manual.

I also found a tool that will convert a GPX file to CSV and seems to work fine. Keep in mind that some data like phone numbers and URLs may get truncated. The software is called GPXtoPOI and can be found here: http://www.masterclass.com/gpxtopoi/gpxtopoidownload.html

That said, I tried 3 CSV files and had to remove some information that did not fit EE's format. The 3 files were of:
Bank of America ATMs for WA, OR, CA (BOA)
Portland Max Stops (PMS)
Diners Driveins and Dives locations. (DDD)

I got the first two to working fine with POI data appearing in Wayfinder.
The DDD NCE will install, but icons and POI searches find nothing unless you do a "anywhere" search and the it takes forever to find and the icons still don't appear.

I viewed all the files completely and I cannot find any differences between the BOA, PMS and DDD CSV files.
The only slight difference is the DDD data contains some locations outside the US_West map loaded. Could this be the issue?

Anyway, any questions?

[sirfelix]

Found a solution to the problem with national POI locations. For anyone using Navicore or Wayfinder maps that are seperated in the US by west/east sections via states mn,ia,mo,ar,la (west side).... you need to breakup the CSV file into east and west versions before converting into NCE files. Otherwise the POIs will not appear in your maps. The mapping software chokes when finding POIs outside the current map. This applies to all POI files. I had the same problem with Bank of America locations.

Enjoy.
SF

[YoDude]

I wonder if gazza_d ever got a reply. :p

I think we would get a better response if we contacted TomTom about a version for the NIT's


I haven't fired up Wayfinder on my device in hella days. Now that MaemoMapper has traffic and allows large maps, it's all I use.

Wayfinder/Navicore/Whatever it's called or whoever owns it... was a big waste of money for me. :(

Nokia's association with this app was its lowest point with regard to the tablets, IMHO

[sirfelix]

I tried MaemoMapper, but I prefer to use a friendlier GUI, more like a typical GPS. I find MM too complicated. Is MM open source? Maybe someone out there could turn it into something more polished for those wanting an easier interface.
Maybe the current MM programmers could seperate the menu system into easy or advanced settings. Make it easy to get maps and add POIs.

[YoDude]

I tried MaemoMapper, but I prefer to use a friendlier GUI, more like a typical GPS. I find MM too complicated. Is MM open source? Maybe someone out there could turn it into something more polished for those wanting an easier interface.
Maybe the current MM programmers could seperate the menu system into easy or advanced settings. Make it easy to get maps and add POIs.


Yup, I know what you mean. M/M has some shortcommings but in all the time I have waited for improvements or even support from Wayfinder I have learned to overcome many of them.

Like I said, features seem to keep being added to M/M. Not at all for Wayfinder.

About the only useful thing Wayfinder can now be for me is as a POI database to use with GPS. That is, a way to find the nearest restaurant, custom POI, etc. and see the distance to, and other relevent info...

On new trips I will use Wayfinder for the route and voice guidance then minimize it, start up M/M and use the traffic map and still have Wayfinders voice guidance in the background.

TomTom is a Linux based GPS navigation program that is being used by the most people and IMHO has evolved the fastest. Wayfinder (http://www.wayfinder.com/?id=5356&lang=en-US) on the other hand, hasn't changed for the tablets since it was introduced as Navicore back in March or April of 2007...

...oops, I forgot one change. They degraded my original "Lifetime" licence to just 36 months. :)

[gazza_d]

I did get a response from wayfinder, but it was not very helpful. Basically that we needed to use Extension editor for Navicore. Just confirming what we know.

Whilst Wayfinder has maany faults, I agree with Sirfelix, about it being more useable as a sat/nav than Maemo Mapper. Maemo Mapper on the other hand is a much better general mapping program.

It's a shame that there was no decent similar alternative to wayfinder.

Also the traffic updates, at least here in the UK, have not been working for about 2 months now, further minimising the usefulness of the application. I emailed Wayfinder support, and they confirmed that traffic was not working, and said that they would note down my email address for when it was working again.

In hindsight I wish I had saved my money. Wayfinder has been a bit of a lemon. Nice interface, shame they have killed it off with no updates or fixes,

Gaz

[YoDude]

Traffic has never worked here in the US...

Again, maybe we should write to TomTom. :)

[rudacunha]

I downloaded the "Extension Editor", but there is the option of Brazil, and it can not import the POI into the wayfinder. I made sure all the procedure above, but does not work.

How resolve this?

I do not leave, I'm using the version of 7 days

[sirfelix]

Are you saying EE will convert and create the file, but wayfinder won't read it?
Have you tried using the US setting in EE?

