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I have been playing with Google Navigator (not Google Maps) from here http://www.pdafun.net/index.htm
In it there is a download for off-line use option, but only for registered users.
Are you a registered user? Does it work?
I have access to wifi at work and at home, but in the car I don't have access to the internet, no 3G, edge or anything.
The trial version appears to let me draw a box around an area to download but then I am asked to register, US$60. Well if this works I will gladly buy it, if not it's not any better (for me) than Google maps which is free.
Thanks for any help or experiences.
never heard of this..... will download it and give it a try... im running ig8 and its flawless for me... the lag is maybe 20 feet off... i pass intersection, and the gps is passing it soon after... but ill give this a go
If you want to prepare Google Maps offline and and take them on your next trip I rather steer you towards GPSTuner from Hungary, a very professional solution, and in some app stores available for around 20 dollars: http://www.gpstuner.com/ Version 6 coming soon, but likely no free update due to major improvements
App store with special: http://www.pocketland.net/product.php?prod_id=13384
Google Navigator also has voice instructions a-la Igo etc. It's a lot more than offline Google Maps.
I have had an email back from the author, it does require a network connection to plan a route. So even if you could have the maps it doesn't work like a fully offline route planner. That for me is enough not to buy it.
Today, I took my wife to work and took my TP2 and turned on GPS with Google Maps knowing full well that once I got her to her job, I would have no T-Mobile service. The moment I lost the signal, GPS continue to plot me correctly up to the point it needed updating my maps and I got "Network Unavailable". I have an 8GB microSD card installed. My question to all is can GPS run independent of the network and if not, is there a 3rd party software that will run on the Windows Mobile OS? I like to know if I lose service I still have GPS. I can't imagine what dumbass came up with the idea to tether data services to GPS knowing there will be situations where service might not be available, for example severe weather knocks out a tower. Wasn't the idea into GPS to be independent. I get needing data services if I don't have a memory card; I don't get the logic that says, the moment I lose my cellular provider's service I'm SOL; thanks!
This is an unfortunate limitation to Google Maps. Although there is a workaround of sorts. If you cache the map data by doing all the stuff while you are in a good service area, when you are there it won't need to download all the stuff. This is a pain I agree, but it works.
yes, that is a GoogleMaps feature, but it has nothing to do with GPS - it has to download maps as it goes. if you install other software with built-in maps, e.g., tomtom, you will be free from your networks.
gehzumteufel said:
This is an unfortunate limitation to Google Maps. Although there is a workaround of sorts. If you cache the map data by doing all the stuff while you are in a good service area, when you are there it won't need to download all the stuff. This is a pain I agree, but it works.
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Yes, works nice, used this 'workaround' for my past holidays. The only drawback is that Google Maps does cache the maps in the device memory and not on the memory-card, thus filling up the device memory pretty fast
Anybody knowing how to change this behaviour?
MeCry
Ahh I was unaware of that. I assume then that it would be solved by installing Google Maps to your SD card instead of device memory.
SnittyKitty said:
Today, I took my wife to work and took my TP2 and turned on GPS with Google Maps knowing full well that once I got her to her job, I would have no T-Mobile service. The moment I lost the signal, GPS continue to plot me correctly up to the point it needed updating my maps and I got "Network Unavailable". I have an 8GB microSD card installed. My question to all is can GPS run independent of the network and if not, is there a 3rd party software that will run on the Windows Mobile OS? I like to know if I lose service I still have GPS. I can't imagine what dumbass came up with the idea to tether data services to GPS knowing there will be situations where service might not be available, for example severe weather knocks out a tower. Wasn't the idea into GPS to be independent. I get needing data services if I don't have a memory card; I don't get the logic that says, the moment I lose my cellular provider's service I'm SOL; thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A-GPS is dependent on the Carrier. No other solution to access GPS according to Wikipedia.
kable said:
A-GPS is dependent on the Carrier. No other solution to access GPS according to Wikipedia.
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Click to collapse
NO, you completely missed the point. There is a real GPS in the phone.. Fairly daft, but actual GPS chipset which gets data from satellites, not entirely dependent on cellular coverage.
But he's trying to navigate based on Google Maps, which requires constant data. The answer is to get something with maps.. iGO, TomTom, etc.. Earthcomber is another free one that'll do "Google Map-like" routing and it's free, but not sure it's worth it.
^agreed
you guys are using pretty strong language to describe something that's, imho, user error. a small problem with free information on the interwebs is that, unless you can articulate exactly what you're looking for, you may not find the answer... making you the perfect customer for the sales clerk selling you $70/month data plan.
