IPAD2 navigation

Hi Can anyone used this app for navigation? If so how do you find it? can you recommend it?

http://www.vms4x4.com/product-iphone-vms_app

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Reply By: mikehzz - Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 21:29

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 21:29
The ipad is a good gps as long as the maps are on the device and not having to be downloaded as you go. I have used mine in remote places and overseas. I use Sygic for the turn by turn voice guided gps and Memory Map for the off road toppo stuff. I am eagerly awaiting Oziexplorer for ipad as I have a lot of suitable maps.
I haven't used the vms one you have enquired about sorry. Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Noel C (NSW) - Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 21:47

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 21:47
How long do reakon before Ozi for Ipad will be available? If at all?
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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:47

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:47
I'm not sure. They developed the Android version first and say on their site that they have all the tools they need for the Apple version. Knowing Apple they probably have to jump through hoops to get it released on the App store. Mike
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Reply By: Gary.L - Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 23:46

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 23:46
Hi Noel

Not directly related to your query but I have used mud maps app and the bit map app on the original iPad.

Bit map gets my vote as I can use the raster maps (Kimberley 50k series) that I already own, with buying any additional maps. Although I did need to buy Graphic Converter to assist in the file preparations for bit map. In my opinion this app has set the standard for ozi explorer, and it will need to make the conversion of the raster maps real simple to top Bit map.
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Follow Up By: Gary.L - Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 23:47

Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 at 23:47
"without buying additional maps"
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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:00

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:00
Is the file conversion time consuming? I have a lot of maps. Also, the Graphic Converter, where can I find that and does it run on PC? Thanks, Mike
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Follow Up By: Gary.L - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:15

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:15
The Graphic Converter can do batch command. Unfortunately it is a Mac based software. Not sure of the PC equivalent for converting the ECW files to a PNG file. It took my computer around 2 hours to convert around 200 files, but since I wasn't needing to be in attendance, that part wasn't a chore.

The next part of the process for Bit map was a pain, optimizing the png file, using a Bit map software. This took about 3 hours at the computer. The last bit was zipping the matching files together (the PNG optimized file and the raster map file). I joined 24 x 50k maps together (8 x 3 block). Works well. If you want I can prepare up to 24 maps for you if you want to trail the bit map. Just email me the ECW and the .map files. At $5 for the app it is pretty cheap.

Reading one of the other posts in this thread, reminded me that you will need to get the wifi/3G model iPad, as this is the one with the GPS chip. The wifi model doesn't do moving map file when out in the sticks (not sure if it does moving maps when in mobile coverage)
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:55

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:55
Hello

You can convert files individually from ECW to PNG using OziExplorer on your PC. You can also use GlobalMapper but like Ozi thats not free. There is also a free program called DeMapper that converts form Ozf2/Ozf3 to PNG ...so if you had ECW you would have to convert to OZF first.

In all cases you would then have to modfiy the existing OziExplorer*.map file to reflect the new image name extension using some sort of text editor.

If there was some sort of serious demand I could make all my map products available in PNG I suppose - save everyone re-creating the wheel everytime.

Cheers
Greg
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:31

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:31
It might be ok for a short period, but what about your Data limit through the phone,
If you want a GPS get a GPS.

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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:39

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 07:39
Data limit through the phone? It doesn't use any data at all and works without a SIM. You have to load the maps onto the ipad from your computer. You will only ever use data if you use any of the free gps applications that do not store the maps on the device but download them as you go. All the good ones have the maps on the device. Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:51

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:51
Doud, as Mike says it uses Raster mapping data that you load into the Ipad for the data ( eg Hema, Westprint etc etc) and the GPS. It doesn't use the internet at all. Ie it is nothing like google maps etc.

Big problem being apple is that you soon run short of memory. ( better off with an Android solution where you can buy external memory cheaply.)
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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:23

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:23
Like I said..... if you want a GPS then get a GPS rather than stuff around with crap. I'm not implying the Ipad is crap, it's the Apps, So...if it don't use a Sim or the phone system then how can it perform like a GPS, I see that as impossible to do routing and street guidance, not to mention the POI's that come with a GPS. I sure wouldn't like to rely on it out in the deserts. I guess it turns you on but not for me, I like the real thing.

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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:32

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:32
Doug T said
"So...if it don't use a Sim or the phone system then how can it perform like a GPS, I see that as impossible to do routing and street guidance, not to mention the POI's that come with a GPS."

Doug, I am no fan of Ipads or anything Apple really but there is a big difference between what it can do and what you see as impossible. It *can* do full mapping, with routes tracks and Waypoints and probably much better than most stock dedicated GPS.

I use Memory Map on an Android device and would never go back to Magellan or Garmin and their crappy, small screen, inadequate mapping ever again. Trust me I regularly use my Hema, Westprint, Rooftop and 25K:1 maps tens to hundreds of km from the nearest phone tower.

