Good Topographical Mapping? - Nexus One Themes and Apps

I use to have a Garmin 3600 Palm/GPS combo. One of the coolest things I found was the ability to download raw data from USGS and create my own Topo maps for different areas I wanted to explore. (You could also spend $120 and get some pretty good ones from Garmin).
The GPS on my Nexus One locks faster than any GPS device I've ever used. I was wondering if anyone has experience with good GPS applications. I'm thinking outdoorsy, not road navigation. How about the ability to create and use my own maps? I want something that works even when (or especially) when there's no data/cell service available.

Another thing, why the hell don't we have google earth? In the desktop application you can use alternate map sources, and I think this would be perfect. I sure the hell won't use all my 16GB of card space on music and videos...

That was my response. Google Earth. I think they demoed as much in the N1 press conference.

Update
In case anyone else was interested in this:Just downloaded Trimble Outdoors from the Market. Cost $10.
Looks to have some good features and topo maps can be cached for offline use to the SDcard. I was checking out the topo maps for the area around my house, and it looks like they are using USFS maps from the 1950s or 1960s. There are a number of trails and roads missing, but it's definitely better than nothing. I think I'll contact the developer to see if it would be possible in a future release for loading my own maps.

Related

Best GPS Map Performance?

I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK
The mapping software you've listed cannot be compared. Live search and google are good places to find businesses and services as well as see movie listings gas prices and even street views now. TT, garmin, IGO are there to give you specific instructions how to get to addresses or coordinates eliminating the need for internet service by having pre loaded maps.
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of a way to get iGo to give you routes like Garmin?
If I try to route the 5 hour trip to my parent's house, Garmin will give me a logical route with the shortest time. iGo will give me a route that it says will take an hour longer and take me out of the way.
Oddly enough, iGo's route is the same that Google Maps shows, even though the Garmin one is supposed to be the fastest time.
And I've tried both the Fastest route and Shortest route.
I love iGo, but I'm not 100% sure about its routing.
Have you tried out igo's and/or Garmin's suggested route? I'm sure you know how to get to your destination w/o gps--but sometimes Igo does make sense...which one do you find most logical? With regards to the time differences, how current are both of your maps? That may make a difference.
Odd story of mine, googled how to get from No. VA to Niagara falls. It set out a nice interstate route that would most be described as a half moon...Igo plotted a straight route all the way (yes...even through the boondocks) with the same time estimate. Tried one going up, the other coming down...and no differences in est. arrival time! I swore that my interstate 85mph travel would get me there faster...the Cletus way worked just as well...
Well unfortunately neither one of them do the complete interstate route since it supposedly takes 10-15 minutes longer (since you go further out of the way), but its an easier drive.
I guess both make sense, and they might be close in times, but I don't know how the ETA can be so different unless iGo adds in something that Garmin doesn't.
The only way that route should take 6+ hours is with stops for gas and stops. iGo doesn't estimate how many times you need to stop for gas does it? lol
I might try it again next time I go there (at the end of the month) and switch between the two and see what happens.
EDIT: Both apps use the latest Navteq maps (same version).
Great response! I'll try Igo8 as soon as my Raph/Fuze lands!
Sweeney Russ: As you point out the software I ask about is definitely not the same. But since my current Wizard doesn't have GPS I'm limited in what I can use with just the internet connection. Can't wait to try out a real GPS solution and it sounds like Igo will be the one to get first.
Thanks all for your replies!
Has anyone come across a free GPS program that caters to hiking/raster/ortho imagery?
I was using my Tilt for hiking tips but roads are not really necessary. Is anyone using ESRI ArcPad on their Fuze? I was using it on my Tilt (30 day trial) and created a few good road maps, but noticed the Fuze has trouble finding the GPS receiver through ArcPad and the app doesn't fit entirely on the screen as it did with my old Tilt.
telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.
Hi guys,
I just got my FUZE on Friday, and spent the last 4 days setting it up! It's almost done! What an incredible machine!!
Anyways, I've always used iGuidance to find places. It's worked for me since the first version. I just set it up, and it's working well. The infamous Raph GPS lag has not prevalent over the past few days. It seems to be as good as my TyTN with an external BT receiver.
The maps are extremely accurate, too. There is a new 2009 version that I am curious about.
In any case, I'd love to hear more quick opinions about TomTom, Route66, etc. etc.
As I said, I am quite happy with iGuidance, but am always on the lookout for better warez!
ATT Navigator
ElBorba said:
I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I just got my fuze, and right now there is a 30 day free trial of AT&T Navigator, everytime I have tried to "Speak" just my city and state, Snohomish, WA it tells me I want to go to utah, and finding a store like Fred Meyer just wasn't on there, on a good note when it notices you taking another route off the way, it tends to re-route within seconds, most of the time just telling you to make a U-Turn, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to... I would suggest trying it for the 30 day free trial, but, I am not sure if I want to keep it past the 30 days...
double post
seanvree said:
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run it off internal memory ONLY if you have enough to cover the basic program + map(s)...
Careful with the ***ez...may skate on thin ice...
Skip ATT navigator, no cell signal (dead zones), no location..
Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...
ElBorba said:
Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ,,, the maps are downloaded through the cell towers...you don't have static maps.... It does use the gps...
I use tomtom mobile, great piece of software lots of POIs and options, maps are stored on my sd card which is great I think, they dont take more then 1.3gb. Although tomtom drains my battery pretty good, I dont care since I have a car charger (you can pick one up from ebay for $3.18 or get one in walmart for $9). If you dont care much about piracy I suggest going to demonoid if you have an account and downloading the tomtom and all the directions on how to set it up are included in the torrent.
I use Google Maps what am I missing?
thehyecircus said:
I use Google Maps what am I missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn by turn guidance with tts and a working gps far from cell towers. Also lot more options to plan a trip including simulation.
Well I have 3G service, what programs are good to get? The first one on the page mentioned sounds great, but it also sounds slow and crappy.
For these GPS software with pre-loaded maps, you don't need data connection. I use iGO 8, also tried Garmin Mobile XT. They both work well but iGO has TTS and much better visual. Tomtom comes pre-loaded in some and the software is available for free (I saw some links in this forum), so just buy a map for your country/region and you are good to go.

