Other uses for this software / harware

BorisDollar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 06, 2005 Posts: 3

I am about to purchase the bundle Bluetooth GPS receiver and TOM TOM software for my car. I have a PDA and have seen the system in action.

However, I also spend a lot of time travelling, and need a system for my PDA that tells me where I am on foot. For example, at the end of January, I am trekking through the jungle in central america and i want to log my position and waypoints.

Can this be done using this system, or would I have to purchase seperate software?

I presume the GPS Bluetooth receiver will work whereever i take it???

Thanks for your help.

p.s i am a total, utter beginner.

Diplo · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:40 pm Post subject:

Your hardware would be fine for on-foot but TomTom would not - it's purely street routing and won't be any use were there are no defined roads. What you need to look for is topographical software - try reading the reviews here to get some ideas:

http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/menu_gpstopo.php
_________________
Medion 95000 | TT3.07 | Kingston 512MB SD

Privateer · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 5:53 pm Post subject:

If you are going to go trekking through a jungle then I’d opt for a separate handheld GPS receiver that is sturdy, small, light, water resistant, and takes standard sized batteries. I’d also get the most detailed and accurate paper maps, a decent compass, and spare batteries for the GPS receiver as backup.

I’m not an explorer, and I certainly haven’t been in a jungle, but I understand that jungles are an inhospitable place and you need good equipment.

Regards,
_________________
Robert.
iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 14.0.1: iOS CamerAlert v2.0.7
TomTom GO Mobile iOS 2.3.1; TomTom (UK & ROI and Europe) iOS apps v1.29
Garmin Camper 770 LMT-D

BorisDollar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 06, 2005 Posts: 3

Thank you Diplo, plenty of good software in that link.

Privateer, i accept your advice is most sensible, but the jungle trek with a GPS system is purely for novelty, not really for life or death navigation. I know where i'm going, but it would be nice to see how far i've travelled, the height above sea level, the direction i am facing, a waypoint i can return to etc.

As long as I can do this with the TOM TOM bundle and additional topographical software i will be happy.

Perhaps i'll take a look at a separate handheld unit, although i have no idea about price etc.

If possible, id rather be able to do everything via my PDA.

DavidW · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 7:07 pm Post subject:

If you want to ruggedise your setup for 'extreme outdoors' use, you could check out Otter boxes and similar products (if you're using a Bluetooth GPS you'll want one for the GPS and one for the Pocket PC). In a jungle environment, you may well want dessicant sachets in the boxes to prevent condensation.

The big problem with taking a Pocket PC setup on an expedition will be battery life; if you've no way of charging the batteries, you'll probably find you're carrying a useless object after a day or two. Further, the main memory on a Pocket PC is wiped once the battery goes flat; Sprite Backup will help in allowing you to make a backup to non-volatile memory such as a memory card.

If you can't find software that has topographic mapping for your particular jungle, you can get handheld GPS like software, such as GPS Tuner, GPSDash or Navio. However, I'm with Robert (Privateer) - in a jungle, the only GPS I'd bother with is a handheld GPS, and even then the GPS reception may well be somewhere between iffy and non-existent if you're under tree canopy.

David

BorisDollar · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 06, 2005 Posts: 3

Right, i am now metres away from the Jungle using my PDA with a wireless satallite connection.

I now have a bluetooth receiver and Tom Tom.

I have installed and purchased some topography software (Follow Me & EasyGPS) but it doesnt do what i want it to do.

I need basic, accurate software (like what you would get on a standalone gps unit) that allows me to walk from point A to point B and get an exact measurement. I then want to be able to walk to points C and D and see some sort of diagram on my screen. I dont need maps, just a simple drawing of where i have been and marked waypoints.

Any idea what software i can use?

I have tried all of the above software that previous posters have advised me to use, but it is either too complicated or doesnt recognise my BT receiver. They seem to want a receiver with a crappy cable.

thanks

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