Sat Nav Software

nivapilot · Guest

Hi knowledgable folks
I have myself a Microfusion camera detector and can if needed connect to a pocket PC or laptop for navigation, using the detector as a GPS position thingy.

My question is, what software do I Need, or what is best, and ideas for which to go for, pocket PC or laptop?

Currently running a Landcruiser LZJ70 but I might want to use it in the family Zafira when we are on holiday, so it needs to be portable.ie not fixed.

What does everyone else use?

Thanks
Alan

. · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 5:04 pm Post subject:

What ever you decide on make sure it uses Navteq mapping. Much better than the more commonly used Teleatlas data

VentureOverland · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject:

Until recently I used a HP Pocket PC connected to a GPS receiver. Worked a treat.

I used TomTom for 'satnav' and then Memory-Map when I turned off the Tarmac...

Laptops have there purpose but I find them too large and bulky to be used as an everyday naviagtion system. The latest Windows Mobile 'PocketPCs' are indeed very powerful now and can be used for far more than just 'satnav'.

Hope that helps.

dave362 · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 6:09 pm Post subject:

On a similar theme, I have tom tom 300 and a laptop, can I use these together to navigate off road. I take it I would need to have maps or overlays downloaded to my laptop?

excossack · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:05 pm Post subject:

I was going to start a new topic on sat nav stuff, but its appropiate for this topic so here goes.
I know tomtom does not do GPS co-ords for navigation. Is there a piece of software that will allow me to enter a ordnance survey map ref ie
SH123456 and then it can direct me to the location ? that will work on a PDA with pocket PC?

jabberingjimbo · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:05 am Post subject:

I'm using Tomtom 5 for on road, and have just started trying out Memory map for off roading same as Ventura (thanxs for the advice).

In MMap you can go straight to a grid point, then just add it as a marker and it will then guide you 'straight' to it from your current position.
Great if you are in the desert but not so good in the UK with things like houses roads and rivers etc to avoid.
For green laning you can just plot the lanes on the PC as an overlay and then copy them over to the Pocket PC.

If you can get a postcode for your destination then stick with tomtom,
or even just the road name and house No. most venues like campsites etc will have a post code I would have thought.
If not then it only takes a bit of basic map work to find it and add it as a favorite.

AND the final piece of advice is not to trust either one 100% and still use common sense to find out where you are looking for Shocked

excossack · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 11:24 am Post subject:

If TomTom would support all the side road etc like MM does then that would be good. My problem is, i do marshalling for rallies, at most time all i get is a grid ref which is normally in forest, these roads/tracks are mentioned in OS maps but not tomtom maps. maybe a combo of TT and MM would do the trick. TT to get me close to where im heading and MM for the more exact mapping.

davew · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:31 pm Post subject:

I'm looking at using OziExplorer for mine.

http://www.oziexplorer.com/

Alows you to scan in OS maps (or any other map) at different scales and will then show your position/track/waypoints overlayed on that map.

Looks like a good choice for off road and will do a "go to x waypoint" function at the same time as showing you a contoured map.

It has no route planning for on road use though.

Another I have been looking at (should I choose to use a Linox OS) is GPSDrive - http://gpsdrive.kraftvoll.at/ which does a similar job.

excossack · Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info davew.
I thkink it may come down to a combo of tomtom, and maybe memory map. ive seen Memory map for windows xp etc, but not for PDA. can you get a trial version of the software?
Will have a look for Ventura as well.

16 RN 49 · Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

I've just been looking into this too.

Looks like the best combination to my mind is a PDA, GPS Receiver & SatNav software, and MemoryMap (which does work on PocketPCs / PDAs). Then just add MM maps to suit. You could even add TomTom to that too.

I'm looking at the Dell Axim X51v and Dell BlueTooth GPS reciever as they are currently offering discounts until the end of March. Wink

Links:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/prod...mp;l=en&s=dhs
http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdet...hs1&sku=67018

VentureOverland · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:25 am Post subject:

Bluetooth GPS units have there place and for the most part work well.

That said, if your on your own in Iceland or wherever, I would want my GPS connected via wires!!! One less thing to fail on you, just when you need it to work.

It is possible to get cables that will connect your PDA to a GPS and also charge both units. I used to do this with a hp pda & Garmin Etrex all connected together and charged/powered from just 1 ciggie lighter.

Now I rely on it more, I have better systems, but it is doable and is reliable this way.

Damian · Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

I too was about to start a new thread. I have an iPAQ 3850 that I use mainly as a diary/reminder tool.... and when I'm bored I play Solitaire!

So, what I need to make this into a sat nav tool would be, a more powerful SD card, GPS receiver & sat nav software.

What is memory map and how does it differ to TomTom? Answers please in 'real english'!