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GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth.

Navigation software

GPS navigation software usually falls into one of the following two categories:

Navigation with route calculation and directions from the software to the user of the route to take, based on a vector-based map, normally for motorised vehicles with some motorised forms added on as an afterthought.
Navigation tracking, often with a map "picture" in the background, but showing where you have been, and allowing "routes" to be preprogrammed, giving a line you can follow on the screen. This type can also be used for geocaching.

Digital mapping

Digital mapping is the process by which a collection of street data is compiled and formatted into a virtual image. The primary function of this technology is to produce maps that give accurate representations of a particular area, detailing major road arteries and other points of interest. The technology also allows the calculation of distances from once place to another.

Though digital mapping can be found in a variety of computer applications, such as Google Earth, the main use of these maps is with the Global Positioning System, or G.P.S satellite network, used in standard automotive navigation systems.

POI

A point of interest, or POI, is a specific point location that someone may find useful or interesting. An example is a point on the Earth representing the location of the Space Needle, or a point on Mars representing the location of the mountain, Olympus Mons .

The term is widely used in cartography, especially in electronic variants including GIS, and GPS navigation software. In this context the synonym waypoint is common.

A GPS point of interest specifies, at minimum, the latitude and longitude of the POI. A name or description for the POI is usually included, and other information such as altitude or a telephone number may also be attached. GPS applications typically use icons to represent different categories of POI on a map graphically.

What does the extraPOI package contain?

The extraPOI package is basically a multimedia advertising space which is displayed in navigation devices. In addition to the geolocation and basic information of a business, the new generation of POI databases provides an updated and expanded range of content (opening hours, phone and fax number, URL, description, photo and/or logo) which can be displayed about the service in question. Knowing more detailed information, drivers and travelers on-the-go, who are not familiar with the area, will be able to select the required service easier, and based on the displayed information they can choose from restaurants, gas stations and other services with detailed information and extra descriptions in addition to their availability and business hours.

How can I be a part of this database?

In order to make your business available for GPS users, you need to register. During registration, you have to provide relevant business information, then you must select a method of payment. Upon completion you can upload your exact POI data immediately. You can also register here.

Why should I subscribe to this service ?

In addition to all the extra information extraPOI provides to its customers, there is not one advertising space which offers its services at a similar rate than the one we provide, and this is available for users at NO CHARGE, all year around.

Do you miss a main category or a sub-category? You can't pick the right one?

If you can not fit your enterprise into our categories, e-mail us at support@extrapoi.com, tell us your contact details, and we will add the missing category. We will let you know once we are ready. This process will take approximately 5 workdays.

How should the business hours be entered into our database?

You are advised to enter the opening hours of one specific day into one line

E.g.: Mo-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closed on bank holidays

What should I write in order to introduce myself in the extraPOI data section?

Write a few short paragraphs about your specialities and tell us why you are better or more than others. You can highlight your text with colors as well. You can write 40-50 characters in one line. In all, 10 lines are available for you. Which gives you a total of 500 character space.

How can I change the already existing POI description?

Log into the portal with the data provided upon registration, and click on the POI management button, then choose the appropriate POI package, and click the icon below the Manage POIs item. In order to make changes, select the POI to be modified, and then click the icon under the Edit POI item. Once the modification is confirmed, the updated data will be available in the database.

How can I upload or change an image or a logo?

You can do so only if you have an extraPOI subscription. Log into the portal with the data provided upon registration, and click on the POI management button, then choose the appropriate POI package, and click the icon below the Manage POIs item. In order to upload or replace an image, select the POI to be modified, and then click the icon under the Upload Image item. If the size of the image or logo to be uploaded is different from the one suggested, then the upload may take a long time, and the results may not be the most advantageous for you. We suggest that you convert the images to the appropriate size before uploading. Image types different from the ones specified may not be uploaded.

Image types: GIF, JPG, PNG. size:640x480 pixel.

How can I set the POI status to active or passive?

Log into the portal with the data provided upon registration, and click on the POI management button, then choose the appropriate POI package, and click the icon below the Manage POIs item. In order to change the status, select the specific POI and then click on the icon under the Change Status item. If you choose the passive status, the given POI will not be displayed on any GPS devices.

How can I delete a POI?

Log into the portal with the data provided upon registration, and click on the POI management button, then choose the appropriate POI package, and click the icon below the Manage POIs item. In order to delete a POI, select it and then click the icon under the Delete POI item.

How can I pay on the portal?

There are three methods for payment:

PayPal on-line payment system. If you choose this method, our portal will redirect you to PayPal's site. Please, follow their instructions.
Credit Card.
Check. If you choose this method, you will receive a letter of notification by e-mail.

How can I choose a subscription plan different from the one on the website?

You need to register as a customer, and if you would like to have a unique plan (e.g. one that contains more POIs) at a reasonable price, you will be asked to contact support@extrapoi.com and give us your name and contact information, so we can contact you personally to discuss a customized package that suites your needs. We will check whether the agreement has been concluded and the payment has been made, and we will send a notification. After receiving this letter of notification, please log into www.extrapoi.com with the data provided during registration, and upload your POI data by selecting the POI management button.

When will my POI package be in active status?

