GPS Software for biking

adizukerman · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 01, 2005 Posts: 2

I'm looking to get a GPS software for my pocket PC and, to be honest, I can't decide which to get. Any advice would be appreciated. I plan on biking from NYC to Florida over four weeks. I have paper maps from Adventure Cycling (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/atlanticcoast.cfm) which I'm using, but I would like to use a GPS on my Pocket PC in addition.

I would to be able to:
- use the waypoints provided by adventure cycling (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/gps.cfm) - they have comma delimited and GPX, XML text
- add my own POI, especially Amtrak stations and hostels suggested by Adventure Cycling
- enter the route I want to take beforehand so it won't "optimize" me onto an interstate
- record routes so I return to local bike routes I like (I want to use the software after my trip too)
- be able to answer questions like "How far to the next motel or campground " so I can make a determination when to stop
- notify me when I've missed my turn
- work with a Bluetooth GPS (I have TeleType)
- measure my speed and distance traveled

Any suggestions? Has any one used a Pocket PC with bicycling before?

Thanks again for any help,

- Adi

lbendlin · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:57 am Post subject:

The ideal solution for your wishlist is Mapopolis. I have used it on numerous street biking trips and it proved to be the best in comparison to a large number of other programs. I can go into more details if you like.

As a BT receiver I would strongly recommend to get something more professional, for example a DeLorme BlueLogger. It will be able to record your whole journey even without the Pocket PC connected or even switched on.
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Lutz

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adizukerman · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 01, 2005 Posts: 2

Actually, if you could go in more detail about Mapopolis I would really appreciate it. I was looking at CoPilot 5. Do you know how they compare?

As for the GPS, I got the TeleType based on battery life. It was rated at around 8 hours which seemed about good enough for a days ride.

lbendlin · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:45 am Post subject:

Copilot 5 is an excellent route planning tool, but more targeted at cars and trucks. Think delivery service with two dozen addresses they need to drive to each day.

Mapopolis has three distinct features
- combined map and navigation screen. It is very easy to browse the map and identify shortcuts, obstacles etc for your route
- "route through" functionality which allows you to easily and visually tweak your route to include or exclude certain areas
- a good general GPS screen with bearing, heading, and distance to destination (as the crow flies)
- a nice GPS trail to show you how far you got on your route
- map download on the go. Forgot a county map? Not a problem. All you need is a internet connection (for example via GPRS)
- Mapopolis is much faster than any other program, and also runs good on older Pocket PCs

Those were the three main differentiators. there are a few more, but that would start to get boring and mathematically incorrect. 8O

There's also a con: Mapopolis is not at all finger friendly. You need a pen or a sharp finger nail to operate it while driving.
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Lutz

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