Trip to Alaska...want to Pre-Cache GPS Sat Maps - Advantage X7500, MDA Ameo General

just as the topic states, I am going to be taking a trip back to alaska in about a month. I wanted to Pre-Cache maps for pretty much any gps program ( im willing to buy it if it works ) that would work on my advantage. on my nokia N800 there was a program called Maemo Mapper and it was amazing as far as pre-fetching maps for a selected area at a selected zoom level....With it I could pre-fetch the whole island im visiting and have it stored on my mem card...but thats linux heh. I'm not lookin for road maps either,only sattelite images such as googlemaps. Any input as far as what your using, and if its capable of caching maps and then pulling them up later with NO internet or cellular coverage whatsoever...thanks!
Im trying Virtual Earth Mobile right now, and the map cache feature is there, however you would have to navigate the entire path i was to travel in order to prefetch the area...no select specified area. and secondly but most importantly, the zoom level for virtual earth mobile is crap compared to say google earth, VEM wont let me get close enuf with satellite to do any good.

I would be very much interested in this if you ever find an answer. I know that you if you download the images manually which is a very pain staking process then you can use a number of programs. Like I said it very long process and for a small area it works.
Let me know how it works out for you

I know under linux using maemo mapper, it was a very valuable option, and it was widely used. I tried downloading a program called tracky, which supposebly pulls googlemaps images and then will cache them for later viewing, but I am struggling with getting it to download the maps properly. ....we cant be the first people that have needed to cache an area of googlemaps at a certain zoom level....

on a totally different note...i was trying to install a game called "the mark" a sniper game...installed fine, loaded game and graphics glitched, had to manually reset via the reset hole on the back. rebooted ameo and it was like I had just hard reset....no programs, had to retap stylus and reset time/date. Now the microdrive and the storage card have ALL the files on them, just none of the associations for the programs installed on the microdrive are there...and all my settings/home screen are back to stock! WTF happened when i just simply reset the phone?did something with the game I intalled corrupt the phone? I was hopeing that AP4.0 would be out before something like this happened....If there isnt a way to restore the file associations, I will just backup the files I need off the drive and storage card, and then actually do a hard reset and format the microdrive

backup, backup and backup. I had something similar happen too... just use spb backup.

heh, I used to have spb backup on my phone, then i realized...that most of the time I did a hard reset was to wipe clean alot of the scummy programs...which was what I was including in my full backup. do i decided to go without it...now I wish i still had it anyways im not really that mad..only takes me a couple hours to get everything back the way it was manually. soooo....anyone else out there care to comment on their gps software?

I don't know man. I wuld love to have the same thing. I have a wireless router at home, and am probably going to cancel my unlimited data plan for awhile. There must be a way, free hopefully.

Before you cancel your unlimited AT&T plan, you should check out the currently available data plans. Last time I checked the unlimited plan was GONE, replaced by a plan that has a monthly data cap. (5 GB?)

Unlimited data ? In the great white north there is no such thing as unlimited data. $80US buys about 100MB a month!

well i've got a little more than a month before I'm heading off for a much needed vacation. Someone out there hopefully knows of a gps program where i can cache the maps to either the microdrive or storage card for viewing with my gps when I have NO data connection. As far as data plans go...I have tmobile's unlimited data plan...and with my minutes and unlimited texting, its less than 75 a month....now I'm not sure if thats truly an "unlimited" amount of data, but I have downloaded several 1-2 gig movies thru windows mobile torrent without any trouble....(and thats thru the GPRS connection cause tmobile dont have 3g in the US...at least not that im aware of yet.

Did i actually find something new that our advantages cant do? ( not due to hardware lacking, just no software to support it) I may end up digging out my N800 and charging up my solar bluetooth gps receiver...it just sucks to bring multiple devices..was hopeing to show off all the advantages power

I use Ozi Explorer, and generate large google earth maps using MAPV Ozi .. it's not the easiest to use (not native english program), and the calibration of the maps is wrong (must be manually calibrated).. but it's much easier than a series of stitched screen captures.