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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:49

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:49
Doug T, I don't quite understand what you mean. The GPS chip is in the 3G models of the ipad and iphone and is separate from the phone. It can use the phone towers to help get a fix but it isn't required, it just makes it quicker. The applications do all the work and are the same on the ipad as they are on dedicated gps. For instance, if you buy TomTom for the ipad it pretty much looks the same and does all the same things as a dedicated TomTom gps. The data only happens if you have to download the maps. Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:52

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:52
Yeh well when one of you Ipad users that are not a fanatic get it out in the deserts I would be very interested to see a truthful and honest report.

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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:02

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:02
Sorry Doug but that's not very nice, and as stated below I have had mine out in the Simpson. If you don't know or understand how it works then that is your problem. Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:09

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:09
Mike

Well why didn't you say it could use GPS Sat's in the first place, and if you have tried it in the SD then I will take that as an honest report, that's all you had to do in the first place , I don't own an Ipad, but I do own a Iphone, but I also have a Garmin Nuvi 1490T so really... I have no need for GPS Apps. And really I would rather trust my Garmin any day over an Application in an Iphone or Ipad.

OK now I have welding to do in the workshed so I'll leave you blokes to carry on.

Thanks for a great debate Mike.

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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:30

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:30
Member - Doug T (NT) posted:
"......

OK now I have welding to do in the workshed so I'll leave you blokes to carry on. "

Gez Doug, I reckon a few more hours sleep and an egg and bacon roll might be a better option first.
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:44

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:44
Get with the time Doug..! LOL
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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:54

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:54
Doug in his best GPS "debating" mode...unfortunate about the date, leaves me wondering.....:)

Cheers
Greg
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Follow Up By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:33

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:33
Boobook
No I wasn't running from the debate, I said I had some welding to do.
Just back home for a coffee.

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Follow Up By: The Explorer - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:40

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:40
To stay on topic I assume this is an iBench with inbuilt GPS?

Cheers
Greg
I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:52

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 12:52
Don't worry Doug, I wasn't implying that, you just seemed a bit grumpy this morning. I thought you may have over indulged last night.

But if you can make that stuff with a hangover, then come over to my place for a big binge tonight and we'll get stuck into some fabrication first thing in the morning.

Nice work.
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 15:54

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 15:54
I picked up the grumpiness too Doug. The iPad runs hema maps which many rely on out in the deserts, they run independent of the phone service, all on an excellent scalable BIG screen. So the iPad GPS is a GPS in its own right.

And the welding - nice work mate!

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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:14

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:14
Cheers Doug :-)

By the way, there is no way in hell I would rely on an iPhone out in the desert. They are pretty ordinary when out of phone signal range. The iPad is way better at it. MIke
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Reply By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:48

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:48
Itopo is a cut down, OEM / branded version of Memory map. Memory Map is available with all the Itopo maps and more. Infact you buy memory map mapping product to work on itopo.

Memory Map is available on PC, Iphone/IPAD and Win CE. Given the extra funcionality and flexibility to import maps, I would buy that.

AnswerID: 449939

Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:59

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 08:59
I can't get Memory Map to import my Ozi files which is a bit of a fizzer. Mike
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:13

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:13
Mike you can do it, but it is a bit of stuffing around until you get the hang of it.

I have imported all the Hema stuff, all 25K/50K NSW maps, all Rooftop Vic and Westprint. I have even imported Google sat pics and imported old 19th century maps of the high country, and Telstra coverage and georeferenced them. In all I think I have almost 2000 maps for MM now.

Take a look here where I described how to do it on another forum.

You will need to purchase the import option which from memory was about $40 and you need a bit of techie knowledge, if you get stuck I am happy to help.



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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:38

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:38
Thanks for that info, much appreciated. So the imported files are they turned into bitmaps which means the file size is larger?
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Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:48

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:48
The best way to import them is as 8bit Tiff files which are compressed and about the same size as an OZF2 file. You may need something like image converter software to do this.
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (NT) - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:45

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 09:45
The must have app for any 4x4 enthusiast looking to explore the vast Australian outback. This VMS app is preloaded with over 40 regional touring maps by Gregory’s UBD & the award winning iTOPO 4x4 topographic map collection for navigating offroad tracks.

# They must be joking, Gregory's UBD maps, you may as well go buy some paper maps


Real Maps For Fun
Unlike most apps that utilize street level maps, the VMS app is preloaded with trusted 4x4 OFF ROAD maps by Gregory's UBD and iTOPO. Both brands are leaders in providing quality 4x4 maps of outback Australia so you know this app will provide reliable navigation even when you're off the beaten track!

# How can it do this in the far Outback without being in contact with the GPS Satallites...BS.


Moving Map Navigation
With paper maps, it’s difficult to work out your exact location, but Mud Map utilises GPS technology in the iPhone/iPad to display your exact location on a map in real time. As you travel, your location is updated constantly so you’ll always know where you are.

#All very fine if you have Internet connection, I guess people will believe this BS.


