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I have no prob. paying for this app / maps but can't find one.
Everything I have found requires you to download many diff programs and maps to cut this and save as that,etc. etc. etc. then use another program to perform another step, etc. etc.
I just want to buy something for my phone that will work like the oregon. The app should be much less than the whole garmin device, right ?
The reason I won't purchase the basic $99 handheld device is they only provide room for 5 character names and I just can't provide enough waypoint info. but nav apps seem to offer more room for details.
Thanks for any help pointing me in the right direction
Jon
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I use MyTracks. I dont go off road, but I like the app for running in the city. My Tracks for Android
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I also use MyTracks in conjunction with MyMaps. Both are from Google. I live in central Oregon where the mountain bike trails are endless and some of the best backpacking in the country.
MyTracks allows you to trace your tracks using GPS, and then when you stop tracking yourself, you have the option to save it in MyMaps. It keeps track of total distance, altitude changes, avg speed, max speed, etc... and the ability to place notes along the way. Then you can access MyMaps if you decide to use that track again.
I know you're probably looking for something with pre-installed maps/tracks/trails, but I'm not sure if you can download other people's MyTracks or not.
This is the best thing for the outdoors that I know of. Hope this helps!
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GPS apps with topo/terrain?
It's been a while since this was discussed, so I thought maybe some advances have been made on this front?
There was a dev working on a GPS app not that long ago around here, and he was talking about adding topo support. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth though... and taken his thread with him.
Mytracks - It makes no sense to me at all why google would do an app geared specifically toward outdoor activities and then only include road map and satellite overlays.
I've heard talk about google maps having terrain as a layer, but if its there, I can't find it.
There are literally at least 10 apps in market that all look nearly identical to google maps, and not one of them offers anything other than the standard road map / satellite overlays. Has everyone just simply lost interest in topo/terrain maps?
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Anyone found a way to cache maps using google maps or MyTracks? I have a remote cabin with no cell service and of course it's just a blank screen with my position due to no network coverage.
Backcountry Navigator is being upgraded to the Android. I don't know when they will have it done. I used it on my Win Mobile phone and thought it was great. The WM version was ideal for hikers and offroaders. I am sure the Android version would be much the same if not even better.
I would love to find a gps app that has a terrain feature like google maps and/or topo and can import kml/kmz files that can be used offline.
A while ago I saw someone that posted about an app that's capable of all that on the iPhone, and the company said they're working on an Android app too, but now I can't find what company that was. Any ideas?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinB
If only Orux wasn't such a pita to upload offline maps and could import kml files, it looks like a solid app.
+1
I downloaded the desktop software to give it a peak... it looks like if you want topo maps or anything, you have to basically build the overlay yourself. I am WAY too hyperactive, so intensive projects unfortunately don't keep my attention long enough to see any end results.
It has a lot of possibilities. I don't think it's ready for the prime time yet, but I guess it depends on what you want to do. I've had a REALLY hard time finding something that will allow me to do TWO things; enter coordinates manually in UTM format and show me a bearing in degrees to my next point. This program is supposed to do that but it really doesn't yet.
I hope it will soon but I'm not sure.
Right now I'm using 'GPS Status' and a notepad too keep coordinates in. The downside is that it will only keep one waypoint and doesn't have a map mode. One other option you might want to look into is rmaps . . . If you view an area it is cached so it will be there later even if you don't have service. It can be a pain to find the area, zoom in, and pan around but I guess it's all in what you want.
I would love to find a gps app that has a terrain feature like google maps and/or topo and can import kml/kmz files that can be used offline.
A while ago I saw someone that posted about an app that's capable of all that on the iPhone, and the company said they're working on an Android app too, but now I can't find what company that was. Any ideas?
I read a post some place where the guy used his iphone with this app which he claims is just like the Garmin colorado He claimed they both worked the same and he only paid $2.99 for that app.
