moving map explanation please

[smartin]

Hello,
I'm new to GPS so excuse my silly question :
Could anyone explain me how the moving maps as gif files work. I'm using TomTom with europe maps I saw apps such as Navio 3.0 etc.. that suppose to use maps that are not embeded but in a form of standard gif files.
How do I get the maps for europe and how it is related to apps as TomTom ? why would i use eg. navio ??

thanks in advance

cheers

[lbendlin]

Not a silly question at all.

TomTom and other street routing programs use vector maps. street detail is stored as "maneuvres" - basically vector arrows with properties attached to them. The application then takes that data and renders a map in real time.

In contrast "moving map", or topographical software as we call it, is predominantly using scans of paper maps or other types of images (like aerial photographs). This can be any graphics format - JPG, GIF, BMP etc.

You need some form of calibration for those, either delivered together with the image, or you can do that yourself (like with Navio). It won't be as precise as the street navigation calibration, but it's good enough for outdoors activities. The more calibration points you have the better the precision.

A large number of websites offer topographical maps of different regions and different resolution, Google have just recently added the satellite maps (through their Keyhole acquisition) and I'm pretty sure that will be available in the UK soon.

You cannot use image maps with street navigation software like TomTom. The opposite is true as well, street navigation programs are of limited use offroad. So far no vendor has come up with a satisfactory solution to combine the two approaches.
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[smartin]

so i could put any graphical file, calibrate it and use it as a map?
Thus i could eg. create a funny picture and follow it making huge drawing on the snow/sand etc...
Hmmm.... there goes the mistery of crop signs

cheers

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