GPS is different from aGPS(assisted). the TP2 has both. that is, it has the GPS chip that can receive the satellite signal, and it is aGPS capable in that it uses cell tower triangulation and other wifi IP info. in both cases, you'll need maps on your device so it can place the satellite coordinates for you to see. GoogleMaps does this by downloading maps a-la-carte.
like Mesquire said in post3, if you buy independent maps and install them on your SD card (TomTom,Garmin,IGO,etc), your phone can be in FlightMode and still receive the satellite signal with the GPS chip, and still plot the coordinates on YOUR map, without WIFI, without Data plan, without Cell signal. but you'd have to turn aGPS off so it doesn't interfere. Keyword here is to use Your Own map, and turn aGPS off.
i'm no expert in this, and the above is my humble interpretation, but i just wanted to say, take a deep breath, and see if it's not user error that's causing the frustration.
aGPS also includes atmospheric aberration correction data to make the GPS coordinates more accurate. People seem to leave this out and think it is just internet data. This is false.
gehzumteufel said:
aGPS also includes atmospheric aberration correction data to make the GPS coordinates more accurate. People seem to leave this out and think it is just internet data. This is false.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best post of the day
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
I don't want to bother the GPS software original come from DHD....
I rather use CoPilot.... more better...
The google GPS not really good enough compare with others GPS Apps...
I use Google Maps with Voice Navigation, no charges for that. There is another Nav app on the phone where the maps are there but not the voice (I think) you have to pay for the extras.
For me Google Maps are fine.
You have to buy features for the software. Turn-by-turn navigation, speedcams, traffic info, etc. The software and maps are free.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 applications are included:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
If you need added services, such as navigation, speedcams & traffic info you have to pay a sub.
andreasy said:
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
andreasy said:
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install any navigation sofware that works on Android.
Personally, I use Navigon.
BigMango said:
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
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My friend, I appreciate your interest to help and I thank you but what you just said here is a big foul. Just think.
Hey andreasy!
I live in Cyprus too, and as far as i can tell, the HTC software will NOT work in Cyprus cause there aren't Cyprus maps, which is really unfortunate.
But "iGo My Way" does, and it has a Cyprus map too. I have it on my computer here and it works on the android emulator. pm me if you need some help.
Thanks. Do you by any chance know about MLS destinator availability on Desire HD and if iGO can compare to MLS? I use it on a PNA and I am quite satisfied.
Does iGO have all the street info and POIs like MLS (ATM, Gas stations, etc?)
to be honest i haven't heard of MLS. I google'd it and it looks like there is an android version so it should work with DHD.
As for iGO check your pms.
BigMango said:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
There are preloaded maps for the Location app. You can download more maps for free. However it is only for Locations app. Google Maps needs internet connection to work. If you don't have data plan or in roaming, you can use Location app without any data being transfered, however your GPS fix could take longer without AGPS.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the DHD in Cyprus. Google maps works and it has street names. However Google cannot give you driving instructions. It is possible to download country maps from Android market but Cyprus in not included. Basically you cannot use driving instructions in Cyprus but you can view maps and see street names.
I am not sure if MLS has released an Android version but I know that there are other GPS software you can install. I will try and find out which software works for Android and I will let you know
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
MrGarak said:
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What HTC is advertising is that you can preset your route from home where you have Wi-Fi and the phone will download the maps needed. When you are on the road the phoen uses the pre-downloaded maps. However if you decide to change route or go on another trip you need to use your data plan to download new maps.
Thats why its better to have a dedicated navigation program like IGO with all countrry maps pre-installed on the phone. No need to download from home or use your data plan.
In addition Google maps Navigation is not available for all countries Cyprus is one of the Countries that are not supported.
andreasy said:
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IGO works fine. The maps for Cyprus are of 2009.
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the gps all the time, which works very well to be honest, i have co pilot live 8 installed (£25) works perfect, no extra bills as it comes off the data allowance you have.
Google maps is pre installed as far as i could see but compared to co pilot it fails.
boarne71 said:
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press update in the Locations menu and you will get the different prices for different length of subscription. It's differs from country to country..
It's frustrating that everyone tells a different version of the story. Here goes my version which I think is accurate as I actually have a DHD and have done for 3 weeks...
The phone comes preinstalled with Google Maps, and HTC Locations.
Google Maps: Downloads data as and when it needs it. Therefore for every route, you will have to download data on-the-go. It works pretty well though and has a nice enough interface. All text is TTS, so sounds a bit jerky. Will do postcode lookup.
