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Good Topographical Mapping?

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.

New, BING with navigation

Just saw this on another site. Microsoft has released a new version of Bing that includes real time navigation, with voice directions, along with the other Bing search stuff.
Works great on the HD2 here in US.
Download latest at Microsoft Bing site
or here for CAB.
PocketNow has a video showing BingNav in action on HD2.
Pros:
Voice Prompts with street names
Walking and Driving Navigation
Full screen graphic of next turn
Voice control for search
Cons:
No pinch-to-zoom (zoom buttons work well)
Data plan required (bad for some)
US only (Possibly) [CONFIRMED - NAV in US only]
Maps are slow to load without 3G.
Note: Yes, just like Google Nav for Android, it uses data plan for getting maps or for search features. I dont think it can pre-load maps off wifi before trip.
Note2: This wont affect US HD2 users, but looks like Microsoft disabled Nav features on Verizon network so as to not kill off Verizon Nav App sales.

Cheers Pingu!
Works a treat here in Limeyland also.
Shabba!

it requires data plan for navigation to work.

Navigation doesnt work in Germany

Good stuff - it looks MUCH better than the ****ty Google-apps if you ask me.

works great but there is no pinch to zoom on the map

Looks good, navigation is only for the US though ... really hope it comes to the UK, it cant be hard, it knows where the roads are and can give directions.

wooooooooot

I don't expect it too soon here in Europe - our BING-websearch is still marked 'beta' here in Germany - it's kinda ridiculous.

This is much better than Google Map, I'm glad to see Microsoft catching up so seriously.

Honestly I don't see standalone navigation device garmin
lasting too much longer, if you have a company like microsoft or google offering free voice guided maps for free, and no matter how you slice it the majority of cellular/mobile devices have a data plan or way to access data almost anytime. I mean if 2 of your friends don't have data they probably have a wifi enabled phone and with android, winmo, and hate to say apple being a wifi router we all have connection. I think this is going to help the providers push the tier internet usage system. (sorry for long post was itching to post on this)

Thanks for posting the cab.
Navigation unfortunately doesn't work in the UK (says "all or part of your route is not in the United States. We are sorry, but navigation is not available outside the United States").
I find the voice recognition in the latest google maps better than 'Tell me' in bing - for the UK anyway. And google maps has pinch to zoom, and latitude which I think is good for keeping a beady eye on your gf
Eek. Not a fan. I think Microsoft can do better.

Thanks for the cab! I read about this earlier and it said to go to m.bing.com/download on my phone but when I did that, site said my phone (TMOUS HTC HD2) is not supported. However, I still downloaded a cab which did not do anything. So really thanks for this! I just tried it and it works! I love awesome free apps!

Works great!

Trick/tip: be sure you are using Internet Explorer to browse to m.bing.com/download. The site does not recognize Opera and it thinks you have an unsupported device. Using IE, it recognizes the device and offers the correct version of the bing cab.
I was using the wrong version of Bing for a while and getting frustrated that I wasn't seeing the latest features etc, until I figured this simple thing out.

otherworld said:
Thanks for posting the cab.
Navigation unfortunately doesn't work in the UK (says "all or part of your route is not in the United States. We are sorry, but navigation is not available outside the United States").
I find the voice recognition in the latest google maps better than 'Tell me' in bing - for the UK anyway. And google maps has pinch to zoom, and latitude which I think is good for keeping a beady eye on your gf
Eek. Not a fan. I think Microsoft can do better.
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Ditto - The voice search seemed to think that I lived in a "tattoo parlour"!

nonpaq said:
Note2: This wont affect US HD2 users, but looks like Microsoft disabled Nav features on Verizon network so as to not kill off Verizon Nav App sales.
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If people try to download from Marketplace, it says that version was released on 4/27/10 and the voice directions don't seem to work for some Verizon phones. Download from m.bing.com and the voice directions work properly on stock Verizon ROMs.

how does it compared with Google Navigate... does this got audio control?

Is anyone using this on the AT&T Tilt2 (Touch Pro 2, Rhodium)? The last version of Bing that would locate me is V4.6.6. Every update since then has failed to both get a GPS lock and locate with cell towers. I've checked all the GPS com ports and everything looks as if it's fine, but it just won't lock on. Every other app that uses tower location and/or GPS works just fine.
I set up my Tilt2 as a dual boot; I actually have Android running on it now. Guess what? Google Navigation works just fine on it yet Android isn't even the native OS!
Why can't Microsoft get anything right??? Why does a Microsoft app not work on a (stock non-cooked) Microsoft ROM???
Anyone have any ideas on why the latest versions of Bing won't work on my device?
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App from Android 2.1 on HTC Rhodium

Can it preload full maps for the route over WiFi?

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.
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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!!
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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...
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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.
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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.

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.
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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...
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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
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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
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+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.
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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.
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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.