Since I cant rely on the local cell network where I live (and thus Google Maps), I just went ahead and bought Street Atlas 2008 since it was cvheap and included all North American maps. But while the maps are accurate the driections and voice prompts suck.
Next Im going to try Tom Tom Navigator, but its a lot more expensive.
Just suggestions if you cant find a way to cache Google's maps...

touchlasvegas said:
Did i actually find something new that our advantages cant do? ( not due to hardware lacking, just no software to support it) I may end up digging out my N800 and charging up my solar bluetooth gps receiver...it just sucks to bring multiple devices..was hopeing to show off all the advantages power
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I FOUND IT!!
Not only can you store the maps, even sat view, google maps is built into it, among several other useful utilities. This is awesome. It also caches map images automatically, and you can change the destination folders. I'll attach pics of automatically cached images.
Features include speed alert, trip computer, geocoder, dashboard view with speed, altitude, percentage of slope, and g force. Much more.
So what's the catch?........That's right, its not free. Trial automatically quits after 15 minutes, but you can start the program over. You cannot save the maps with trial version. However, it says you can download street and sat maps on the desktop then transfer.
Why was this so hard to find? This should be for sale all over the net.
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/gps-...le-directions-address-address-navigation.html
Enjoy.
Edit: Wouldn't let me attach the other pics.

hi im a little late but better than never...
1. (the above postet) Tracky
its very useful for your plans, you even can tell the programm the amount of space it should use on the staorage card to store your 'offlinemaps'. has a lot other more or less usefull functions too. in the momemt i try out if this is stable and reliable like gpstuner.
2. GPSTuner
is another one that does the job. i think its a bit longer on the market than tracky. it support some more map sources like topographic maps, not only googlemaps. i have used this for all my (offroad) outdoortrips like inlineskating the last few years. it has lovely statistic functions also. even a (survival ) trip by car across west africa (16 hours for 600km driving, wich means a hole lot of data to capture) was correctly handled by the program without any problems. in the moment it is my prefered app for the job.
3. GPSMeter
this is very close to gpstuner, but i dont know if it's capable to precache maps. i stop monitoring this one because the other 2 programs are already serving all my needs.
the are a dozend or more programs out there but they are more specific to things like gecaching, and (in my view) to complex to be used as 'every day all prupose gps tool'.
i hope this helps mad

