NoOb questions about GPS on HTC Desire... - Desire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

1) I don't use a data plan on my card. Can the GPS work without a data plan on Google Maps?
2) I've seen a few offline maps apps. If I use one of those, will GPS work independent of internet/data access on my phone? (same Q as the first but about offline maps apps)
3) Is there any offline maps app providing turn-by-turn navigation? (m sure it'd be paid! )

1. No as Google Maps aren't stored on the SD card, they're downloaded as you go
2 & 3. Yes, if you have an offline navigation client it should work. E.g. CoPilot

So it uses data only to download map data, right? GPS "Positioning" or "navigation" is not charged for data/subscription?

thehrushi said:
So it uses data only to download map data, right? GPS "Positioning" or "navigation" is not charged for data/subscription?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is like you use the gps for cars, your phine receives the data from sattelites so it doesn't use the 3g or anything else "data plan".
Obviously, the use of gps sattelites is free but you need an offline map to be able to see where you are on Earth ^^.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Imho:
Navigon and iGo are currently the best navigation apps for android.
I chose iGo for better maps coverage where I live (central europe).
For offline google maps, search google or this forum for brut maps. Or something like that. I forgot the exact name, sorry. But once you try navigating with one of the above apps, you'll forget it too ;-)

Actually lots of reviews sites such as this one say that Sygic or Copilot is best application:
http://mobile.jack-frost.co.uk/android_sat_nav_apps.php

Thanks a lot for your help! I'd definitely try those apps out!

spile said:
Actually lots of reviews sites such as this one say that Sygic or Copilot is best application:
http://mobile.jack-frost.co.uk/android_sat_nav_apps.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried them all (but Copilot), and I still think what I have written above.
I don't understand how iGo gets a lower rating than, say, Sygic... ;o)

You can use Google map's brut mod for offline navigation.
You have to explicity enable maps caching after u install the app and then have to load map once. Next time it will be loaded from cache.
Google Turn by Turn navigation works fine but u need data connection to get directions for the first time.
check my blogpost on it.
http://levelx.me/technology/google-maps-android-worldwide-navigation/

Related

Google Maps-how to keep maps on phone

Is there a way to cache google maps of say London on my P3300, so that when I'm outside away from my wifi connection (I have no data connection) I can turn on google maps and use my GPS to navigate the streets of London.
It would be so great if you could download maps for google maps, turning it into a competitor for TomTom.
If you're reading this and didn't know, now google maps let's you use your GPS device (built in for us using Artemis) to locate yourself on the google map. Before it could only use cell phone tower info to provide an estimate of where you are. So now it really can be used for accurate navigation directions, if I can cache the maps on my phone.
Anyone know a work around?
There is software for this. Google Navigator. Did you see it?
Take a look here: http://www.pdafun.net/features.htm
In feautures they say:
Map is transferred via network and save permanently until you want to delete it.
Is this what you 're looking for?
But it 's not free.
YES, perfect, thanks. I'll give it a try.

Any suggestions for a good Map & Atlas program ?

Hi !
I'm kind of lost with these programs available for windows mobile and wich one fits with the htc s620 ...
I'm looking for a good program for maps and atlas. I don't want to program to connect to the internet to get the maps tought since i don't want my cell company to charge me for the data downloaded.
Anyone has an idea ?
No one has a program that they love for maps ? =)
google maps works good with it man..u can jus use wifi...free..has a mylocation service which is like gps and it gets pretty close..1000 meters maximum...
no one here really uses map/atlas stuff, besides google maps, because this phone doesnt have gps. i personally wont buy a gps receiver for it, because its old hardware...id rather put that money into a new phone that has gps..
Well, i'm not really wanting to buy a GPS for it ...
I just want something to look thru maps like microsoft maps (Im not sure of the name of their software) ?
I just dont wanna overload the data transfer on my cellphone in case my provider decide to charge me even if it's unlimited internet .... they charge me for each Kilobyte i load.
I was wondering if Tomtom will work on my htc without a GPS ?
I mean, would i be able to search for streets and see my way thru ?
Cause i'm planning on going to a week-end out of town so i'm preparing myself =D
I would recommend google maps, as it is free and mostly reliable for the most part.
Cyberflow said:
I was wondering if Tomtom will work on my htc without a GPS ?
I mean, would i be able to search for streets and see my way thru ?
Cause i'm planning on going to a week-end out of town so i'm preparing myself =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that you will need a GPS device (a bluetooth gps device to connect it to your phone).
Static Maps
I'm also looking for " static " maps. There must be some thing available that we can download. I'm not interested in GPS related maps only a static map of Toronto, Canada. Any help is appreciated.
google maps
google maps
google maps
has that been mentioned here yet?
mjpuczko said:
google maps
google maps
google maps
has that been mentioned here yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it has not been mention so I am going to let you all know that GOOGLE MAPS is the best.
Everyone over looks the obvious. Microsoft Live. Decent map program (and more) and its already on the device. Personally I use Google Maps and MapQuest Navigator, both with my b-speech bluetooth GPS. MS Live works just fine except the Ariel Maps are in black and white lol