The CVS text file should look like this:

-149.88789,61.21743,"BoA ATM - Anchorage 5th Ave Mall - 320 W 5th Ave","320 W 5th Ave"
-124.41515,43.11316,"BoA ATM - Bandon - 1110 Oregon Ave Sw","1110 Oregon Ave Sw"
-124.38527,47.94635,"BoA ATM - Forks - 481 S Forks Ave","481 S Forks Ave"
-124.23368,43.40642,"BoA ATM - North Bend - 1611 Virginia Ave","1611 Virginia Ave"
-124.2162,43.36661,"BoA ATM - Coos Bay - 245 S Fourth St","245 S Fourth St"
-124.1976,41.75175,"BoA ATM - Crescent City - 240 H St","240 H St"
-124.1875,40.77896,"BoA ATM - Bayshore Mall - 3300 Broadway","3300 Broadway"

The only commas included separate the columns.

[rudacunha]

I can convert to the format of the wayfinder with EE. The problem is that it does not matter (some put the folder, but when I open the program nothing happens). Thought that the problem would be the "Target Product" should I choose my country, but the list does not exist in Brazil, and my map is in Brazil. It must be because of this configuration it does not matter.

I want to know any way to resolve. Because neither the company updates the program.

[sirfelix]

Read carefully the instuctions PDF file that comes with EE.
2 things to check:

1. The version of your mapping software has to be above a certain number.

2. There is a manual way of installation. If the folders or files are not being read correctly, you can bypass automatic installation.

Other then the version number issue, country should not be a concern.

What device are you using?

[rudacunha]

I am using version 337.

I tried using the / raw (mapdata \ poi) with the / raw (mapdata \ extensions).

Neither method worked.

I am using the license for 7 days, will be that this is the problem?

[rudacunha]

Could I send a file. NCE or the other 3 (already installed) you have tested to see if my work?
ruda@ruda.com.br

[sirfelix]

I tested the NCE file you sent me and normally I would send you a private message, but I discovered something interesting that I thought should be posted.

I'm running Map App Ver 2.2.8.604 with a US West Coast map.
The file you sent me is called "radar30.nce".
This is what I did:
Created an "extensions" folder inside the "map" folder.
Created an "installed" folder inside the "extensions" folder.

Gathered a few NCE files:
maxstops.nce
radar30.nce
radar31.nce (copy of radar30)
radar32.nce (copy of radar30)

Placed these files in the "extensions" folder.
Ran Map App and all files asked if I wanted them installed and I said yes.

Here is the interesting part:
Only maxstops and radar30 POIs were loaded. Even though radar31 and radar32 appears in the "installed" folder they do not appear in the "mapdata/poi" folder.
This means that the file's identity is imbedded inside the NCE file and the App does not use the filename. Radar31 and Radar32 were most likely installed right on top of the original Radar30, but retains the imbedded identity. This info could be useful when troubleshooting.

Other then that interesting observation, the radar30 file loaded just fine. Keep in mind that since I'm using the US map I cannot check Brazilian POIs.

[YoDude]

Could I send a file. NCE or the other 3 (already installed) you have tested to see if my work?
ruda@ruda.com.br

Can you archive them as a ZIP or RAR file an attach them to a post then we can all check them out. :)

If you don't have an archive program I believe you can simply change the NCE extension to ZIP and the forum software will allow you to attach the file. Just indicate that in your post so we know to change it back to NCE. :cool:

[aagps]

My first post... I hope someone can help. I tried out the Navicore extension editor and tried out some csv>>nce files. They worked OK. But now I don't know how to get rid of these trial POIs.

I tried to erase the files from \maps\extensions\installed but the POIs are still there. Restarting or rebooting didn't do anything either. I'm not going to want to add anything if I can't get rid of them.

I was thinking on a lark of writing a script to convert a GPX to nce and using the alarms as a real crude navigation method. But, if I can't make them go away...

Thanks!!

[YoDude]

My first post... I hope someone can help. I tried out the Navicore extension editor and tried out some csv>>nce files. They worked OK. But now I don't know how to get rid of these trial POIs.

I tried to erase the files from \maps\extensions\installed but the POIs are still there. Restarting or rebooting didn't do anything either. I'm not going to want to add anything if I can't get rid of them.

I was thinking on a lark of writing a script to convert a GPX to nce and using the alarms as a real crude navigation method. But, if I can't make them go away...

Thanks!!

Try looking in map\mapdata\poi and then delete the folder named for the POI you want removed.

EDIT: Welcome aboard aagps

[aagps]

Thanks YoDude!
Your advice worked great. Now on to my crude navigator!!

I've been searching for a replacement to my old HP200LX, it was basically stumbling onto this community that convinced me the N810 was the way to go.

Thanks again.

[sirfelix]

I believe there is another file location to delete other then the installed folder. Not sure where it is but search for the POI file name.

[YoDude]

Thanks YoDude!
Your advice worked great. Now on to my crude navigator!!

I've been searching for a replacement to my old HP200LX, it was basically stumbling onto this community that convinced me the N810 was the way to go.

Thanks again.

Do tell!

How does your navigator work?