The POI package will be activated once your payment is received.

1. When paying by PayPal, the package is activated upon PayPal's confirmation.

2. Cradit Card payment.

3. When paying by check, your package will be activated once your check is cashed. We attempt to do so on the given or the next banking day when the check is received. We will activate your package within 5 workdays.

How can I check my payments?

Log into the portal with the data provided upon registration, and click the POI management button. You can check your payment and your status by clicking the icon under the Payments item of the appropriate POI package.

You can't give us your exact coordinates?

You can check your coordinates at http://81nassau.com/demos/geocode/ website by providing your exact address. Once the search is complete, you will get your Latitude and Longitude data (in -11.111111 1format) which you will need to copy into the appropriate fields.

How can I terminate my subscription?

E-mail us at support@extrapoi.com, and we will fulfill your request and delete you from our database. You will be notified about the deletion.

Downloading the free database

GARMIN

How can I download the new POIs to my GARMIN device?

When clicking the DOWNLOAD button, select the type of your device (Garmin). When your download finishes, you will get a compressed zip file which contains garmin_xx.gpi and a text file containing instructions about the install process.

Decompress the zip file, and then simply copy the garmin_xx.gpi file into the Garmin/POI/ folder of your device. Extrapoi is ready to be used.

There is a difference between older Garmin devices and the new nüvi 205/250. If you cannot see the "More info" button and the detailed description of extrapoi (opening hours, services) next to the photo, name and address data then your device will not be able to display the data mentioned above.

Download the zip file and unpack it to a temporary folder

Read the included text file and follow its instructions
Connect the device or an SD card containing the map to a computer
Copy the extrapoi.gpi file into the Garmin/POI folder of your device (or SD card)
If there is no POI folder in the Garmin menu of your device, then create one.
When you turn on the device, it will install the database immediately, which then you will be able to use right away
Have a safe trip!

IMPORTANT

The database can only be used by Garmin devices that use NT map systems and can be connected as a USB storage. Other devices may not access these functions.

Note: If the map used by you is not detailed enough, you may not be able to reach some POIs.

Searching a POI on the device

How can I search the POI/extraPOI data on my GARMIN device?

1. Select the magnifier on the opening screen of the device (Where to?)

In the menu, please select Extras, and then My POIs
Choose a category, then find a service provider using the up/down arrows (e.g.: Catering/Restaurant/...)
When you select a service provider, you will be able to:

- display its location on the map (Map)
- display a description of it (More)
- display its photo or logo (Image)

If you know the name of the service provider, this is how you can find it:
- Press “All categories” button twice
- Choose the “By name” button
- Type the name of the service you are looking for
- Press “Ready!” and “Go!” buttons (should you want to have more information, follow the steps in point

Magellan

1 Download magelan_xx.mgln POI files from extrapoi.com

2 Using Magellan POI File Editor, an application that comes with your Magellan GPS create a folder named My POIs in My Documents. Save all downloaded Magellan POI files there. (magellan_xx.mgln)

4 Go to Menu -> Navigation Options -> Configuration -> Custom POIs -> Select a POI File and select downloaded Magellan POI's.

5 Launch navigation.

Note: The POI may be displayed as an inaccessible location if the map you are using is not sufficiently detailed.

TomTom

1. Convert the downloaded tomtom_xx.asc file into .dat with POIEdit available at http://www.poiedit.com/index.htm.

2. Copy the selected files (.bmp and converted.ov2 extensions) to the relevant map folder.

3. Launch the TomTom application and select the "Change preferences", followed by "Enable/disable POIs" and select the desired categories.

4. Select the required POI category.

5. Uncheck the "Warn only if POI is on route" box, otherwise POI will not be visible when approaching.

Note: The POI may be displayed as an inaccessible location if the map you are using is not sufficiently detailed.

Nokia (installatoin with garminXT)

Copy the downloaded POI file (nokia_xx.gpi) into the Garmin/POI folder of your phone.

After restarting your phone, you will find the downloaded POIs under Main Menu/Where to/Extras.

Note: The POI may be displayed as an inaccessible location if the map you are using is not sufficiently detailed.

iGO8

POI

1. Turn off the write protection of the Memory Card.

2. Connect the memory card or the navigation device to PC, then create the following path on the memory card: igo8/content/userdata/POI.

3. Download, and copy the the downloaded igo2008_xx.kml files to the above map.

4. Restart your navigation device.

5. Run the navigation software and swich to Advanced mode. Choose the Manage POI icon.

6. Choose downloaded POIs (kml file); then choose Edit and set the distance of POI icon visibility. The default icon is Google Earth's globe.

7. In the Navigation menu choose Find POI, and choose as Destination.

Note: some POIs might not be reachable on the map, if the map is not detailed enough.

To what devices can I download this database?

Please register as a user, and sign up for our newsletter, so we can inform you about any additional devices to which you can download the entire POI database. Currently, you can download our database to the following devices:

- Garmin

- Magellan

- TomTom

- Nokia

- iGO2008

We are going to include more and more devices in the future. If you have any suggestions, please e-mail us at support@extrapoi.com .

I need help. Who should I contact?

Should you have any questions or need technical assistance, you can always contact us at support@extrapoi.com.