does gps only use any data? worried about overseas charges

i'm off on hols tomorrow (cuba) and want to log a few trecks with gps. mobile data will be off and airplane mode on.
in that scenario will gps count as data usage? i assume not but want to be sure
i plan on using mytracks or jogtracker to track my course. it'll only store gps data afaik but will be overlayed on google maps once i've uploaded it after coming home, or if i find wifi over there.
That won't work, It has to download the maps themselves from Google Maps and the GPS uses the web to assist it.
I used OpenGPS abroad (which works in very similar way) with Mobile Network disabled and was only collecting GPS data.
The app tracked my positions, drew the line but and Google Maps were not loaded.
So yes, it should work - as long as you keep Mobile Network disabled you will not be charged for pure GPS data usage.
And you can download the Google Maps layer once you come home.
ferus said:
I used OpenGPS abroad (which works in very similar way) with Mobile Network disabled and was only collecting GPS data.
The app tracked my positions, drew the line but and Google Maps were not loaded.
So yes, it should work - as long as you keep Mobile Network disabled you will not be charged for pure GPS data usage.
And you can download the Google Maps layer once you come home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignoreme - completely misread that...
thanks guys.
ferus, sounds like jogtracker/my tracks that doesn't it? i guess they all just show you pretty much the same info anyways
off to a fair few places and want to be able to look at maps when i got home and see where i trekked across.
hope this works
GPS abroad
I turn off roaming data while abroad as very expensive but I do use GPS and Mapdroyd for location based apps. Mapdroyd stores maps on SD card. Some countries have better detail than others. Works on aircraft as well.
David
Cactus42 said:
That won't work, It has to download the maps themselves from Google Maps and the GPS uses the web to assist it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, GPS will work fine offline and My Tracks will be fine without any data connection. I've personally tried that, you just won't get an overlay but it'll record the tracks. You can see the track later with an overlay on My Tracks or on a computer.
what may happen is the google maps crying "need data connection" though. So you'd be better off installing the brut.mod anyway
got the brut mod.
anyway to download maps for a place before i actually go there? ot my sd card i mean so brut has all the maps anyway

