Converting your custom Google Earth placemarks into a format your TomTom GPS can read does not require expensive software. Google Earth saves location data in KML or KMZ formats, while TomTom Navigator relies on OV2 files for Point of Interest (POI) databases. You can bridge this gap entirely for free using accessible online conversion utilities. Why Convert KML to OV2?
TomTom devices offer robust offline navigation but cannot natively open Google Earth files. By converting your curated maps, you can easily transfer custom vacation itineraries, client location lists, or specific off-road coordinates directly to your vehicle’s dashboard. Step 1: Export Your Data from Google Earth
Before using a conversion tool, you must extract your map data from Google Earth. Open Google Earth on your computer or browser.
Locate your custom points under the Places panel on the left side.
Right-click the specific folder or placemark you want to transfer. Select Save Place As… from the dropdown menu.
Choose a location on your hard drive, select KML (*.kml) from the file type menu, and click save. Step 2: Use a Free Online Converter
Several reputable, free web-based utilities handle the KML-to-OV2 translation seamlessly without requiring software installation. Popular options include GPSVisualizer, POIEngine, and RouteConverter.
Open your preferred free online conversion tool in your web browser.
Look for the upload section and click Choose File or Browse to select your saved KML file.
Set the output format dropdown menu strictly to TomTom POI (.ov2). Click the Convert or Go button to process the file.
Download the newly generated .ov2 file to your computer when prompted. Step 3: Load the OV2 File onto TomTom
Once you have the converted file, you need to place it in the correct directory on your navigation device.
Connect your TomTom device to your computer using a USB cable.
Open the TomTom drive folder via your computer’s file explorer.
Locate your specific internal map folder (often named after your region, such as North_America or Western_Europe).
Copy your new .ov2 file and paste it directly into that map folder.
Disconnect your device safely, turn it on, and navigate to your “Manage POIs” or “My Places” settings to find your custom locations.
To help tailor this guide, let me know which version of TomTom you use or if you need help finding a specific online tool link.
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