Database Info

may I ask for some guidance?

so if you have been following my previous shortcomings with gps on my touch pro, i have returned igo8, after the tech person at the store tried as many ways as he could to get it to work, and finally came to the conclusion that there was no way for it to work.
I would like to somehow have maps on my phone, since i am in a new city and need direction. I dont have a data plan, as i am on pay as you go for the moment. from what i gather, i can download the maps to an sd card, and be able to see them on my phone, but im not sure what i have to download.
My question is, where can i download european or even world maps, to view on my touch pro, and if possible use gps with this application.
i understand that with a data plan i can use google maps, but what are my options at this point?
thanks again, and i promise as soon as this issue is resolved ill stop posting these , what may be to you, remedial questions.
hope to hear.

where i'm at tomtom is the thing really
but otherwise you can look at this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=420418&highlight=gps+maps

Google Maps is freeware. It not only connects to GPS satelites for accurate travel info. But even better, when traveling through the middle of no where, your system's cell phone signal (usually GPRS at this point) keeps you in the "general area". I am very satisfied with Google Maps, and since I have Garmins in all of my vehicles, I can say it is rather accurate.
Makes it perfect for when I travel for business!!!

Igo8 works perfectly on the TP but it has to be on one of the most recent updates of the software.
Have you tried searching this forum for threads dealing with Igo8? You should find most of the answers you need.
Alternatively, TT7 works fine, provided that you have made the registry changes to prevent GPS lag.

[REQ] Google Maps offline

Hi,
as I don't have mobile internet flat, but the manila contact tab does link someone's adress just to google maps,
I wondered whether there is some kind of offline google maps -
not satellite pics, just map and the ability to just download what you need ;-)
I found several applications, but just for other OS, not win-mo:
http://www.symbian60.mobi/2008/03/17/google-maps-karten-offline-benutzen/ (German, but you can use translators..)
http://www.joesonic.com/blog/2008/04/14/google-maps-offline-for-iphone/
http://www.mgmaps.com/cache/
best regards,
Buembel
P.s.: it would also be ok if someone found out how to link these adresses with another program as tomtom ;-)

mgmaps is actually java. there's a detailed tutorial on how to get it to work in winmo and how to download maps. It's a tedious process imo and it too kme something like weeks to finish downloading all road maps (with zoom up till level 18) for Singapore which is a very small country and not to mention when roads do change and you need to go though the whole process again?
It's gonna be wayy easier to use vector drawn maps like garmin or tom tom.

Yeah, just go with TomTom, iGO, etc.. Storing the Google Map data would take a LOT of storage space.

Hi folks,
Sorry if this sounds a bit rude Lately I have been seeing a lot of responses which digress from the intial post!
In this particular post, Buembel is asking for an offline Google Map solution. I am sure if he wanted TomTom, IGO, etc, he would have asked for GPS navigation.
The poster even went to the extent of doing some research on the topic and gave relevant links.
If anyone can help him in the quest, do so, else PLEASE DO NOT reply with other stuff.
Now coming back to the original post. Can anyone help port these apps for Windows Mobile?

MGMaps is not bad at all. It all depends on how much of the map and zoom levels you want for offline viewing. I build multiple cities with a 14-17 zoom. Play with it a little and you will get a hang of it. Between these 3 links I think you should get a fair idea of how to use it
http://forum.mgmaps.com/viewtopic.php?t=1816
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351001
http://forum.mgmaps.com/viewtopic.php?p=9929

It would take an incredible amount of memory to store all of GoogleMaps maps onto the phones device memory.and that the only way you gonna access it off line, like in garmin or tomtom you have to actually save the maps to your phone or SDcard memory.

Even then, using a third party solution (i.e. mgmaps) doesn't provide the Manila link-in the OP clearly referenced.

run.gps gives you the option of specifying a directory to download maps, but I couldn't figure out how to use the onboard maps instead of the internet.
Of course, I didn't spend much time reading, either.
JJ

you can try this program:
http://www.terracrosser.com/
You download on your PC home maps that interest you, move on to the ppc and see offline using the integrated gps of the phone.
I have used in different circumstances and for me it's ok.

Moved to Questions & Answers, as this is not software currently in development.