[Q] Navigation / Maps / Data

Hi all,
I'm going on holiday to South Africa and would like to use my DHD for navigation whilst I'm there however I don't want to incur any data charges if I need to download the maps. I've read on some places that you can pre download the maps somehow, how do I do this ?
Thanks,
Firstly, remember that you have to pay for navigation...
What you do is load Locations, then press "Show on Map" at the top.
Then press the menu button and select "Upgrade"
Then move to the Navigation tab (2nd one) and select South Africa and pay for however long you need it for. It should then download the map and everything it needs in advance.
You can download them from the phone, but there is a charge. IIRC around $6.99 for 3 month usage.
dazultra2000 said:
Firstly, remember that you have to pay for navigation...
What you do is load Locations, then press "Show on Map" at the top.
Then press the menu button and select "Upgrade"
Then move to the Navigation tab (2nd one) and select South Africa and pay for however long you need it for. It should then download the map and everything it needs in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all this information. I think I might be confusing myself, you have mentioned "Locations", I thought this was an app to find restaurants etc. however I've opened it now and noticed that you can navigate using it, what is the difference between this navigation software and the Google Maps Navigation software. I was under the impression the Google Maps Navigation software was free or am I getting them mixed up.
When I load "Locations" I see "Powered by Route 66" everywhere ?
Google maps is free, but downloads the maps as you go - therefore, data costs would be incurred.
Locations is HTC's own navigation app, which pre-loads your maps but you have to pay for the navigation (though regular maps are free).
dazultra2000 said:
Google maps is free, but downloads the maps as you go - therefore, data costs would be incurred.
Locations is HTC's own navigation app, which pre-loads your maps but you have to pay for the navigation (though regular maps are free).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to pay for voice navigation, although you could download the maps before you leave and get a short term subscription eg one month for cheap.
You can get directions without voice free though. Just gotta download the maps.
Sent from my Desire HD
dr.m0x said:
You can get directions without voice free though. Just gotta download the maps.
Sent from my Desire HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Directions, yes, but not turn by turn navigation. Might as well print directions off from full Google maps...
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
dazultra2000 said:
Directions, yes, but not turn by turn navigation. Might as well print directions off from full Google maps...
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except if you do that you wont get a real time updating display showing your current location, and the directions won't update themselves when you make a wrong turn.
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
eozen81 said:
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand it, the gps navigation works fine without data connection. You just should download the maps for the location your going to beforehand (or at a free wifi) so you don't get data charges. The part you pay for in the navigation app is the voice guide, wich IMO is pretty useless.
eozen81 said:
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I wanted to know. When I get to South Africa I'm going to want to pull my sim card out of my phone to avoid been charged for any accidental data that might be downloaded as when I'm roaming in South Africa T-Mobile charges £7.50 a MB !!!!!! Question is will the navigation work without the sim card, I would like to think that it will only require GPS.
I'm going to do some testing here before I go, I will download the maps then pull the sim card out and see if it works.
MarkieSA, let us know the test results for Locations.
Wil-j said:
As I understand it, the gps navigation works fine without data connection. You just should download the maps for the location your going to beforehand (or at a free wifi) so you don't get data charges. The part you pay for in the navigation app is the voice guide, wich IMO is pretty useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that the whole point of satnav? You're not just paying for the voice...you're paying for the turn by turn navigation. Without it you're just looking at a map. There's no directions (other than the list, which is hard (and illegal) to read when driving).
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I'm not in your league gents but using your build on HD2. I tried out this new Locations app and noticed it can build a route but the current location did not move along with my drive. I havent bought/paid for anything yet. I'm assuming once I do then the recalculation and the pointer will move with current location. Need to know cause DHD is arriving in the next few days
I'd leave your SIM installed and use a widget to disable the APN. I use Curvefish widgets.
For what it's worth, I recently took my car on the ferry from the UK to Ireland, so decided to use the pre-loaded Ireland maps to navigate my way to my destination.
I found that Locations worked ok, once it had a GPS lock, but found it difficult to find the perfect zoom level to look ahead to upcoming turns, while still seeing where I was. Basically I was looking down on myself on a map, whilst trying to follow the route drawn out on the map. It was nowhere near as using Google navigation with data, but it was adequate. I would have found it a lot easier if I had someone else in the car yelling out directions, as I was concentrating enough driving in the dark with the rain lashing down!
P.S. You don't need to worry about data charges while you're away, just make sure data roaming isn't selected in your Wireless and Network settings.
eozen81 said:
MarkieSA, let us know the test results for Locations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right then I'm back from my holiday and this is what happened. Before I went on holiday I pre downloaded the South African maps using HTC locations and bought navigation for 30 days in South Africa.
When I got to South Africa I took out my T-Mobile sim card and inserted a local operators sim card with no data plan, when I fired up HTC locations and went to navigation it said to me that my maps were not up to date and it had to download the latest maps As I had a sim card in that had no data plans it did not work. After a few days I was in a WiFi hotspot and thought I would try and get this working again, I downloaded all the updated map data etc however after that the phone struggled to pin point my location. I tried again a few times after this then gave up.

Google Maps and GPS Fix

I have a 2013 Nexus 7 LTE model with 5.1.1
Two questions:
1. On google maps how do you know if it has a GPS fix?
2. I've downloaded a local area on google maps for offline viewing, but without data when i tried to see if the map will follow me, the gps was just not following me. Randomly it will hop places but wasnt following me. For Google Maps GPS to work, do I need data itself? I thought the GPS is provided by the GPS and maps was just data which i downloaded for offline viewing.
ahmed123 said:
I have a 2013 Nexus 7 LTE model with 5.1.1
Two questions:
1. On google maps how do you know if it has a GPS fix?
2. I've downloaded a local area on google maps for offline viewing, but without data when i tried to see if the map will follow me, the gps was just not following me. Randomly it will hop places but wasnt following me. For Google Maps GPS to work, do I need data itself? I thought the GPS is provided by the GPS and maps was just data which i downloaded for offline viewing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never used Google Maps (but Navigator). If application hops, it seems, that location is calculated via WiFi and GPS does not run properly.
To understand, whether GPS is running properly, install "GPS NMEA" from playstore (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ppillai.gpsnmea). In "NMEA Raw Data" you will get information about the data provided by GPS-controller. How to read NMEA-string, ask Wikipedia.

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