Favorite GPS software

n8scstm · 10-31-2004, 03:38 PM

I just built my first carputer complete with XM and GPS. My GPS receiver came with Streets and Trips and from what I hear, you must be online to plan a trip. What are some software favorites? I need voice directions, and the ability to plan trips on the go.

mi800 · 10-31-2004, 04:04 PM

A few newbies have asked the same questions before and suggested to use

. However, I would like to share my experience with you. It'll help you choose the GPs program serves your need.

1.Routis 1.1:
pros: voice directions, and the ability to plan trips on the go, automated recalculation
cons: very poor POI,NO phone numbers of POI, poor feature display; doesn't tell wheather the destination is in the bottom of the ocean or the top of the mountain. I heard 2.0 will have improved colored map just like IGuidance2.0

2. Streets and Trips:
pros: impressive POI,phone numbers with POI, unlike Routis 1.1, maps are easier to read;diferent colors for interstate highway,local roads, parks

cons: not car navigation friendly, hard to read and operate on 7" screen.

I stress POI features because of my need that might be defeI'rent than yours.
Other GPS worth mention are IGuidance2.0, Destinator and Street Altas2005

lawrence · 10-31-2004, 04:22 PM

delorme street atlas using version 2003 but will soon upgrade to 2005
works well uses just about any gps you can get your hands on. good POI and phone number suport. you can run it from your HD and has voice guiance and voice reginition. loads fast and is stable. the on with the gps uses the SiRF chipset and is very fast to lock on to satalites. you are able to route from the software and corect for "off route" automaticly.

the only things that wish i could change is the ablity to change the size of the buttons and to get a view that looks like the factory "birds eye view"

Detritus · 10-31-2004, 04:44 PM

mi800, Routis 1.1 does have phone numbers for POI. It's just a little too difficult to reach. You have to search for POI, select the entry and then click "INFO". The phone number's there. If you simply click on something on the map, it unfortunately won't show.

mi800 · 10-31-2004, 04:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Detritus

mi800, Routis 1.1 does have phone numbers for POI. It's just a little too difficult to reach. You have to search for POI, select the entry and then click "INFO". The phone number's there. If you simply click on something on the map, it unfortunately won't show.

Thanks for the info. Still, I wouldn't use Routis for POI. Street Atlas 2005 and Streets and trips are light years ahead of POI and display feature.

Till there is do it all GPS program, Routis for route planing and Street Atlas 2005 and Streets and trips for in-town navagation

pip · 10-31-2004, 06:21 PM

Copilot Laptop is excellent, and the new version 8 has 3D views and other new features. Worth taking a look.

lawrence · 10-31-2004, 06:24 PM

why not use delorme for routing ?
it works well.
you have the ableity to set all of your preferances:
speed by type of road
distance or time interval for stops / with mpg calculation for fuel stops
POI search in radus of 1 / 5 / 10 miles with filters by type and includes phnoe #'s
off route recalculation
on screen display of route with time and distance from start or to finish
gps info lat and lon alt speed heading, sat info - data stream, sat location, signal strenth,
the abliity to add your own roads, make map notes, export to handheld devices .
you can zoom the screen and change the font size to make it more readable

i have tried MS streets and did not like it. have not tried Routis so i can not say anything about it

IMO i like delome sa 2003 and i will be upgrading to SA2005 this week i have been thinking of triying delorme topo it read that it has a great grafiical dispaly but no routing capabilitys ( this is probably what i will use around town)

peegee · 11-03-2004, 12:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by pip

Copilot Laptop is excellent, and the new version 8 has 3D views and other new features. Worth taking a look.

Are you actually running Version 8? I didnt know it was out yet?

lawrence · 11-07-2004, 11:56 PM

check it out
Just got TOPO 5 USA, all I can say is way cool
Ya all need to check it out
It does 3D view all the mapping stuff and points of interest
You now can turn off the GPS LED
Also got streets atlas 5.0 way faster lock. I am liking both
Both are way cool.

Don 944 LA · 11-08-2004, 12:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by lawrence

check it out
Just got TOPO 5 USA, all I can say is way cool
Ya all need to check it out
It does 3D view all the mapping stuff and points of interest
You now can turn off the GPS LED
Also got streets atlas 5.0 way faster lock. I am liking both
Both are way cool.

I've been using version 4 and it has the 3D... I also have version 5, but for some reason craps out when I try to load maps...
Cool to be able to turn off LED blinky..

If only it has voice navigation !!!!!