My new GPS app w/ Google Maps - Please test

KiaTuner · 06-07-2009, 06:34 AM

Update: New Version!

I have uploaded a new version. It still isnt where I want it to be, but it does quite a bit. It provides directions, but not turn-by-turn, just a path on a map as of now. I'm still not sure if anyone has even gotten the thing installed, so if you do, please let me know.

Screenshots:

Main Screen:

Find Destination Screen:

Download here.

---- Original Post -----

I have spent the last few days creating a GPS program in Adobe Air, and finally have something to share. It isn't pretty (yet), and doesn't provide directions (tomorrows to-do), but it does show you where you are as you drive.

Eventually I plan for this to be a completely free GPS Navigation program, with turn-by-turn spoken directions, etc.

Please test it out, and let me know what you think.

Required

Constant Internet Connection (I'm using my iPhone Edge Connection tethered to a laptop)
GPS Receiver
XPort
Adobe AIR
SerProxy

How To Install

Install Adobe Air.
Install XPort
Run XPort and configure it to split out to some ports. Make sure NMEA is on.
Download and Unzip SerProxy. (This takes the GPS information from XPort and passes it along to a Socket so the Adobe AIR Application can read it because Adobe Air cannot access com ports directly.)
Configure SerProxy to forward information from one of the ports XPort is splitting to to socket 5331 by opening serproxy.cfg in notepad and following the instructions.
Run Serproxy.exe.
Download and Install KiaTuners Nav Air Application.
Run KiaTuners Nav Application.

You can make sure its working by looking at the SerProxy console. There should be mention of connections. If not, there is an issue with your configuration.

If all works, take a drive and try it out. The + & - buttons zoom. Others do nothing. If you drag the map, a X button will appear. The map will not auto-follow until you click that x button.

Let me know what you think, and if it works for you. My main concern is if I am parsing the GPS data correctly, and if it lags to much.

Thanks!
KiaTuner

kev000 · 06-07-2009, 08:34 PM

Looking at your feature list, looks like you've at least figured out the windows side. You can use a socket connection to gpsd on Linux/Mac and that will keep it cross platform.

Why do you need a constant internet connection?

Have you thought about supporting OSM maps?

Cheers,

-Kev

KiaTuner · 06-07-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kev000

Looking at your feature list, looks like you've at least figured out the windows side. You can use a socket connection to gpsd on Linux/Mac and that will keep it cross platform.

Why do you need a constant internet connection?

Have you thought about supporting OSM maps?

Cheers,

-Kev

I haven't looked into OSM Maps. The reason it requires an internet connection is because everything is running off google maps. It is basically aimed to be a CarPC front-end for google Maps w/ GPS functionality. I chose google maps w/ an internet connection because it saves me from having to update maps files, etc, and I like Googles directions, etc over other services.

Once i get it functioning as a Navigation system, I want to add a community factor to it so you can add "friends" and see where they are on your map as well, and vice-versa.

kev000 · 06-07-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KiaTuner

I haven't looked into OSM Maps. The reason it requires an internet connection is because everything is running off google maps. It is basically aimed to be a CarPC front-end for google Maps w/ GPS functionality. I chose google maps w/ an internet connection because it saves me from having to update maps files, etc, and I like Googles directions, etc over other services.

Once i get it functioning as a Navigation system, I want to add a community factor to it so you can add "friends" and see where they are on your map as well, and vice-versa.

Okay, that makes sense. I've actually thought of using google maps. The only drawback is the internet connection requirement. I really like the traffic, routing, and search capabilities tho. I'm really torn over the pros/cons...

Keep up the good work. If you can integrate with gpsd, that'd be very cool, then us mac/linux guys can use it as well

.

KiaTuner · 06-08-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kev000

If you can integrate with gpsd, that'd be very cool, then us mac/linux guys can use it as well

.

Turns out the program I am using to forward the data from serial/com to socket is also available for linux: http://www.lspace.nildram.co.uk/freeware.html

nicr4wks · 06-08-2009, 07:20 AM

iPhone has a program to pre-download google maps so you can browse them in offline mode, maybe something similar could be used here to ditch the need for internet?

kev000 · 06-08-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by nicr4wks

iPhone has a program to pre-download google maps so you can browse them in offline mode, maybe something similar could be used here to ditch the need for internet?

That's a hack at best. Plus, afaik, you still can't use the search, routing and other cool features that comes with google earth. even xgps for the iphone is moving to use OSM instead of google maps.

goroX · 06-08-2009, 10:34 AM

Can you post some screenshot.

KiaTuner · 06-08-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by nicr4wks

iPhone has a program to pre-download google maps so you can browse them in offline mode, maybe something similar could be used here to ditch the need for internet?

While I like the idea, Kev000 is right. It would strip the functionality completely, including the ability to get driving directions if there were no internet connection. The bright side is, just about any smartphone out there can be tethered to a computer to provide internet, and a simple 2g connection is enough for the app to function in a usable manner.

Quote: Originally Posted by goroX

Can you post some screenshot.

Will do later today, I am at work right now.

KiaTuner · 06-08-2009, 11:35 PM

I am very close to having the directions worked out (about another day of work) so I will wait until that is working, and then make a small video of the app rather than a screenshot, because at this point a screenshot is rather useless.

KiaTuner · 06-10-2009, 06:29 PM

Today's work went well. I got the POI search working, and directions information half-way implemented. I hope to be able to complete the directions within the next few days. Anyone had any success with the app?