I have tried mgmaps but they didn't work well on my VGA screen. Terracrosser is quite tedious for me so I uninstalled it. looking forward to have a similar for myself as well.

rspillo said:
you can try this program:
http://www.terracrosser.com/
You download on your PC home maps that interest you, move on to the ppc and see offline using the integrated gps of the phone.
I have used in different circumstances and for me it's ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks good. I'll play with it over the weekend.
JJ

I've never tried it but OSMTracker will download tiles from OpenStreetMap.com for offline use.
PDA Tilemanager could be used in conjuction with this to make the downloading quicker and easier.

I downloaded terracrosser and am downloading zoom levels 17/18/19 for Branson, MO. It will be nearly 10GB of and 350000 (yes 350 thousand) images.
JJ

Tracky and do what you want and currently it is available for 20% discount

why is it that when I click on terracrosser on my phone it never loads it? I soft reset many times, no idea what going on. I have installed many apps but this has never happened.
Any ideas?

It loads on my htc diamond, but it's very slow. If I remember correctly, I had to soft reset to close it.
JJ

Google Maps good enough as GPS?

My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?

Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens when you're lost somewhere and can't get a 2G/3G signal??

well , a full featured Navigation system will provide a lot of extra features, and is usually faster - unless you have HSDPA
just compare them (youtube videos) with google maps and youll see the differnce

cencored said:
My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.

WMguy said:
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto! No need for anything else.

I think it depends on the region of the world you are travelling in.
Google maps is totally useless here in Japan, and it has limited use in Europe (my opinion) while in US it might replace TomTom or Garmin or ...
I needed Garmin and a special map for Japan, because with Google there is no routing possible here.

Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?

mrmckeb said:
Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.

I'm using Garmin XT and it's much faster (significantly less lag) than Google Maps with 3G...

I have to agree that Google Maps is superb, with its satellite and street views. But, is the TD2 3G radio in combination with a typical network really good enough for serious standalone GPS replacement?
Even in London there are very many weak coverage spots where data transfer hardly works (unless you're willing to hold the phone high in the air, not a "cool" sight!). In the countryside there are huge regions with very little 3G coverage and minimal 2G coverage.

For walking Google Maps is fine, you've got plenty of time to look at it and decide where you want to go, but for driving Google Maps it too slow, as it has to update the maps via download and too small a view to be glanced at while driving, all the dedicated SatNav Driving programs are fast, don't reply on a data connection (which will drop out) and give big clear directions which you only have to glance at, and not take your eyes off the road for too long.

Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??

cencored said:
Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you? For Asia there is not a lot of possibilities. MapKing is one, GarminXT with some special local maps (in english) the other.

harolds said:
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Google Maps when you are abroad could be a real pain unless you buy local SIM Card .

Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.

TyKH said:
Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree with u there, tried using it once in a car and got completely lost. you need TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS FOR IT TO WORK AS A NAVIGATION SYSTEM.

Google Navigator
Have a look at Google Navigator. It solves the problems mentioned above:
you can go online _or_ download a map for a region before starting your trip.
cu
André

Looking for a geocaching app

Because simply put, the $11 geocaching app is kinda crap. I'd like to have an overlay on the stock 'maps' app that'll show me the nearby ones, so I can do more than one at a time. Kind of a pain in the arse to do it their way.
www(DOT)geocaching(DOT)com/map/default(DOT)aspx?lat=47.12304&lng=-122.3156
They have a google map available, even. They're not opposed to google integration, they're just a little bastardly about everything.
Help?

c:geo is the answer, it's in the market.