Related

Navizon - gps/cell tower/WiFI navigation

This program is awesome.
It is a navigation progam the uses cell towers, wifi AP's, or GPS.
Maps load faster than google maps in my opinion.
BUT the coolest thing is that they will pay you to collect data for them. As your driving around it searches for AP's and cell towers and stores that info along with the GPS locations. Then you send that info to their servers and they give you points. 2 per wifi AP and 10 per cell tower. When you get 10,000 points they give you $20. I know 10,000 sounds like a lot, but I've used this a few hours while driving around town to the store and stuff like that and I already have over 2000 points.
Check it out, it's free
First goto:
http://my.navizon.com/Webapps/UserAdmin/register.aspx?referral_code=5D56565E5A56
and sign up for an account, then you can either download the free version from their site, or I've included a link to the .cab file here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/83451235/NavizonCab.cab.html
mbritten said:
This program is awesome.
It is a navigation progam the uses cell towers, wifi AP's, or GPS.
Maps load faster than google maps in my opinion.
BUT the coolest thing is that they will pay you to collect data for them. As your driving around it searches for AP's and cell towers and stores that info along with the GPS locations. Then you send that info to their servers and they give you points. 2 per wifi AP and 10 per cell tower. When you get 10,000 points they give you $20. I know 10,000 sounds like a lot, but I've used this a few hours while driving around town to the store and stuff like that and I already have over 2000 points.
Check it out, it's free
First goto:
http://my.navizon.com/Webapps/UserAdmin/register.aspx?referral_code=5D56565E5A56
and sign up for an account, then you can either download the free version from their site, or I've included a link to the .cab file here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/83451235/NavizonCab.cab.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then again, this capability is built into Google Maps locator feature, at least to some degree, without having to download, sign up, etc., etc. Maybe Navizon has improved since last I tried it, but I have found Google Maps' feature useful for a "quick fix" to do a local search. If I need a better fix for actual navigation, well the Athena does have built-in GPS, yeah? What am I missing?
wgary said:
Then again, this capability is built into Google Maps locator feature, at least to some degree, without having to download, sign up, etc., etc. Maybe Navizon has improved since last I tried it, but I have found Google Maps' feature useful for a "quick fix" to do a local search. If I need a better fix for actual navigation, well the Athena does have built-in GPS, yeah? What am I missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fact that you have GPS is why this program in usefull. While you are driving about you can have this program running and it will search for cell towers and wifi ap's, then it will upload that info along with the GPS location of all of these items. You get points for each and can get money. I've used it for 3 days and just got $20. it really doesn't take that long to earn enough points, and thats with regular driving around. It wouldn't make sense to go drive around for this purpose along, but hey, if your going somewhere anyway, why not.
How to turn on GPS?
mbritten said:
The fact that you have GPS is why this program in usefull. While you are driving about you can have this program running and it will search for cell towers and wifi ap's, then it will upload that info along with the GPS location of all of these items. You get points for each and can get money. I've used it for 3 days and just got $20. it really doesn't take that long to earn enough points, and thats with regular driving around. It wouldn't make sense to go drive around for this purpose along, but hey, if your going somewhere anyway, why not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Forgive me for being un-hightech (brain a bit fried today). But I hope u can enlighten me:
1) How do u turn on GPS function on the phone? Just go to mobile provider to activate service and it will be on 4ever??
2) So for navison to detect the towers etc, all I have to do is just start the program and it will do the rest right?
3) I managed to get some points whilst I was running the navizon programme. But I am unsure whether it was through the update of my gps position... or edge or 3g...
Well i just tried installing navizon from the ppc msi install file on their web site and i get an error when starting the program and it wants to debug, and then the program crashs. I installed it to the microdrive....ill try the phones memory this time and see how it works....if it works at all
well i tried reinstalling navizon to the phones internal memory with the same problem, installs fine, go to start program and i get "a native exception occurred:
Exception code: 0x80000002
Exception address:0x00ec8328
ok to terminate
cancel to debug
any help?
Has anyone sucessfully installed navizon on an advantage? Just curious if my error is due to something specific on my phone, or if its all advantages. If anyone can shed some light on my error message that would be great....im totally clueless
had same error
on my ameo
Cameraware (from Modaco) has this built in - not actuelly tried it yetr as have just installed WM6.1 so am trying apps gradually
I'd really like to get this Navizon program working....anyone else want to try it on their advantage? I'm talking with their support team on their forums and supposebly they had it working on an advantage before

Looking for GPS tracking software

I've used google, both web and through xda, and haven't really found what I wanted yet, so i'm hoping that maybe someone knows a piece, or pieces of software that I can use.
My friends and I go mountain biking alot, and I'd like to start tracking the trails we use, as sometimes we find trails that are really out of the way.
I've got an HTC Mogul, and I have unlocked the GPS through a custom ROM, now I'm just searching for a GPS software that will work.
What i'd like, is a software that tracks the GPS data and stores it locally, not upload it to a website, so that I can bring it home to my computer and mess with it locally.
I just saw Everytrail.com today, and I'm going to try that out, but the problem with that, and all the other software that I've found, is that it sends the data to a server and doesn't store the data locally.
Anyone know any software, that will just take the data (say ~every 30 seconds) and save it for my own use?
The other problem, but one which I'm sure I can solve on my own, is that all the other gps tracking software out there creates tracks from point A to point B, when what I want is to create a collection of interconnectining tracks, without point A to B, but just plotted tracks, and hopefully display those on the device itself.
What you are saying is that you want waypoints along the trail -- taken like snapshots every 10 minutes or so, correct?
Like a regular cheapo GPS unit, correct?
Hi,
I was playing around with the GPS on my Touch Cruise the other week. I wrote a small C# app to grab the coordinates and convert it to a UK OS grid reference. Building on this to log to a file at intervals would be trivial. I could probably also plot the resulting array of coords to a bitmap and display on screen. It wouldn't be anything special or overlaid on a map or anything but it could get you started. I'm away from home at the mo so don't have access to my laptop to do it but drop me a PM to remind me and I'll try and sort something out.
Have a look at gpsVP if you haven't already.
It saves your tracks to a folder in My Documents.
http://gpsvp.garminmapsearch.com/
Awesomeness:
http://aeguerre.free.fr/Public/PocketPC/NoniGPSPlot/EN/index.php
http://www.vodafonebetavine.net/web/SunsetGPSLogger/
Try NoniGPSPlot. Very good.
Edit: Woops. I see it has already been suggested. Still it's probably worth mentioning twice.
Hello,
just another idea - there are some GPS - devices out with built - in logging functionality. eg Wintec WBT-201 which I use.
Completly independent for about 12 h.
If you need to convert GPS information to a special format try gpsbabel.
gecko

