Oh those smart phones

[4.3LXJ]

Got myself an Android phone a few weeks ago. Still learning to use it. But as many of you know, it has a GPS feature. It comes with a navigation and location feature built in. I tried scrolling the map up into some of my play areas and found it very limited. So I found a couple of APPs that are available with downloadable topo maps and lot of off highway roads shown. One is called BackCountry Navigator. You can download maps and find waypoints, plot position and also track your route real time for trails not shown. The other is BackPacker GPS Trails. This has more features and is more designed for back packing, but uses the same topo maps as the other APP from MyTopo.com. I am going to try them out next weekend and see how they work.

[rugidone]

Last one I used was Everytrail, mostly web based but it seemed to be pretty cool.

[4.3LXJ]

Last one I used was Everytrail, mostly web based but it seemed to be pretty cool.

I just checked it. I did not see a feature for topographic maps. Does your version have that capability?

[rugidone]

The software itself doesnt have much for maps, but once you upload your trip to their site. Its all there.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=853918

[rugidone]

It was kinda cool for tracking, it allowed you to add photos along the way and upload them as the waypoints, add notes and stuff..

[4.3LXJ]

I was looking for something to use when out in the woods on trails and so forth. The old style USGS 2" to a mile are expensive and don't cover much ground.

[KH96XJ]

Let us know what you think after you play with them for a bit.

[4.3LXJ]

I will. What I would ultimately like to do is be able to download my trip to the computer and post the image in a trail ride section.

[cantab27]

yep good idea .....will be waiting for your updates Steve and want you think ...am up for a new phone soon

[4.3LXJ]

I am conversing now with the company that has the easiest to use app. Hopefully we can use the finished trip image to post here so others can follow where we have been.

[jccatt]

I found Orux maps the best. You download the maps on your pc. You can select what zoom levels you want. Then copy to the phone

[4.3LXJ]

My problem is I have an Apple, and they don't support it

[jccatt]

Bugger. I got android cause apple make you use there itunes and restrict other stuff.

[4.3LXJ]

There are plenty of other stuff to use. That software you mentioned only takes an image and converts it to PDF anyway. There are plenty of other sites with maps that work. But to work in the phone, the data needs to be reduced anyway. MyTopo.com works well enough for that.

[jccatt]

There are plenty of other stuff to use. That software you mentioned only takes an image and converts it to PDF anyway. There are plenty of other sites with maps that work. But to work in the phone, the data needs to be reduced anyway. MyTopo.com works well enough for that.

Yeah there are plenty to choose from. I was limited to one that had aussie maps. Just make sure the program saves its own map to use off line, or you will blow your data quick

[4.3LXJ]

I already checked with one, and it saves the whole trip to the SD card in the phone. Then I think I should be able to tether it to the computer and retrieve the file. At least, that is the plan. These guys just apparently added NZ. Should have Ausie too.

[jccatt]

I already checked with one, and it saves the whole trip to the SD card in the phone. Then I think I should be able to tether it to the computer and retrieve the file. At least, that is the plan. These guys just apparently added NZ. Should have Ausie too.

Whats the name and ill check it out

[4.3LXJ]

The one I am leaning towards is Back Country Navigator. Here is the directions for down loading and uploading

http://www.backcountrynavigator.com/tutorial/Tasks.html#export_gps_data

[LizardRunner]

swoosh, looking up for that jet that just flew over my head. Man, guess I may be getting into the 21st century soon since my phone is starting to die. never have used one but for a phone till I started following this thread. Thanks guys.

[4.3LXJ]

I never thought I needed anything else but a talking type phone before either. But what sold me was using it as a broad band card with unlimited data transfer for half of what I was paying. The rest is all fun

[LizardRunner]

yep guess I have to step into the future soon. the hardest part for me is deciding which way to go. Iphone or android. I pretty much have to stick with ATT cause I'm dead according to all the credit reporting idiots.

[4.3LXJ]

The Android works now on ATT and Verizon. Verizon has the better coverage for 3G and broadband. I talked to a guy at the verizon store who had a Iphone and he said he was going to the Android. Mine had the large screen. I thought that was better for the old eyes:D

[jccatt]

I use a speedo app so no need to change the speedo gears

[LizardRunner]

The Android works now on ATT and Verizon. Verizon has the better coverage for 3G and broadband. I talked to a guy at the verizon store who had a Iphone and he said he was going to the Android. Mine had the large screen. I thought that was better for the old eyes:D

cool, verizon wants me to fork out 600 bucks just to do business with them though so they shot themselves in the heart on that point. I will have to check it all out now that they have that mapping app, I would use that one.

[4.3LXJ]

It is not ATT or Verizon that have the mapping apps. Those are third party software. $10 if you buy it on the phone.

[4.3LXJ]

I use a speedo app so no need to change the speedo gears

Yeah, got that one too. Haven't tried it out yet though

[LizardRunner]

yeah, I know that some apps cost but so do computer programs, same thing to me lol. My daughter has the big bad I-phone and loves it. I will see what features I have to have and then which ones I want and come to some decision at that point.

[jccatt]

Can't say I like the backcounrty. I like Orux as you can pick a map to download and the tool bar is way better.

[4.3LXJ]

Just an update, now you can download maps of over 2500 OHV trails for these smart phones and Garmin GPS at

http://atvgpstrailmaps.com/maps.html?type=atv&base=ocm&lat=34.667206991117&

I am not sure if this is the value it seems for $15 for the Android, but kinda cool nonetheless.