NerfJihad said:
Because simply put, the $11 geocaching app is kinda crap. I'd like to have an overlay on the stock 'maps' app that'll show me the nearby ones, so I can do more than one at a time. Kind of a pain in the arse to do it their way.
www(DOT)geocaching(DOT)com/map/default(DOT)aspx?lat=47.12304&lng=-122.3156
They have a google map available, even. They're not opposed to google integration, they're just a little bastardly about everything.
Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
c:geo has some uses, but IMO it's too slow to load data (online or GPX) and its main usefulness is if you're caching in an area which you don't already have a Pocket Query for, or for a brand new just published cache you don't have a PQ for.. So for those times I keep it on hand.
My actual caching program is GeOrg. It's $6 but it's well worth it. It's fast as lightning loading GPX, it doesn't slow down when you have 500 or even 1500 entries in a database, you can have many databases to separate out data, and it has great tools built into it, great Maps integration to navigate inside the client, compass is great, and it also has great integration with Google Maps to navigate using the old school 2d overview or using Google Navigator.
FYI for my usage, I tend to make a database per PQ because then I know which to load based on where I am and there's less to scroll through, but you could as easily load all of your PQs into the same DB. I went somewhere over a weekend and loaded up 2300 caches in one DB and there was no noticeable slowdown.
AND... If you load your PQs into bcaching, there is a connector there which you can use to access, so if you really want online on the fly without having GPX on the device you can do it that way OR if you can compile yourself, he provides a completely ready to compile project for a connector directly to geocaching.org to load data directly from their databases, but he won't provide it in binary/apk form to comply with their rules. Either way is still faster than c:geo
And you can of course log or create field notes in the app. There are also some useful solvers built in, you can create waypoints, do offsets (waypoint projection), store databases in internal storage or on SD card, etc.. He also has plans to support Bluetooth GPS directly in his app in the future, but I've found Bluetooth GPS Provider works great for that for increased accuracy and sensitivity vs the internal GPS in my Nexus One.
BTW, I use Tasker to get PQ's onto my phone, but you could do it any number of ways. You could save them from email or whatever works best for you. I've had a system for about 5 years where all of my PQ's arrive at my server and are digested and placed into one central zip file so I download that one file for my "local area" and that's what I typically import when I update the database when going out caching, and I have a larger zip file which contains all the other PQ's that I update when I go to one of those locations. GeOrg can update directly from the zip, or you can point it right at a gpx.
If you're at all serious about Geocaching, GeOrg is the way to go.

If you don't have a premium membership I'd also suggest to use "c:geo" - its free and not that slow as it sounds in khaytsus' post and it provides all the important features, but more userfriendly (my opinion) than "geOrg".
I use it mostly for paperless caching even with parallel use of my Oregon device for exact navigation. But i don't have a pm and the original gc-app is crap (just my opinion, too).
c:geo has an builtin compass as well and uses the google maps client/navigator for map and navigation. It can store caches including notes and waypoints offline, can calculate waypoints ("waypoint projection") and log founds online.
The most awesome feature is the "livemap": it shows the immediate environs around your position with all known caches - with their types and if they're deactivated or not. This map follows your movements, which is interesting for caching tours by car or bike...
The author of the app is providing fixes very fast, sometimes maybe too often, but everytime when it's necessary.
I've tried "Columbus" as well, but it didn't fit my needs and i've found it not as clear as c:geo. But it's worth to try it, too...

so... it has a localized map of geocaches in your surrounding area that'll respond to basic 'zoom' commands, so I can just wander around while bored and do some caches?
...Looking at it, yes. Yes it does. God I love you guys.
I don't have a premium account. Would that prevent the awesomeness that it is from working?
I ask because I'm a tool and I bought the $11 geocaching app thinking it'd add a layer on maps...

khaytsus said:
My actual caching program is GeOrg. It's $6 but it's well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree. GeOrg is the best.

sorry man can't help u

mcfisch said:
If you don't have a premium membership I'd also suggest to use "c:geo" - its free and not that slow as it sounds in khaytsus' post and it provides all the important features, but more userfriendly (my opinion) than "geOrg".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's free, and in this scenario, so is Geocaching.org, since you don't have a premium membership. Way to leach.
mcfisch said:
c:geo has an builtin compass as well and uses the google maps client/navigator for map and navigation. It can store caches including notes and waypoints offline, can calculate waypoints ("waypoint projection") and log founds online.
The most awesome feature is the "livemap": it shows the immediate environs around your position with all known caches - with their types and if they're deactivated or not. This map follows your movements, which is interesting for caching tours by car or bike...
The author of the app is providing fixes very fast, sometimes maybe too often, but everytime when it's necessary.
I've tried "Columbus" as well, but it didn't fit my needs and i've found it not as clear as c:geo. But it's worth to try it, too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that applies to GeOrg, as I already said But it's much faster. You can not compare the speed at which GeOrg imports GPX vs c:geo importing GPX. Nor can you compare the speed at which GeOrg loads details vs the c:geo load details for nearby caches. Live map functionality is pretty similar, the only difference is that GeOrg doesn't directly provide a feed from geocaching.org since it violates their Terms of Service. They do directly provide a bcaching feed which is pretty much the same. Personally I am a Premium Member so I have GPX and can load up the local caches and go in seconds.