Does Weather use Data? And ActiveSync question

Hello all!
I'm happy to report I've just ordered an HTC Vogue, and I've got two quick questions. I will not have a data plan with this phone, so my first question is this: does the weather screen require a data connection to update? If the data connection is disabled, what appears on that screen?
Secondly, I plan to use the GPS function of the phone with Tomtom. Will I be able to transfer files to the MicroSD card via the USB connection using ActiveSync, or will I need to get an adapter for the MicroSD card and write the files to it from my desktop PC first?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Bogus
yes it does.........without data plan, you will be paying more than what you should be paying for just simple weather report.
Why don't you get an Opal or Diamond. I think they both have wifi, and you can update when you are at home or where there is internet connection.
It's a bit too late to change my mind at this point. I plan on completely disabling the data transfer on this phone, so I won't be paying anything for that aspect actually. The short version of the story was my old phone died and I was able to get a Vogue for a reasonable price without extending my contract. Unfortunately adding a data plan is not an option for me currently. I don't really need the weather screen, just wondering if it'd function. Guess not. Can it be disabled or not shown? My primary reasons for getting this phone were really its hackability and being able to use GPS without a data plan (using Tomtom and a memory card). I'm not sure about the Opal, but an unlocked Diamond will surely cost three times what I paid for my Vogue.
In any case, do you know the answer to the ActiveSync part of my previous question? I did order an 8GB Sandisk with a USB adapter/reader, so if I have to I can transfer files directly from my PC, but it'd be easier to do it directly through an interface to the phone.
bogus83 said:
It's a bit too late to change my mind at this point. I plan on completely disabling the data transfer on this phone, so I won't be paying anything for that aspect actually. The short version of the story was my old phone died and I was able to get a Vogue for a reasonable price without extending my contract. Unfortunately adding a data plan is not an option for me currently. I don't really need the weather screen, just wondering if it'd function. Guess not. Can it be disabled or not shown? My primary reasons for getting this phone were really its hackability and being able to use GPS without a data plan (using Tomtom and a memory card). I'm not sure about the Opal, but an unlocked Diamond will surely cost three times what I paid for my Vogue.
In any case, do you know the answer to the ActiveSync part of my previous question? I did order an 8GB Sandisk with a USB adapter/reader, so if I have to I can transfer files directly from my PC, but it'd be easier to do it directly through an interface to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tranferring a lot of data, sync the card directly through the PC, it will literally be about 10x faster. But, sync all your music files through the device with WMP. Syncing this way will add all the album covers and info, as long as it's on your PC, for use with an app like S2P.
Thanks for the advice. Ironically, music is what will be filling most of the card. When you say sync the music through WMP, how exactly is that done? If there's a faq or sticky on that I'd be glad to hit the books and stop asking questions. Would I need to have the music files in my Windows Media Player library on my PC and somehow synchronize my library on the Touch? I'm really not familiar with the concept of ActiveSync at all.
Edit: Oh, and one last question.. what is S2P?
bogus83 said:
Thanks for the advice. Ironically, music is what will be filling most of the card. When you say sync the music through WMP, how exactly is that done? If there's a faq or sticky on that I'd be glad to hit the books and stop asking questions. Would I need to have the music files in my Windows Media Player library on my PC and somehow synchronize my library on the Touch? I'm really not familiar with the concept of ActiveSync at all.
Edit: Oh, and one last question.. what is S2P?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Search for S2P, you're in for a REAL treat. It's part of A_C's slide suite, S2U2 - Slide to Unlock screen locker, like the iP***e, S2V - Slide to View, nice photo browser, and S2P - Slide to Play, just a real kick ass music player ! Unfortunately, there are some sites out there selling his work, so all development has come to a stop. But, be sure to check them out.
Anyways, ActiveSync (XP) , or Windows Mobile Device Center (Vista), primarily is the tool to sync your PIM data, like calendar and contacts, with Outlook. Once your setup with AS or WMDC, open WMP, and open the sync tab. Make sure you only setup the SD card, otherwise when you open your library, only in WMP on the device, it will default to the device memory, kind of a pain.
I personally setup Auto Playlists, so my lists are always updated, something like, "Recently Added", or "Top Rated." When you setup the device, I suggest setting it to auto sync on connect, then all your ratings and play counts are always updated. Then choose your personal playlists, otherwise all your pics and vids will be converted and synced.
Also, if your like me, organize everything neatly. All my track names, artisit, album names, etc are filled in so searching for music is easy. If you use S2P, you may want to make sure the file names make some sort of sense, because in S2P you browse by file name.
Bottom line, if your PC's library is organized well, it will be transferred that way, making listening to music much more enjoyable.
bogus83 said:
My primary reasons for getting this phone were really its hackability and being able to use GPS without a data plan (using Tomtom and a memory card).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to thread jack, but i thought that you still would need a data plan for the gps to work? or is the gps antenna still in the phone unlike the wifi antenna?
Awesome, that'll work perfectly. And, I just did a bit of reading on WMDC, looks like it allows data connections to be shared with the mobile device too, which means I could dock my phone in the morning at home and download things like Email and weather, and again when I get to work. Can you save email replies while the phone is "offline" (not connected to data) and have them send when the phone is sync'd again? If so it sounds like the only thing I'd be missing on the phone would be the ability to surf the net or email when I'm not at home or at the office... which is OK with me.
I promise that's my last question for now, at least until I get my phone and start working on it. I wish there was some kind of "rep" system on this board- you've been extremely helpful tonight. Thanks!
