GPS Software

dan__wright · 05-16-2005, 07:25 AM

Hi,

i know people have asked what software is the best, but can you post the pros / cons of the popular gps software.

Thanks.

DarquePervert · 05-16-2005, 08:01 AM

You need to do some reading here, then.
There's been tons of post about pros/cons of GPS software.

neon_eddy · 05-16-2005, 08:14 AM

Preface: I currently use Cf (centrafuse) and D3 and love it, I've used extensivly Streets and Trips along with Routis, and for a short time (one day) I used Street Atlas. This is just my OPINION, and my $.02 keep the change.
Destinator 3
Pros - Intergrates with Centrafuse well, has mapmonkey, is being developed for pc, 3d view, easy PIO (point of intrest) finding, map zooms in and out with speed, voice guided directions, works great with USB GPS on rsume from hibernation, TS (touchscreen) friendly, auto rotates map, OSK (on screen keyboard)
Cons requires some "hacking", and buying the software and SDK, so a bit expensive. Some say has bad routing, I feel it's ok, but I've only had one "goofy" route out of say 20. PIO is a bit outdated, no street names in 3d mode, maps are broken into regions, so no cross country routing, and it won't make me a turtle mocha!

MS Streets and Trips
Pros - Great PIO Database, has the ability to update construction zones via internet, great maps, auto rotates map, great trip planning, calculates gas stops based on MPG of your car, etc.
Cons - NOT TS friendly, small text, no voice guided directions, no 3d view, I had trouble intergrating it into CF, no OSK

iGuidance/Routis
Pros - can route across whole country, 3d view WITH street names, TS friendly, Intergrates with CF well, can use NaviVoice to talk to your GPS, routing is good, Voice guided directions, OSK
Cons - PIO DB is a bit confusing, and or limited, Has issues with USB GPS and resuming (routis launcher fixed most of it).

Delrome Streets Atlas

Pros - Seemed like it has good maps, voice guided directions, PIO Radar, good PIO DB.
Cons - NOT TS friendly, no OSK, has issues intergrating into CF

dan__wright · 05-16-2005, 08:32 AM

thanks eddy, i was looking at iGuidance, also forgot to say im in the UK, so i want soemthing that comes with uk maps, i dont want to have to buy them ontop.

Marvin Hlavac · 05-16-2005, 08:43 AM

iGuidance version for Europe should be available soon. And to the above fine software comparison by neon_eddy I could only add that the size of S&T map fonts can be easily adjusted ;-) Microsoft has MS AutoRoute 2005 for Europe, which is the same as MS Streets & trips 2005 for North America.

neon_eddy · 05-16-2005, 09:07 AM

Word on the street is D3 has great UK routing and maps.. so the map size is no issue.. only for us Yanks.. :-)

mattress · 05-17-2005, 04:20 PM

the only software I have used is MS Streets & trips 2k5, and D3/map monkey.

MS Streets and trips is not a program you'd want to use in a car-computer setup. it's not very user friendly, etc..

D3 is a pretty good program. routes are ok. the only complaint i have with this is the PIO database. If I'm looking for a PIO, it's very hard to find it ... unless I just don't know how to do it....

FociMan · 06-17-2005, 10:05 AM

Destinator is very good when used through Centrafuse. I have had a few goofy routes and not being able to use postcodes to set destination is a pain. The POI are well out of date.

it_shua · 06-17-2005, 01:10 PM

I just received my copy of CoPilot and im working my way thru the system.

I might be a bit negitive for this, but its what I have seen so far.

CoPilot (www.alk.com)
Pros:
Voice Navigation is easy to follow.
Big butttons (works well with Touchscreens).

Cons:
Price.
Only updates once a year at which you will need to purchase the new version with updated maps.
Some Routing issues (Taking you around the block instead of going 30ft). Tech Support normally response is 24 hours (avg from what I have seen).
Does have some funny issues when you don't have a GPS Attached.