Something i would like to find (GPS Stuff)

I really like Google maps on my Touch pro. I would really like to find an app that will overlay a speed readout in the corner or someplace un obtrusive, so I can have the maps and get a speed readout. My old motorcycle has a very inaccurate speedo, and it would be nice on rallys.
I have searched for something like this, and I have come up with naught. If anyone knows of such a critter, a hint would be very helpful.
Thanks
Tomtom does that, but of course it doesn't use Google's maps.
Last year I used GPS Cycle Computer in a rally. It's great for real time tracking and logging, but it doesn't show maps.
Tomtom is payware, is it not?
I think the Sprint Navigator does it too, but I am already paying them $150 a month and dont see why they need another $10 for their software.
Garmins have very accurate speed readings, i have never had one problem with anything garmin
Tomtom is free, but you pay for the maps. You get a free city when you download though.

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

GPS app with multiple stops/destinations?

Was wondering if there was a GPS app that allows you to basically plan a route with multiple stops? For example, say my girlfriend wants to go to a bunch of garage sales spread all over the city. Or say I have some items that need to be delivered to various locations through out the city. I want to be able to simply add each address into the app and then have it guide me to each based on location nearest me, then once I've arrived at a location it then guides me to the next stop on the route. I've only really tried google navigator and know it's not a feature of that app as of yet. Anyone know of any that do this, paid or free? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
majik12 said:
Was wondering if there was a GPS app that allows you to basically plan a route with multiple stops? For example, say my girlfriend wants to go to a bunch of garage sales spread all over the city. Or say I have some items that need to be delivered to various locations through out the city. I want to be able to simply add each address into the app and then have it guide me to each based on location nearest me, then once I've arrived at a location it then guides me to the next stop on the route. I've only really tried google navigator and know it's not a feature of that app as of yet. Anyone know of any that do this, paid or free? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technical term: Multi Destination Routing.... You can go for CoPilot, CoPilot also has several features such as fuel prices and multi-destination routing. You can save maps....
. CoPilot’s software works on maps that are downloaded to the SD card on the phone. The larger storage of a SD card allows you to fit the maps for all of North America on the phone. CoPilot also has a nice interface that is easy to use while driving. If you are used to a conventional GPS system like a Garmin, CoPilot is the closest you will come in terms on interface. I also prefer the voice alerts much better on CoPilot than on Google Maps. Copilot does everything you need in a GPS app, even thought it may not include some of the fancier features like Street View.
Pros:
Maps stored on SD card
Live features such as weather, traffic and fuel prices
Most driver rriendly UI
Supports multi-destination routing
Cons:
Price, the app costs $29.99 USD but is only a one time fee
Requires an SD card with at least 2GB of free space
Thanks for the suggestion, that does seem a little pricey but sounds like it's pretty much a full featured GPS and would be worth the money. I'll look into it! Thanks again!!
majik12 said:
Thanks for the suggestion, that does seem a little pricey but sounds like it's pretty much a full featured GPS and would be worth the money. I'll look into it! Thanks again!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was only able to find this with the feature.....
yep...+1 for Copilot....fantastic
sygic as well (my personal fave) - here multiple stops is called an itinerary

