dtgrdn

OK I've been reading all the posts about GPS software but would like to know which is best for the size of maps. Say I want to plan a trip from the midwest to the west coast...which software would be the best for the size of the maps and ease of use. Can I get the full route on one 256mb SD card or would I be better off getting a 512mb card.

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parkyerbike

I am not sure about the states, but the full UK map is approx 90MB and fits nicely onto a 128MB SD card.

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commoved

I have read a lot of information about various GPS solutions, and I agree with you that map size needs more attention in reviews and comments. I use Mapopolis, so this information may be biased, but it is accurate to the best of my ability.

Maps are data bases the applications use to plot roads. So map sizes have a lot more to do with population density and miles of roads than the size of the states. So far as I know, the smallest maps are from Mapopolis, using the older version 3.24. The entire lower 48 US (including POI and major highway maps) is 583K. Their latest software uses a new map format, which is 1.9G for the same coverage. Using the newest maps, they are a lot closer to Routis and in fact might be a little larger than Routis.

But map size (which translates to storeage card size) is not the only issue. No matter what package you use, loading more than a few states at a time is not practical on a PPC. One way or another, you will end up with detailed information at the source and destination, plus "major highways" information in the middle. Or you can load detailed information for each day's drive.

Another factor is generating the route and finding both the source and destination locations. As you try to squeeze more and more stuff into the 64M RAM available on the Ax, (or, maybe the 32 M RAM), it becomes harder and harder for the software to find both points and calculate a route between them. That's why some peope say that software that does route calculation on a PC, then downloads just the map you need to your PPC are better for long distance driving.

Mapopolis has a much-overlooked featured called dynamic loading, which allows the program to load into RAM only the information required for the current display, no matter how long the route is. But, of course, you must still play games with their maps to satisfy the "20 M population" requirement, and route calculation for large maps can get slower. This can become more of an issue when you miss a turn.

The reality is that the PPC is a pretty limited environment, and every GPS package designed to run on a PPC has to make some compromises. IMHO, you should select your application for what you will be doing with it 80% of the time. Then you can figure out how to live with it for the remaining 20%.

That's not to say that these aren"t great applications or that they aren't a hell of a lot of fun. It's just to say that everything has it's limits. Picking an application to meet one severe requirement means it might not perform well for your day-to-day use.

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dtgrdn

Thanks for all the info commoved. It clears up alot. It did raise some more questions though.

Can Mapopolis route on the PC and then download onto the Axim or is there other software for that. I also want something with good POI. If I have to map a trip day to day that would be no big deal either.

I recv'd Ostia with my Pharo GPS and it doesn't have POI and can't map on the PC. Everything is routed on the PPC. I also bought a copy of Delorme xMap and don't really care for that either.

I noticed yesterday that someone had Mapopolis for $69 if you download it. Should I just bite the bullet and buy it? It seems to be the software of choice.

Thanks for all your help and input

__________________
Dell Axim X5 400MHz,
Socket Wifi card
TM 1180 Wifi card
Blue tooth Wifi card
64mb sd,128mb sd,256mb cf,
2-256mb sd
dell leather case
foldable keyboard
2nd battery
Pharo CF GPS
Arkon PDA mount

commoved

Mapopolis only runs on the Ax. The only Mapopolis software that runs on the PC is the installation program.

I have heard a few complaints about their POI, but I like it. The POI is sold separately.

Be careful of the $69 Mapopolis. They have one program (which is free), but several different levels of maps. Their top level maps are Navigator, which are the maps that offer voice prompts, routing, etc. Also, they have two versions of maps -- 3 is older, smaller, and has fewer features. Just make sure you are getting the version 4 Navigator maps.

One more point. If you get the download program, you get map downloads for a year. The maps never expire. But you do not get free updates. When you go back to download a map, their software automatically offers you the version you bought.

I like Mapopolis and a lot of other people do too. But Routis is giving them a run for their money. There was a Routis review recently that had a short section at the end comparing it with Routis. I'm not going to look for the link, because I'm on dial-up today, and it is slow, slow, slow.

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The world may not be perfect yet, but the Axim is (almost).

ZappCatt

I am demoing Mapopolis and have been impressed..but I do not like the fact that POI is seperate from the map..How are these purchased? Are they included with Navigator version? If not, how much extra are they?
If I am using GPS, it usually means that I am unfamiliar with the area and thus want all the information that I can get. I often will look for stores, food, stadiums, schools, Parks, etc..

I am coming from themappoint Laptop version..and realise that the PPC is far away from that level, but am worried about the Mapopolis limitation..

dtgrdn

I found the review for Routis and it seems to be comparable to Mapopolis. I guess I just have to decide which one would be best for me. The upside to Routis is that it does come with some POI's and that's something that I'm looking for, Mapopolis they cost extra.


I thank you for the help and input commoved

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Dell Axim X5 400MHz,
Socket Wifi card
TM 1180 Wifi card
Blue tooth Wifi card
64mb sd,128mb sd,256mb cf,
2-256mb sd
dell leather case
foldable keyboard
2nd battery
Pharo CF GPS
Arkon PDA mount

Islanti

Quote:

Originally posted by ZappCatt I am demoing Mapopolis and have been impressed..but I do not like the fact that POI is seperate from the map..How are these purchased? Are they included with Navigator version? If not, how much extra are they?

The POIs are a separate subscription. It's ~$5 for any 1 county, or $25 for a 1-year subscription (all POI files). Unless you're SURE you only want 1 county POI, the subscription seems like a much better choice.

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-Islanti

commoved

You're quite welcome, dtgrdn. This site rocks because there are so many helpful and honest people. I seldom find posts that waste my time with flamers or company hacks trying to sell their wares. I don't know Chris's secret, but I do enjoy the site.

BTW, whichever way you decide to go, you're about ready to have a blast. The Ax is a lot of fun. GPS is a lot of fun. And so is life!

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The world may not be perfect yet, but the Axim is (almost).

TruckGuy69

I'm very surprised at the lack of mention of PocketMaps Navigator, cheap and comes with POI's. The tech support has been very helpful and responsive. They are also giving everyone a free upgrade and are constantly updating the current version with patches. They are even going through a lot of trouble just to add my house to the maps! The auto-reroute is very quick and you can choose way points. Also, you can create long distance routes from the computer. Map sizes are a little large though.

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JakeRich

PocketMapNavigator has had some serious performance problems until just recently, so it just hasn't been competitive. If they have fixed the problems, I'll ask Hesse to see about getting an evaluation copy to some of our reviewers.

ZappCatt

Yep, supposedly the new version flys...and they are finally getting their map sizes down. I think I saw 38% smaller in 2.2 as opposed to 2.11