For people who also use GSAK there is a new free app: GDAK on the market.

GeoTag
I noticed that this is an old thread, but for people who are still interested:
I use GeoTag which I took off my SE X10i Mini, a bit of searching will lead you to it.
It looks like google maps with minature versions of your geotagged images overlayed and you can select them to view in gallery
Works good for me but each to thier own!!! )

khaytsus said:
It's free, and in this scenario, so is Geocaching.org, since you don't have a premium membership. Way to leach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps people want to participate in this hobby without paying a membership. Why should one website have a monopoly on an international hobby?

You don't have to pay!

Just as a note, because it was not mentioned yet...
Did anyone try the combination c:geo and Locus? Perfect for offline caching!!!
Cheers

berkley said:
Just as a note, because it was not mentioned yet...
Did anyone try the combination c:geo and Locus? Perfect for offline caching!!!
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Nothing beats C:GEO. The responsiveness of the dev is amazing. Best app on the market, hands down.

LexusBrian400 said:
Agreed. Nothing beats C:GEO. The responsiveness of the dev is amazing. Best app on the market, hands down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has to be responsive, he's scraping data and Geocaching.com breaks that every time they update...
Shame that loading GPX data into c:geo wasn't more responsive.
I'll stick with GeOrg, it's extremely fast, flexible, has a LOT more tools for hunting and placing caches built into it, and as I've already mentioned can do On The Fly caching just like c:Geo if you really want that.

GeOrg will also use Locus maps.

tdusen said:
GeOrg will also use Locus maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that using precached tiles with the Custom Tiilepack map type? Yeah I forgot to mention that, although I use BackCountry Navigator.. Topo and OSM maps, I can't get the sat tiles to view properly, I suspect because they're 512 pixels rather than 256 but not sure.
I need to pester the GeOrg dev about that.

New Google Maps w/ offline maps - pretty underwhelming

Unless I am missing something, the offline maps feature kinda sucks. While yes, you have the pure basic map available to you, that's about it. Things that still require a data connection:
1. Getting directions - i.e. directions from 49th and 7th to Madison Square Garden
2. Navigation - i.e. the GPS navigator app ("turn right," "rerouting," etc.)
3. Non-major landmarks - the NYC map looks downright empty, as we only get street names and major landmarks... I was hoping that we could still see names of buildings/restaurants/shops, maybe even the 3D building outlines
I get that option 3 will require a lot more storage, but seems worth it (or at least provide an option to save that down).
But the lack of offline directions/navigation really limits the utility of offline maps, imo. I understand if directions may require access to the Google servers to generate a path - but clearly standalone GPS units can all do this without cell/WiFi signal. Seems like there should be a way to do this.

Complaining about new features... Amazing.
Here's an idea, instead of complaining about not having certain landmarks while offline in new york, turn your cell phone connection on and have those features...
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

bloodrain954 said:
Complaining about new features... Amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with OP. I don't see any major difference with this offline cache against the samething offered previously. So, it is not a new feature to me.
Here's an idea, instead of complaining about not having certain landmarks while offline in new york, turn your cell phone connection on and have those features...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a clue to you: you landed in a foreign country and you know it will cost you an arm or a leg to turn on the cell phone data connection. Or, in the case of CMDA phones, you may not have connections at all. This is why we need to have offline caching.