hockeyizlife94 said:
not to thread jack, but i thought that you still would need a data plan for the gps to work? or is the gps antenna still in the phone unlike the wifi antenna?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand you can use GPS with a navigation application such as Tomtom Navigator, which stores all of its maps on your memory card. It simply uses the GPS to update your present location. At least I certainly hope that's the case. TheChamp or anyone else watching this thread, please feel free to confirm or deny what I've suggested.
Update: This is the thread that gave me that impression. I may try the "offline Google Map" bit too, although I prefer the 3D navigation view. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=402069&highlight=GPS+data
that sounds like it could be right, but im wondering how big of a file the gps maps would be now.
Approximately 847MB for the United States and Canada. I don't plan on going to Mexico anytime soon, so I think that'll do. And while it's not exactly a tiny amount, it's certainly an acceptable size considering I'll be working with an 8GB memory card.
nice, i dunno if you got started on it yet but heres a link i found and from what everyone is saying it works great...let me know how it goes..
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=24925
Well, I lied. I do have one more question for TheChamp or someone else "in the know." In a related guide to installing Rev.A/GPS, it mentions that "you cannot take calls while connected to GPS."
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=24979
Keep in mind, you will NOT be able to receive calls or text messages while GPS is active. This is a known bug and to date there is not known fix. It is just something we all have to deal with until someone figures out the missing link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(From the GPS How To section)
Is this true? That sounds like a severe limitation. If I'm going on a four hour road trip (which I frequently do for work) I don't want to have to pick between GPS and being able to speak with people. Ouch.
Where to begin !
hockeyizlife94 said:
not to thread jack, but i thought that you still would need a data plan for the gps to work? or is the gps antenna still in the phone unlike the wifi antenna?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bogus83 said:
From what I understand you can use GPS with a navigation application such as Tomtom Navigator, which stores all of its maps on your memory card. It simply uses the GPS to update your present location. At least I certainly hope that's the case. TheChamp or anyone else watching this thread, please feel free to confirm or deny what I've suggested.
Update: This is the thread that gave me that impression. I may try the "offline Google Map" bit too, although I prefer the 3D navigation view. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=402069&highlight=GPS+data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the unlimited plan, so personally I pay no attention to this matter. But, the GPS and data connection are two different aspects. The GPS is like Wi-Fi, in the sense that it operates seperately. The GPS antenna will pick up the sat signals, and the only time I've seen a data connection initiated is when the map images were refreshed. So an app like TomTom with predefined maps should work, since it's simply pin-pointing coordinates to the map.
bogus83 said:
Awesome, that'll work perfectly. And, I just did a bit of reading on WMDC, looks like it allows data connections to be shared with the mobile device too, which means I could dock my phone in the morning at home and download things like Email and weather, and again when I get to work. Can you save email replies while the phone is "offline" (not connected to data) and have them send when the phone is sync'd again? If so it sounds like the only thing I'd be missing on the phone would be the ability to surf the net or email when I'm not at home or at the office... which is OK with me.
I promise that's my last question for now, at least until I get my phone and start working on it. I wish there was some kind of "rep" system on this board- you've been extremely helpful tonight. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this will work for everything! If you use Outlook, then you can sync your emails through WMDC and it will exchange the emails upon sync. The only downside, when you type up an email in the morning, it won't be sent until your next sync, but it works. Also, there are some apps, like Spb Insight (RSS reader), that will refresh content on sync/dock, makes good for refreshing headlines for the day.
Don't worry about the question! There is plenty to learn here, just be sure to ask in the right areas.
bogus83 said:
Well, I lied. I do have one more question for TheChamp or someone else "in the know." In a related guide to installing Rev.A/GPS, it mentions that "you cannot take calls while connected to GPS."
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=24979
(From the GPS How To section)
Is this true? That sounds like a severe limitation. If I'm going on a four hour road trip (which I frequently do for work) I don't want to have to pick between GPS and being able to speak with people. Ouch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first, it seemed logical, since the GPS is enabled on the radio flash, which does affect the phone connection, but I had to test! I never noticed this problem, and from my test, NO problem woooohooooo !
I had six sats connected, called myself from my land line, recieved the call as usual, hung up, and still had all six sats running, not to mention, while obtaining a fix I was recieving email. So, should be good to go with this!
Confirmed: GPS does work on the Sprint Vogue without a data plan, AND can take/make calls at the same time. Interestingly, the first two times I got a lock it took 10-15 minutes. Every time since it's been anywhere from 1-5 minutes, usually closer to two or three. Can't complain about that! I wrote up my entire process, in case anyone has been following this thread. It wasn't very difficult but did involve a fair amount of research before acting, so if you're going to retrace my steps READ THE DIRECTIONS ON EACH PAGE please, so you don't brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2670205&postcount=7
You don't need the data plan to use GPS, HOWEVER if you want to use mapping software you'll have to use the standalone apps like TomTom that store maps on a data card.
With the data plan you can use apps like Windows Live Search and Google Maps that download "live" maps as you cruise.
Both have their advantages. I especially like Google Maps satellite view.
Yup. I've been using Tomtom Navigator, which stores the maps on my MicroSDHC card. It doesn't have satellite view, but it does 2D/3D which is good enough for me.

