This format can...
read and write waypoints
The format garmin_gpi supports binary POI (.gpi) files useable on newer Garmin GPS receivers (see also garmin_poi for some hints). Garmin POI-Loader is the standard application that creates GPI's with all possible features.
The layout of GPI files isn't documented and our module was created via reverse engeneering. If you get a problem on reading or writing a GPI file, please provide that file (mailto:gpsbabel-misc@lists.sourceforge.net).
At this time we don't support special features as "Tour-Guide", alerts or links to sounds and pictures.
This module does not support direct transfer of .GPI files to receivers in Garmin protocol mode. For units like Nuvi, Zumo, or Streetpilot, just choose a file that's on the drive where your GPS is mounted. For units like the X series (GPSMap60, etc.) you must explictly put the unit in mass storage mode or mount the memory chip in an external reader and transfer the file directly.
Example 3.3. Command showing garmin_gpi output example
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,category="Nice Restaurants",bitmap=restaurant.bmp,notes -F "My Points.gpi"
Use specified bitmap on output.
The bitmap (BMP) should be 24x24 (or smaller) and can be in RGB-colors (24- and 32-bit) or 8-bit indexed color format.
A color value of 0xFF00FF (blue=255, green=0, red=255), also called "Magenta", can be used for transparent areas.
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,bitmap="tux.bmp" -F "My Points.gpi"
Default category on output.
With this option you can specify the category which is primary visible on the device (default is "My points").
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,category="Best Restaurants" -F "My Points.gpi"
Don't show gpi bitmap on device.
For a large list of points (or whyever) it can be useful when no bitmaps are displayed on device. With this option no bitmap is stored and displayed.
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,hide -F "My Points.gpi"
Write description to address field.
The GPI address field is often visible in lists on the device. Use this option if you want to see the waypoint description (which can be an address too) in this lists.
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,descr -F "My Points.gpi"
Write notes to address field.
The GPI address field is often visible in lists on the device. Use this option if you want to see the waypoint notes (which can be an address too) in this lists.
gpsbabel -i gpx -f "My Points.gpx" -o garmin_gpi,notes -F "My Points.gpi"