Back country is close to what I am looking for. I downloaded the desktop trial and played with it a little. You have to download the area your interested in and save to file. You can then return to files and select map. The problem is maps are not detailed enough for hiking. I zoomed in but no good. My Garmin nuvi shows more details and it's for highway nav. plus the U.S. map is already there. Also the graphics, etc. always look 2nd rate compared to the name brand stuff.
I would gladly pay $100 for the program if it worked as well as my Garmin nav. I figure new software / maps cost that if you already have the device so it's fair.
With the new smartphones I"m surprised garmin doesn't offer this. I won't spend 3-5 hundred on their device but would give $100 for software /maps as I'm sure many others would.
My Tracks : It requires you record route then overlay onto map when you return. I'm sure some people have time for this but I prefer to record my route with device as I"m hiking / biking and save. Plus I mostly use waypoints to return to places I've visited in the past.
Example: I'm out bird hunting and find Quail. Let's mark that location with information so I can find it 2 or 3 yrs. from now. Trail GPS don't offer enough space for info. so I have hundreds of waypoints saved as GS243LS because that is all the info. my GPS allows. Do they really think somebody is going to remember what that stands for 3 yrs. from now or where it is located without map overlay.
I have BackCountry Navigator for my Mogul. You can definitely zoom the topo view in far enough to use for hiking, but perhaps not in the aerial views. Make sure you slide the scale marker all the way to the right to "1/4" when download the map so you are getting the highest resolution.
I also can't wait until they make this available for the Android.
As for Orux, I didn't find obtaining maps to be that difficult, but all I used were USGS maps and I am not sure what other layers would even be available (aerial maybe?) or needed for what I want (hiking).
Why are .KML files so much better?
Has anyone tried MapDroyd? It uses Open Street Maps maps.
I like kml files because they integrate with Google Earth. I can draw a route on Google Earth, save it, then import directly to a gps app, if only someone would make one that supported it. A lot better than having to export the kml to gpx as I haven't found software that can do this without making mistakes.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DevinB
I like kml files because they integrate with Google Earth. I can draw a route on Google Earth, save it, then import directly to a gps app, if only someone would make one that supported it. A lot better than having to export the kml to gpx as I haven't found software that can do this without making mistakes.
I use TMX (Time Machine) to convert files... only because there is no way around it. It came with my GPS tracker, and it is the only software in existence that allows me to delete from the tracker. The software is mostly horrible... the UI is complete crap, and there isn't really anything worth-while to do with it. Never the less... Converting files is the one thing it can do quite solidly. I have never run into any issue at all converting kml to gps or kmz or any one of about 30 different formats TMX is compatible with.
My use of formats varies depending on my purpose. If I am doing anything with mapping, I prefer KML over gpx any day because it is easier to work with... but about 70% of the time, I am using my tracker for the sole purpose of geotagging pictures... at which point, KML just doesn't cut it. GPX is the only way to fly when it comes to that.
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Just a heads up, but I found a new app that looks like exactly what we've been looking for. It is called "Trimble Outdoors". I found it purely by accident while signing up for a hiking forum.
It's $9.99 in market. I am flat broke until I get my paycheck on Friday, but this weekend is supposed to be *cough* nice (as far as this hellhole state is concerned anyway... 60 degrees.) so I will gladly be trying it out this weekend if everyone wants to wait for a guinea pig... Or you can try it out yourself.
I'm pretty psyched, actually.
Edited for better screenshots
Last edited by Fadelight; March 29th, 2010 at 07:23 PM.
I've tried Trimble Outdoors and it's a pretty decent program. It's laid out a little weird in my opinion but it's a good program. Part of its strength is their online map planning. If you haven't tried go to their site and sign up. It's free and your phone can sync to it later. It's very cool.
In the end I returned it because it didn't do two things it was advertised as doing . . . show the bearing in degrees and allow input in UTM. To their credit they were very receptive to my comments and are working on the problem now. You might check out their forum.
I don't know if it's ready for prime time but it will be soon.
1) Topo or terrain maps (topo preferred).
2) The ability to cache maps.
3) Real time gps tracks.
4)ability to record tracks.
Will it do that?
Yes it will do those things with no problem.