Store Google Maps locally

Hey guys,
wondering if there is a way to store the map data locally?
This way I dont need to always use the wireless connection to get maps on the run, and im sure it would speed up the application too.
Of course i dont expect to store the whole world, just my city. Is there a method to do this?
tia!
sephstyler said:
Hey guys,
wondering if there is a way to store the map data locally?
This way I dont need to always use the wireless connection to get maps on the run, and im sure it would speed up the application too.
Of course i dont expect to store the whole world, just my city. Is there a method to do this?
tia!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made myself a simple workaround - just make screenshots!
gpsVP
This is what the open source project gpsVP is all about.
http://code.google.com/p/gpsvp/
Code is free, and there is ateam working on enhancements.
I have had it running on the X1 for past week. Works great.
I have tried both Google and MS map caching. Not Openstreet yet.
In addition I created my own raster map using Mapcruncher to calibrate coords.
It take s a bit of getting used to, as user documentation is catching up.
You can seed the cache while connected to PC/Landline. Starting at the most zoomed-in level you want, the app will automatically download the higher levels maps.
Hi,
Nowadays I'm testing this one:
http://terracrosser.com/
This program has two parts:
- Mapper.exe
You have to copy it to the PC and it allow to select an area at gooblemaps or yahoomaps and tke zoom levels.
It dowloads the images with the size you have selected and at the end compress them in 1 file (that you have to copy to the PDA​
- Terracrosser itself: for the PDA.
This is not a navigation program. It show in the photo or map image where you are.
The speed is not very fast, development is in progress. Also depends in how many maps have you download and the resolution of them.
Nice program and very, very nice downloader. Very simple.
I use NoniGPSPlot (http://aeguerre.free.fr/Public/PocketPC/NoniGPSPlot/EN/index.php) it's free (I donated though for the extra features & because it's awsome) and there's a free map downloading app that lets you cache maps from google, yahoo, live and openmap, builds the image (or slices to help with memory usage) at whatever zoom level you want. You just then load them into NoniGPSPlot and you've got the ultimate GPS tool, with no data connection required.
I mostly use it to log walks for Geotagging my photographs. I can download maps with footpaths on so I can plan in advance a route, the dog gets a good walk, I get some good shots and can geotag them later in lightroom, and we never get lost!

Best Nav software?

