Hello.
Is there a way to import/export locations (pushpins) from Google Maps to MapPoint and vice versa? I know it can't be done directly, but may be some backwards way by converting from one file format to another? I can't figure it out.
Thanks
Eli

There's actually a bunch of cool tools / converters that should do it.. I don't have experience with all of then.

First, take a look at the converters referenced in this thread --

http://www.mapforums.com/opening-msst-files-mappoint-8827.html

GPSBabel, POIConverter, PinsToFile2006

Also, take a look at MPSuperShape --

http://www.mapforums.com/blogs/winwaed/

hope this helps,
Eric

Thanks. This helps in Exporting pushpins from MapPoint to the outside world. But I still don't see a way to export Locations from Google Maps to the outside world. Is there a way to do that?

I found a solution how to export from Google Maps to KML format.
You can either do it using the GMapToGPX script:
http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/gmaptogpx/

or you can install Google Earth, open your map from Google Maps into Google Earth and then save the KML file from Google Earth.

Then you use GPSBabel to convert the KML file into some kind of Text delimited format. It has a variety of options for the Text file formats.

Then you read in the Text delimited file using the data import in MapPoint and it will create all the pushpins.

For exporting from MapPoint I found the add-on PinsToFile2006 (http://www.gilleskohl.de/pinsfile.zip) the easiest and free way to do this.



Regards
Eli

Free way is always good...

Write Gilles Kohl a note - I'm sure he will appreciate it and also point to him this thread

Eric

Eric, I was actually also thinking of sending a quick e-mail to Gilles. I haven't read anything from him in MapPoint or S&T news groups in a while. I hope he's all right. He's likely just busy with other stuff.

Eli, it's funny that you found your solution elsewhere: on elsewhere.org

Gilles told me he's basically annoyed that Microsoft abandoned the product (MapPoint CD/DVD).

They kept releasing new versions with updated data, but at least they didn't reduce functionality until this last release.

I'm annoyed too. But anyway, VE/Google Map API is the future. Let's get our heads around that.

Eric