1. At this time it uses scans of real topo maps so the quality is not as good as it could be. They are working on getting topos from Customized Topo Maps, Aerial Photos, and Hybrids | MyTopo.com, but I don't know the time frame or if it will happen for sure . . . you can also download satelitte maps the same way. Many on their forum would like the Google terrain maps but apparently Google doesn't license them for mobile devices.
2. Yes, you must go to the area you want while you have a data connection and pan around. It caches maps in the background. You must zoom in to the level you will want later and pan around. They are working to make it easier to cache maps. Their plan (from their forum) is to use their online editor and select the area you want and then download it.
3. yes
4. Yes - - I think it's a little weird how it works but it works. They have a lot of different categories and depending on what you're doing the tracks are stored in there. It's hard to explain, you might need to just try it.
Make sure you check the options on each page (tab) some are well hidden.
Just a heads up, but I found a new app that looks like exactly what we've been looking for. It is called "Trimble Outdoors". I found it purely by accident while signing up for a hiking forum.
It's $9.99 in market. I am flat broke until I get my paycheck on Friday, but this weekend is supposed to be *cough* nice (as far as this hellhole state is concerned anyway... 60 degrees.) so I will gladly be trying it out this weekend if everyone wants to wait for a guinea pig... Or you can try it out yourself.
I'm pretty psyched, actually.
This looks promising... Did you notice there is a $5.99 per month charge for service ? $9.99 plus monthly fee is almost $100 per year to use this.
BackCountry Nav. is releasing their Android this summer.
Garmin is working on Android for their phone also.
Will be interesting to see what hits the market over the next year or so.
The main thing is we know it's around the corner and getting better.
Thanks everyone and Please post any new info. about Android GPS Nav.
Last edited by stkshooter; April 1st, 2010 at 12:10 AM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stkshooter
This looks promising... Did you notice there is a $5.99 per month charge for service ? $9.99 plus monthly fee is almost $100 per year to use this.
BackCountry Nav. is releasing their Android this summer.
There is no subscription fee. The $5.99/mo is for use of their app on a dumb phone. Android powered devices are a whole new game.
Backcountry Nav has an estimated release of May, but anyone on their android mailing list will be receiving a beta version sooner. Nathan will be working on it next week when he gets back home.
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A pre-beta of backcountry navigator has been released. We are currently testing the map preview and download features.
I've got to say, so far this is an amazingly beautiful app! My only real complaint thus far is that you cannot zoom in as far as I would like to be able to.
i posted this in another thread there are a few steps but not too bad. When i seen that i had to bascially calibrate maps for Orux, i gave up. After looking and looking i did this. This just requires selecting downloading then putting on your card, no funky terminal command or other rubbish.
Backcountry looks great, cannot wait to try, but in the mean time...
You need two programs one for your desktop to download the Maps, then one to use on your Android device.
There is a video there to show you how to use it, i would take a look. You Select the type of map from the drop down (MS hybrid, Google, Google Terrain ect) then highlight the area you want select the zoom levels, give it a name if you want, then export to "Mavrick Atlas Format" It can take a while! That will put it in the folder with the program for me it was...
Desktop\TrekBuddy_Atlas_Creator_1.6 beta 5\atlases
Look @ where your going and you can change map views of the area your zoomed into. I was surprised that Microsoft has very nice hybrid maps of where i was going.
This program once you open it and start to view maps automatically caches the maps. What i did was click on the "maps" button in the program and select MS hybrid, and zoomed around. this created a folder on my phone For me it was
M:\maverick\tiles\microsoft_hybrid *then a bunch of numbered folders (for the zoom level)
Then you just copy and paste from the trek buddy folder to your android folder and when you open the program it is as if you cached it! After i copied all this, i put phone in airplane mode and bam all of Death Valley was there! Super fast too Then if you used say google maps there is another folder in maverick for that, and you change the maps(Google maps, google terrain, MS Hybrid, MS maps) by selecting the "maps" button and changing. I have MS hybrid and google maps now of the entire Death Valley with 7 zoom levels, you can select and mix and match to your liking!