copilot vs navigon vs iGo vs Sygic Aura vs ndrive

Which is the best and why?
Please post feature set and what sets it apart from the crowd.
No one?
10char
sygic maps is my fav, supports speed camera warnings and good support, but sgyic aura is smoother fps but might use more battery as it uses 3d but deffo like aura
I only tryed ndrive, its amazing, very acurate and fast! the only thing i didn't like about ndrive was that it always tell's you not too turn at intersections (even in an highway when exist an exit, it tells you tkeet left(so you dont exit)).
didn't try the other tho..
sory for my english
It all depends on what country you are in. Generally, based on my experience in US, I would go with navigon. It shows animated alternate routes at start, it has the best lane assistance and junction view i have ever seen in any device.
The other thing to look for is your device. If you have a low end device, then Navigon will be sluggish, Sygic Aura wont work as it requires 3d acceleration, then you best bet would be co-pilot or i-Go.
I am in the US and am using a samsung galaxy s Vibrant.
I have tried navigon but the position jumps around compared to copilot.
I have heard good reviews of ndrive, sygic, and iGo.
I tried to download the free trial of sygic aura, but found maps needed to be downloaded by the state on the phone itself, which would take a long time. Does anyone know a way to download maps on the pc and transfer to phone?
...........
Has no one used iGo? I found there are 3 versions.
Myway, amigo and motonav. Which is the best?
Copilot my fav one, I'm in the US.
copilot directions are a bit quiet? where are the sound files stored, and is there a way to amplify the directions volume?
A buddy of mine has. Igo gas and I think its great.. I use copilot, I have a garmin and a tomtom.
Copilot needs a serious improvement in the POI department otherwise I'm happy!
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
I'm in UK and use co-pilot. Quite happy with it except the traffic subscription which is basically crap! All it does it tell you "traffic incident reported". You have to manually look at where the traffic incident is, what the incident is, avoid it, etc. I've previously used tomtom for WM and on that traffic was brilliant!
Anybody knows a better navigation system on Android with working traffic updates in UK?
I would LIKE to try Sygic Aura on my Epic (Galaxy S) but just a single small map file for my state alone is taking over 2 hours to download. What a joke! I would need maps for at least 8 states in the U.S. for this to be useful to me, and it would take forever to download them all. I too would like to know if there is any way to download the maps other than via the phone, and then transfer them to the phone. Is it possible?
I too am 30% into a 511MB download of maps for my Samsung Galaxy S!
This Sygic look promissing, but thank God they give 7 days trial, its going to take longer than that to get the maps on!
i use IGO and i'm content with it
currently using copilot as backup to google nav/telanav (aka sprint nav) when I don't have a data connection in the boonies. Copilot lacks detailed maps and live traffic reports, but it works decent as a stand alone nav when i'm in a crunch without data signal.
I use iGo also. I think it is very good
Sent from my X8 using XDA App
I use Copilot and it always gets me where I need to go I also tried Sygic but the graphics was very choppy.
SPElectronics said:
I would LIKE to try Sygic Aura on my Epic (Galaxy S) but just a single small map file for my state alone is taking over 2 hours to download. What a joke! I would need maps for at least 8 states in the U.S. for this to be useful to me, and it would take forever to download them all. I too would like to know if there is any way to download the maps other than via the phone, and then transfer them to the phone. Is it possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the database.xml file in aura's SD directory, you'll see all URLs for every file. You can then transfer them to your SD. Download one map so you have the proper folder to place the rest.
I use Sygic Aura in Europe and USA (Florida) - In Florida aura works a bit strange - at intersections with right turn lane Auea suggests often always turn left turn, followed by driving back...
Navigon: micro-review
I've tried them all since my time with Nokia. Eye candies were very important to me so my favorites were Sygic products. I also used Co-pilot on Android for a short time but I could not trust its route computations every times.
Now I favor efficiency and use Navigon MobileNavigator on a Samsung Galaxy S (i9000) (Europe maps).
I like it because:
it is easy to operate with one hand while you keep an eye on the road. Functions are never more than 2 clicks away
it proposes most of the time 2-3 alternative routes to drive from A to B. Goes with the shortest if you don't answer
it uses real-time traffic info to compute or re-compute routes
the 3D-view is optimum: nice gfx (imho), not too simple, not too complex
adding nearest POIs of interest to your route while driving requires minimum effort and distraction from the road above
it loads/updates all maps of Europe in 20 mins from my WLAN, including ALL speedcams. No computer required
it tells you to turn WHEN it is time to turn
route computations are very accurate (way better that Sygic products)
adding your own POIs is simple
I do not like:
Navigon's website that do not show any user manual for Android
the menu system could be better. Still, it is easy to operate while driving as it requires minimum reading for most operations, except settings
a price tag that can feel too high. But in the end, I found it worth every cent
The enhanced reality feature on the latest version seems interesting but my Galaxy does not look "straight ahead" at the road.
I would like to see a function to mirror the display so that I could use it when it reflects in my windshield in front of me.
Good luck! I hope this helps
ghostrid3r said:
currently using copilot as backup to google nav/telanav (aka sprint nav) when I don't have a data connection in the boonies. Copilot lacks detailed maps and live traffic reports, but it works decent as a stand alone nav when i'm in a crunch without data signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I am using it for the same reason. (; I think Co-pilot is alright. Gets me where I need to go and fast rerouting and all without data connection.

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