HTC Locations: This comprises of 2 sections. 1: Maps; which is free for everything, works just like Google Maps but has the funky compass functionality. 2: Navigation; This is the SatNav part of the product. You have to pay for a license for a map, which allows you to use turn-by-turn nav. Once you have the license for your country and have downloaded the map, then you do not need to download any more data. At this point it functions exactly like a regular PND (TomTom etc). Text is pre-sampled so sounds a lot nicer (but can't read road names). It can be supplemented by live traffic and speed camera alerts, which are both extra subscriptions.
With locations, you can download as many regular maps as you like and all you pay is data connection fees (if done over 3G etc) to get them.
With the Navigation part of it, you have to pay for all of it. Nothing is free (though you do get a 30 day trial of one map)
Also the HTC app doesn't do postcode lookup, which is probably the biggest problem with it.
In my opinion, neither are really up to scratch and do not form a decent replacement for my TomTom (on my old Touch Pro2!).
I have Navigon on my phone, and that is a better solution, but the interface is quite horrible (i.e. you can't display time, arrival time and speed on the screen at the same time) and also I find that entering addresses using the on-screen keyboard doesn't really work properly (when holding the top row for a number, it doesn't work - I have to select the number section of the keyboard and press it from there).
I'm thinking of giving CoPilot a try to see if it's any cop...
I hope that helps clear things up.
All those info are great but they would only be helpful if we lived in a large country. It's still helpful though so, thanks.
From a very thorough research I found out that no matter which is the best navigation tool, for Cyprus things will be totally different. So we only have 2 options: iGo and MLS.
They are not the best tools but they are the only ones you can use on Android and they are the only ones that have Cyprus maps (with street names and spoken instructions), even if the maps are outdated and cover only the 80% of the island.
I have MLS on a PNA so maybe I give iGO a try in order to compare.
Thanks to everyone.
I am thinking of purchasing a Motorola droid with a car mount/media station for cheap (probably around 100$) and i was wondering if i could use it as a gps without cell phone service?
i wouldn't see why not... gps is simply a signal just like wifi(if its free of course) it would be just like buying a tomtom i would imagine... try putting ur phone into airplane mode and testing the gps
Of course, do keep in mind that both Google Maps and Sprint Nav need a data connection at least initially to download the route information. The new GMaps is supposed to be able to work offline once it does the initial route, though you may need a connection if you veer off course.
There is at least one app that works off maps on the SD card, but I can't recall its name right now.
Visionikz03 said:
i wouldn't see why not... gps is simply a signal just like wifi(if its free of course) it would be just like buying a tomtom i would imagine... try putting ur phone into airplane mode and testing the gps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will tomorrow.
bkrodgers said:
Of course, do keep in mind that both Google Maps and Sprint Nav need a data connection at least initially to download the route information. The new GMaps is supposed to be able to work offline once it does the initial route, though you may need a connection if you veer off course.
There is at least one app that works off maps on the SD card, but I can't recall its name right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think of it, please let me know!
CoPilot Live lets you store the maps on your SD, or so they claim. The reviews on the market aren't too great though.
http://www.alk.com/copilot/android/
There are others as well, a quick search yields:
http://www.mapdroyd.com/
http://www.ndriveweb.com/products/product/96/
http://www.sygic.com/index.php/en/how-to-buy.html
Perhaps others too. But I can't vouch for any of these. I'm fine using GMaps even with the data connection requirements. Especially now that you don't need a data connection all the time -- only when generating a new route. I'm not sure whether it can handle simple missed turns without a connection or if it doesn't cache anything outside the route. I haven't tested that yet.
I've never found a maps or navigation program that I like other than Google, and I've tried pretty much all of them. They're a hassle to get maps for. The new GMaps does cache tiles, though I haven't tested it extensively, and I don't know that it caches maps in the Navigation program (which I use all the time as well).
GPS will lock even with no cell service. But unless you find a good offline map app, you'll just have your nice little blue arrow showing you exactly where you are on a plain gray featureless map.
Hey guys. I'm planning a trip to the Dominican Republic next month and will be renting a car. A big factor in my decision to rent a car is my reliance on using the EVO for GPS via Google Maps. Just now I stopped to think, "wait, what if this doesn't work outside of the US?"
Can someone in the know please advise me whether Google Maps/GPS work in D.R.?
This information is pretty important so please don't answer unless you are certain.
yes they will work everywhere, BUT they will need an active data connection to download the maps, they cannot be "saved" beforehand
use a program like copilot rest makes you download your maps then you won't need data
I wonder if copilot has maps of the Dominican republic...thanks for the advice.