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King - From the looks of it, neither of those apps have the ability to view topo or terrain maps. Road maps are completely useless in the woods, and satellite maps are pretty much the same story since all you view 99% of the time are trees.
Go to Google maps web pages and play with terrain view..... its shows all the mtns and as you zoom in it will show the elevations layers and all.
Trek Buddy works with just about every mapping website with all the view, not just street and satellite. From the Drop down menu you can select, Google Terrain, which is basically topo. And in my post i purposely mentioned that trek buddy does they hybrid terrain and standard maps.
Last edited by kinglance82; April 20th, 2010 at 04:18 AM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kinglance82
Go to Google maps web pages and play with terrain view..... its shows all the mtns and as you zoom in it will show the elevations layers and all.
Trek Buddy works with just about every mapping website with all the view, not just street and satellite. From the Drop down menu you can select, Google Terrain, which is basically topo. And in my post i purposely mentioned that trek buddy does they hybrid terrain and standard maps.
Google maps doesn't offer half the tools the OP was looking for. You can't even record tracks with it.
Also, google terrain isn't really that close to Topo. It is unfortunate, since terrain is easier to read, but it isn't nearly as helpful.
I just downloaded and installed the Back Country Navigator Android beta version. I like it.
The map download process is much more user friendly than the old WM version and for that matter, easier any other off road GPS Nav program I have used, although I am glad I watched the youtube video on their website as the on screen icons were not immediately intuitive, but now that I know what they are they are simple and intuitive.
Also for some reason my on screen icons are different than those in the tutorial video even though I have a G1.
True, additionally, the OP didn't directly state but implied that the software should be offline capable (similar to the Garmin units)
What part of i used it in airplane mode implies that is it not offline capable? Did you read the post?
Trek Buddy requires online access with your PC to download the types of maps you want(could be google terrain, or google maps, Microsoft hybrids, satellite view), then copied to your android device once copied there it is there when you do not have internet access. Maverick on the device will read those folders and have all the zoom levels you choose to download all there offline.
Google maps doesn't offer half the tools the OP was looking for. You can't even record tracks with it.
Also, google terrain isn't really that close to Topo. It is unfortunate, since terrain is easier to read, but it isn't nearly as helpful.
Yea, this is not google maps, Trek buddy just downloads maps from Google, or microsofts whichever version of them you want, and just the area and zooms you select. Then you use Maverick on your device to view them. Google is not directly invovled. Yes it does recording, if you click on the link for maverick it shows all the features. it records and tracks then will share that via GPSie. It does all the 4 things you listed. Just has the terrain instead of the official Topos.
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What part of i used it in airplane mode implies that is it not offline capable? Did you read the post?
Trek Buddy requires online access with your PC to download the types of maps you want(could be google terrain, or google maps, Microsoft hybrids, satellite view), then copied to your android device once copied there it is there when you do not have internet access. Maverick on the device will read those folders and have all the zoom levels you choose to download all there offline.
Sorry, I should have said "offline capable and all features in one program". The OP specifically stated he/she didn't want to use one program to download and then another to view/track. I think most of us know how to do that with multiple programs, but how does one program (Trek Buddy) load the map (online), view the map (offline) and track the users location (offline). Again, using only one program. OP, if I am not accurate in your original intent, please chime in.
I am looking in the marketplace for Backcountry Navigator and cannot find it. Is it still available?
It was just a beta. I didn't get in on it either. Hopefully they finish beta testing and release it soon. On their site you can sign up for email updates.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by njperry
It was just a beta. I didn't get in on it either. Hopefully they finish beta testing and release it soon. On their site you can sign up for email updates.
Yeah Maverick rocks. It does do Google Terrain. It doesn't do Topo (yet). For the time being I have Maverick and Orux loaded on my phone. I use Orux for Topo maps and Maverick for almost everything else.
I recently used Maverick and preloaded some wide zoom maps then activated my GPS from an airplane. Followed the whole trip home until I had to switch it off for landing. Pretty cool.
Need trail gps nav app like garmin oregon or
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