Looking for a geocaching app - General Questions and Answers

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.

Related

ANY way to use Google Maps offline?

I've searched a LOT and couldn't find any method. There's terracrosser, but I find it's interface unusable. MGMaps in wonderful, but sadly doesn't support Google Maps. In my area, Yahoo/WLive maps suck. No comparision with google maps.
Is there ANY software available, free or paid, which can help me browse Google maps offile, and supports GPS?
Or, is there a hack/method to use Google Maps in MGmaps?
Thanks.
what a search would have given you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=563296&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=542142&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=537546&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=530898&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=530117&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=360075&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513094&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=509561&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351128&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=481803&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=469033&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=425720&highlight=maps+offline
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=420418&highlight=maps+offline
Of course I've done that! But if you yourself go over the links, there's *no* solution. Either Terracrosser is being recommended (which I honestly hate), or the post is older, before the time when Google disallowed MGMaps to use GMaps.
cyanide911 said:
Of course I've done that! But if you yourself go over the links, there's *no* solution. Either Terracrosser is being recommended (which I honestly hate), or the post is older, before the time when Google disallowed MGMaps to use GMaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd double the request. I also searched LOT and tried the solutions - even downloading the maps from google using different apps... still there comes a dead end with everything (getting banned, getting just one colossal map image etc)... a WORKING solution is missing
just to make sure then you do know what I posted was 13 links to 13
threads about your question not
just 13 links to the same thread
right ?
would be surprised if non of them had any type of helpful info
of cause if it don't HAVE to be google maps then there are many standalone
gps programs with offline maps out there from tomtom, garmin,......
Of course there is a way. Here is how to do it in three easy steps:
1 - Buy 49% of Google's shares and become a partner.
2 - Copy all your maps and software to a mobile server and put that into the trunk of your car (with the appropriate power supply of course).
3 - Attach a Router to the Server. You are done! Now you have a mobile wi-fi google maps setup that you can take anywhere with you! No need of annoying offline modes and such.
I hope this helps.
Really all of the posted topics were not helpful enough. My point is to have SATELLITE imagery of entire country (Estonia) @ the maximum zoom layer only (which vary according to area sometimes). I do not even care which program runs it. Just gps spot and OFFLINE data. I would be even happy with simple thing like terracrosser. The main problem is that the PC side downloaders get banned by ip (rarely), download one BIG useless image file or just unreadable data. And the handheld device apps use just a caching approach what makes it hard to understand what you have and haven't. Even Google/Global Navigator at its high price is not able to select the entire area. I'd be happy even with TRIAL Google/Global NAvigator!
I got it guys!
Use this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351001.
Works PERFECTLY!
cyanide911 said:
I got it guys!
Use this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351001.
Works PERFECTLY!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this solution but the map data were not downloaded completely. The data was incomplete. BTW... java. I know I know - it is usable but it still feels like running a virtual machine. Which actually is also happening.
Terracrosser does the thing actually but the user interface controls are catastrophically bad
Buy a map
search doesnt always find the answer, fyi

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.

GPS recommendations for hiking uk?

as per title really going hiking next month and need a decent app for hiking, ive got one now but it's untested and i dont really like it, off hand i cant even remember the name of it!
Many thanks
waz000000 said:
as per title really going hiking next month and need a decent app for hiking, ive got one now but it's untested and i dont really like it, off hand i cant even remember the name of it!
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the program RUNsat, you can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613381
There's a new version.
Not tried these, but maybe of help:
this (paid) lets you view OS maps on the move:
http://www.memory-map.co.uk/pda_mobile.htm
this (free) lets you get speed, altitude, distance, etc. and data for post analysis using PC:
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2010/04/28/gps-sport-tracker-1-3-0-free-gps-app-for-windows-mobile.html
Let us know what you find useful as I'd be interested in what's good for UK hiking too.
Ian
i use memory map both for off road driving and for hiking. because os maps are used then not only can you see tracks etc. but you can work out heights and elevations as contour lines are used.
in addition, you can plan a route in advance and put this as an overlay on your map. you can then follow this realtime using your gps. also, the route you are actually taking draws a track which you can save and keep.
by using tweaks you can rotate the screen as you wish.
because the memory map prog is driven from your pc you only have to download a section of a whole map therefore saving memory card space. installed prog runs fine from the memory card.
Mike
MemoryMap +1
memory map for navigation.
Runsat for logging routes, (also known as Navmi).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613381
depends on what you need..
Runsat can download openstreetmap/opencyclemap tiles, which depending on where you're heading can include quite a lot of data including paths and contours.. but obviously memory map has much more data on it ..
I use both quite a lot, professionally and otherwise, and contribute to openstreetmap/opencyclemap so I tend to like using that data whenever I can

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

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.

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