I think his gripes are valid. What is the point of an offline map if you can't navigate or get directions? Typically people download maps offline when they know they are going to be traveling through/in an area without a strong data connection.
I had no idea those features didn't work in offline mode and just because the missing features don't impact you doesn't mean others don't have valid reasons for wanting/needing them.

bloodrain954 said:
Complaining about new features... Amazing.
Here's an idea, instead of complaining about not having certain landmarks while offline in new york, turn your cell phone connection on and have those features...
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right. If it's a new feature, it must be flawless, and I must bow down in reverence. I am oh so sorry to offend you.
The point of this thread is to make others aware, see if they agree, if there are other solutions... you know, form a "discussion."
Thanks foxbat and ComposMentis!

neocryte said:
You are right. If it's a new feature, it must be flawless, and I must bow down in reverence. I am oh so sorry to offend you.
The point of this thread is to make others aware, see if they agree, if there are other solutions... you know, form a "discussion."
Thanks foxbat and ComposMentis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disagreeing and debating is a form of "discussion". What's the point of talking about anything if everyone agrees with you?

Agree with you, no major changes. Offline navi and directions a must!

Super disappointing. I'm not sure why google falls down so badly sometimes.

Well, when I read the google map change, it simply say that map can be downloaded for offline caching. Nowhere does it says it allow for offline search, direction and such.
Yes, does feature have been long time requested and google announce it was coming soon, but one feature like this, as easy as it might seems, can be very hard to implement on a system that wasn't made for it. Having the map offline (for reel now, not those 10 parts max download) is a step in the right direction. Remember when they decided that the map would "fade out" when you are on a long stretch that doesn't have any new information to sa battery? Lots of people requested it's removal or at least an option to toggle it. The feature was made available in a menu like 10 updates later. It's not 1 dev team that's doing everything from google map, google navigation to google itself, where it is the central of all maps query and database.

Unless you can download much, much larger areas at a time, navigation offline will never work. It has to pick directions based on the entire map and all possible routes. Navigation as it stands, im fairly certain, sends requests to google's servers for them to calculate and give back results. Eventually this may be ported to the OS itself as voice diction is now in JB, but as it stands, it requires an internet connection.

new maps suck! before, you could enable precaching in labs and get up to 10 areas downloaded, but now it only works in USA and UK!
and I live in Narnia again -.-

I am not even able to get a large area 2 hours away about 100 miles, would be nice if you could choose the size it could use., or something like this map will be approximately blah blah mb. Do you agree... And offline directions would be really the only reason to use offline, can't think of much more to use it for. I live in an area that has fauxG (hspa+) but 15 min in all directions I'm stuck to edge for the whole area until greenbay, or lower michigan. So having a large area available offline would be nice. Good idea, but bad implementation.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Seeing as they are slowly upgrading a free service, I think the update is just fine...
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium

Used to be able to cache all over the world. Now it's just N. America and UK I guess. Sucks for me

raikesy said:
Seeing as they are slowly upgrading a free service, I think the update is just fine...
Sent from my HTC One S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Google Maps gives us Navigation, Places, Traffic, Transit, etc., all for free and they all work pretty well. I'm sure Google is going to enhance the feature soon enough.
I feel they wanted to shed the "Beta" tag ahead of Apple releasing their mapping application but it was probably still too soon.

Used offline mode in SanFran this last week, has just the info it needs, worked great.

which app would provide these features since google doesn't? Nav has become very important to me recently.

Gave it a test on the way to the cities this weekend... Its functional and doesn't appear to need 2-3gb of data like the TomTom app needs...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

ThisWasATriumph said:
Unless you can download much, much larger areas at a time, navigation offline will never work. It has to pick directions based on the entire map and all possible routes. Navigation as it stands, im fairly certain, sends requests to google's servers for them to calculate and give back results. Eventually this may be ported to the OS itself as voice diction is now in JB, but as it stands, it requires an internet connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just wondering how Nokia Maps on Windows Phone OS can do true offline turn-by-turn navigation, and Google Maps cannot. Nokia Maps has had this feature for about 2 or 3 years at least.

trace1er said:
I'm just wondering how Nokia Maps on Windows Phone OS can do true offline turn-by-turn navigation, and Google Maps cannot. Nokia Maps has had this feature for about 2 or 3 years at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all comes up to $$$. Map data is expensive to license. There are only two map data providers in the world: Tele Atlas (now owned by TomTom) and NavTeq (now owned by Nokia). License terms dictate what Google can do and can't do. For example, Microsoft's Bing Maps on WP7 can't even do what Google Nav can do today.
Nokia Maps are only allowed to work on Nokia phones.