Onboard Maps
Once downloaded, maps are stored on the device so the app does not require cellular signal or WiFi to work. It simply works anytime, anywhere so you can explore the most remote regions of the planet with confidence. No data costs, no hassles.

# Without Internet or Satallite reception I cannot see how this will put a cursor exactly where you are on the French line...yes at the Intersection of Edward St and Ann St in Brisbane might be ok but isn't this whole post about GPS in the bush.....LOL

Track & Share Your Experience (NEW FEATURE)
Easily record your trip on the device and then send the tracklog wirelessly to your account on www.mud-maps.com. Then view your trip in a 3D world on a Mac or PC. You can even share your trip with your family & via email, Facebook or Twitter. How cool is that!

# Yeh real cool man..but not on the CSR, not even between Katherine and Mataranka.....BS again

Outdoor GPS for Everyone
This app is all about ease of use. Developed from the ground up for the iOS, the MotionFlow map engine we use provides superior map rendering speeds so you can effortlessly browse all your maps on the go. By simply pressing the “Current Location" button, the app will quickly find the most suitable map of your location. The UI is quick and simple to use. Any iPhone/iPad owner will be an expert navigator in no time at all.

# That's debatable, I guess when they say Outdoor they probably mean on the Roe Hwy .

Feature Highlights
• Vivid Retina display ready graphics.
• On board maps.
• Record up to 50 Tracklogs.
• Push Tracklogs wirelessly to mud-maps.com
• View and share Tracklogs on mud-maps.com
• Trip computer: Avg Speed, Distance, Start time.
• Download purchased maps directly onto your device.
• “Find Place” feature with over 10 Million addresses, pois and places.
• North up or heading up map display modes.
• Moving Map with GPS location displayed directly on a map.
• Displays your current Speed, Heading and altitude. (Tap to toggle)
• Built in compass arrow.
• Place/edit waypoints to mark memorable spots.
• GPS coordinates in Lat/Lon format.
• Imperial, metric or nautical formats supported.

# So it has POI's ...how in hell can it guide you to a service center in Adelaide River if it's not using Bigpond Wireless Internet, or a GPS Satallite , we have no WiFi , no Optus, no Vodaphone , no Virgin (I'm still looking for one) Next G is it ...period.

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Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:00

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:00
The ipad uses the gps satellites. Doesn't need telephone, wifi etc. Mine was tracking me in the Simpson Desert, no phone service, no sim in it either. Mike
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Reply By: Mike & Amanda - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:46

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 10:46
Hi,

I've used (and have currently installed on the Ipad) Bit Map, Memory Map GPSHD and VMS. This was on a recent trip across the centre from Perth to Tassie and up to the Victoria High Country.

In my mind the VMS leaves all the others for dead. Preloaded with maps and very fast. The preloaded maps are of a better detail.

The others take time to load, pixellate and are often useless without phone coverage, otherwise preloading your own maps takes significant time.

VMS is fast and very good directly 'out of the box'. An fact at times better than my dedicated GPS units.

Great app!

Mike
AnswerID: 449955

Reply By: TerraFirma - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:43

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 11:43
Motion X GPS High Definition on the Ipad is brilliant, would have the best interface in the business. If you could use the OEx maps it would be a lay down mazaire imo.

AnswerID: 449961

Reply By: Member - Prado Garageo - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:21

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:21
There is an archived thread from December last year ID.83069. I am blissfully ignorant, wanting a mapping/ touring gismo for a fortnight touring France and have been told People using Iphone navigation can lead to huge internet bills. I am told to look at the IPad to take the place of a tom tom (not sure if you can feed tom tom maps into it), but I am told it can access free wifi (network internet access is expensive) to get google maps etc and even send emails. As I said, I am a Cpl.Shiltz (Know Nothing at all) But seeing this current thread prompts me ask if anybody knows anything about that side of it, what Apps to get or where to get the good oil.
Ps. might take the prado out of the garageo this winter. Traded the old 120, 4yo & 80,000K for a new 150. ($20K) changeover) Hope I've done the right thing.
Cheers.
AnswerID: 449989

Follow Up By: mikehzz - Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:50

Friday, Apr 01, 2011 at 16:50
I just got back from Europe a few months back and used both the iPhone and iPad as a GPS over there. No phone bills because I took the SIMS out. The iPhone let me down a few times but the iPad was good the whole time. You have to buy the Europe maps for them at around $90 for Sygic or TomTom to get turn by turn voice instruction. The good thing is you don't have to buy it twice, it can be used on both with no extra charge. I wouldn't drive over there without a GPS. Trying to drive from one side of Paris or Rome to the other can be a nightmare with paper maps. It was also good for emails and web browsing at any free WIFI areas. We did all our hotel bookings with it on the fly so to speak as we never knew exactly where we would be next. We also used Skype on both to phone home for free, how good is that? Remember only the 3G models have the GPS chip. Mike
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