Any opinions on the best navigation software for our phones (that DOESN'T) require a monthly subscription? I looked at the TomTom software but they apparently don't have any maps available for the United States that I can find. I have Bing and Google Maps but those both require a data connection. They also don't provide turn by turn voice guidance or follow along with you very well or dynamically reroute you.
shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.
xredjokerx said:
shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.
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No, not all turn-by-turn apps have data usage, for example Tomtom does not use data.
Have you considered CoPilot 8?
There are plenty of different software packages you can use; just to mention TomTom, iGO8 etc.
CoPilot 8 is a very good package, especially given its low cost. It includes all maps for North America, and doesn't require a data connection while running (but can use one if you choose the Live services add-on to get traffic/gas price updates).
Data usage is used in two ways.
To update the maps as you move along (google etc), or to give live info (traffic reports etc)
MOST of the purchased gps software will include the full maps to the location you buy it, and will only need data if you want live traffic etc.
Some of the more common gps apps are, TomTom, Garmin, iGo8, CoPilot 8
i personally use iGo8 in europe and love it.
Copilot is great
I have used copilot before on both Windows Mobile and Android. Right now its only $20 on their site and that includes the maps so you don't have to have a data connection. I have tried a bunch of nav solutions and this one is probably the best for overall functionality and price.
I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.
I'm happy with Copilot, routing is fast and accurate.
However voice warnings are terrible. They are slow, and usually late. I miss Garmin on that front.
I like just google maps............. however i also have tom tom installed............. install this, then during install you will be automaticly promted to download your 1 free city during the install...... yeah, i cant find anything online from them either. Well, I couldn't attach it here, guess it was too big. It's on here somewhere the file name is... QM_TomTom_Navigator_7.916.9189.1_VGA
intothevoid said:
I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.
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Thanks.
To clarify, I don't mind if it uses data, I have unlimited data, I just don't want data to be REQUIRED for it to work. Actually, I wouldn't even care so much about that, AT&T's data coverage is okay if you will accept EDGE. I just want the voice turn by turn directions.
One other caveat, it has to be able to run from my existing microSD card. I don't care if I have to hack it or whatever, I just need it to run from my existing card with my music, etc on it. I looked at the Garmin, but you had to use only their card apparently. :-/
i use google maps for finding places and stuff. but it still doesnt have turn by turn. if it did i would probably use that. but for that i use garmin. been using it for quite some time. its the best looking and probably the most user friendly of the nav software. the gas prices feature is fantastic. but if you dont have the money you could go for something like copiolot. i havent used it though.
I have tried TomTom, Copilot and iGo in the past and have landed on iGo as my firm favorite
I am a Garmin fan. I have used various garmin devices on my motorcycles for many years. For my PDA, years ago I got a bundle with a bluetooth GPS and TomTom. Hated it. Recently, I got achance to try the Garmin XT software. Didn't care for it either.
I would like a chance to try out the iGo software. It can't be any worse, and can be found fairly cheap.
For now I use Google or Bing most of the time. I don't need the voice prompts.
Does anyone here have the navipanel from the leo?
For the life of me, I can't understand all the love for CoPilot. I bought it on Christmas day for $19. I feel swindled.
1. The primary function of navigation software is 'navigation'. This is pretty much impossible when you're working with anchient maps. I live in a city of 2+ million and my neighborhood is 7-8 years old. My neighborhood is not in CoPilot's maps...
2. The app is buggy. If I do an online update through the app, I get an error that tells me that the POI database does not match the online database. THey have POI's that don't have corresponding streets. If you tell it to create a route between to streetless POI's it draws a straight line, which is laughable...
3. The Copilot central app is extremely buggy and the gui is terrible. First, it doesn't support netbook resolution of 1024x600. Second, the application update function doesn't work. I know there is a more current version of the app out there (I have 8.0.0.346), but CoPilot central will not show me the update. Third, the map update dated Dec 29 hangs the app upon launch. All of this is from a stock t-mo rom after hard reset and format of SD card.
4. SUpport from ALK is somthing that you would expect from a company 7-8 years ago. there is no forum or searchable knowledgebase. You can submit trouble tickets, but I have yet to receive an acknowledgment of my map update request. Apparently they will add my address in 45 days, but I have serious doubts this will happen because of all of the missing roads in my neighborhood.
5. Features advertised on ALK's website are not present in my version of the app.
I could go on an on. To sum up... CoPilot is a POS, and I encourage everyone to stay away!!!
Copilot Live
I have recently switched to copilot live 8 from OCN 8.3. I find that the maps on Copilot 8 are current in my area (roads finished last year are included). I can confirm that the Copilot central software does not work on a netbook but is fine on other machines.
I have not run into the bugs mentioned above but I will update if I do. As far as the features go the software is a couple of months old. I consider it a bonus that I can purchase for $20 and upgrade only thoes features I care about.
When it comes down to it my switch was for 2 reasons. I can use my own SD card and I can get live traffic updates. OCN does not support traffic in the US and is limited to an 8 gb card.
tomtom is the simplest and the easiest to use.. there are maps for the usa.... i am currently using one that is the usa and canada together.. tomtom pics some crazy routes sometimes... but its easy to pick another..
garmin is ok... but not very customizable... hope you like the way it looks, cuz youre pretty much stuck with it... the way you add the maps is cool... you pick the states you want... so you dont have to fill up your card with stuff you dont want... im not inpressed with the way you have to enter address in this one..
igo in my opinion is the best... if you get tts voices for it, it will say the street names.. it shows the buildings if youre in a big enough city... and the 3d effect is pretty nice... it also lets you know what lane to be in on the highway and it shows you the signs you will see on the road.. the biggest drawback for this one for me is the load time...
i have never tried copilot so i cannot rank that one... hope that helps
Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...
sixsevenco said:
Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...
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according to http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/eng/where_to_buy you are correct.

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