Garmin GPS Data

WiFi hot spot data from our Western, NY database is now available for you to download in .csv format.  This .csv file can be uploaded to you Garmin GPS.  This will enable you to use the GPS in your

The way that I use this data is to locate a nearby hotspot to view my email or to make telephone calls using a VOIP application like Skype.  Cell phone companies charge too much for their voice and data services.  By using a combination of a prepaid cell phone plan and Skype I have reduced my annual cell phone costs to less than $100.		  

Getting Started

  1. Garmin calls the data that you are about to use POI (points of interest).  To get the POI data into your Garmin you will need a free POI Loader application from Garmin.  The POI Loader software is available for Windows and Apple computers.  After you have downloaded and installed the POI Loader software go to the next step.
  2. Create a directory on your computer called something like garminwifi.  Download and SAVE the Free freewifiny.zip  file to the garminwifi directory and use your browser to unzip the file into the same directory.
  3. Connect your Garmin to your your computer.
  4. Open your Garmin POI Loader software and follow the instructions for uploading the .csv file that you just downloaded to your computer.
  5. When the POI Loader software has finished uploading the .csv file to your Garmin GPS, unplug the GPS from your computer.
  6. Start your Garmin GPS and look in the Extras menu for the new POI file.  Your GPS will now tell you the location of the nearest free WiFi hotspot in your area. 

If you know of places not listed, please send the name and address to Max Lent.