Viewranger in for review

Darren · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:12 am Post subject: Viewranger in for review

We've covered Viewranger software many times in the past but it has been a while since we revisited the application.

Maintaining a variety of devices to cover every requirement isn't possible but Viewranger were kind enough to loan us a Nokia 5800 so we could evaluate the latest software release.

We'll be using the software in earnest for a full review shortly but first impressions are very good. The software is aimed at a wide range of outdoor users and provides access to maps from Ordnance Survey in the UK as well as maps from national mapping agencies in other countries.

In addition to locating you on a map, Viewranger has a unique 3D panoramic view mode that shows you what you can see from your position with labels identifying the topography.

You can also navigate using waypoints, record tracks, take geotagged photos and track others using Viewranger with the 'Buddy Beacon' feature.

Full data management is catered for and you can browse and buy maps on-line direct from your handset.

Our full review will be available shortly but more details can be found at the Viewranger website.
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Darren Griffin

diggerhole · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 04, 2006 Posts: 6

Been using Viewranger since my 6680, and it continuously delivers for all my hiking and cycling needs. The Viewranger team are helpful to the end even for the daftest question and always happy to consider feature requests.

A must for any GPS enabled Nokia

Keith

axys · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 01, 2009 Posts: 37

+1 for their service - I made a minor suggestion about routes and it was upgraded about 20 minutes later! I'm sure the contact there, Mike B, never sleeps - no matter what time I email its not too long before I get a reply. First class service, first class software. Highly recommended on a Nokia 5800 (which they are now also selling, unlocked, at a VERY good price with VR).

Darren · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:53 pm Post subject:

Indeed. It's one of the difficulties we have maintaining sufficient devices to cover all markets. We try but Nokia is the one we rarely have covered.

Thankfully Viewranger are expanding to other platforms which is great news.
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Darren Griffin

axys · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 01, 2009 Posts: 37

Whilst its principally Nokia, it will run on other Symbian phones - Samsung and Sony for instance, and I believe the iPhone is slated for the first part of next year. Good review here
www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6280

Darren · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

Indeed, I'm looking forward earnestly to an Android or iPhone release of this software.

The 5800 is a nice device and works well with Viewranger but I find the Nokia software very antiquated and the touch screen needs very firm clicking to select, so much so that I have resorted to using the stylus.

When I first picked up the 5800 I spent 20mins trying to get it to slide open to reveal a keypad! It has some grooves all around which suggested to me this was a slider type handset with QWERTY keypad. A quick delve into the manual revealed my mistake Embarassed

None of this detracts from the software though which is very fluid and well thought out.
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Darren Griffin

axys · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 01, 2009 Posts: 37

Generally I find the screen very responsive - it really only needs the lightest of touch (and can be used easily with light gloves) but sometimes, as you say, you need to be firm with it. You can calibrate the screen sensitivity from within Settings. Its not as good as the iPhone, but then its less than half the price!

pcaouolte · Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject:

When out walking I use Viewranger on a Nokia 5800 in a waterproof "bag" from Overboard. You can operate the phone without removing it from the bag.

The battery life on the 5800 is good enough for a full day walking with the Viewranger software running and tracking position provided that the screen is allowed to go off when not needed.

I also use the 5800 and Viewranger to record tracks in the car for use with Open Street Map.

Fantastic software with fantastic customer service.
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Paul

The Rudd · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:58 am Post subject: Installing View Ranger problem

Good morning I hope that this is not a silly question.

I have garmin mobile XT on my 5800, if I want to run the VR map will I need to put the 8gb sd card back into the Nokia 5800. I think that it looks as if I can't run XT and VR.

Many thanks

Jerry

Darren · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:24 am Post subject:

Does XT only run on its own memory card? Can't you copy XT to a larger card?
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Darren Griffin

The Rudd · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:46 am Post subject:

Hi Darren

Xt runs on it's memory card, it's not possible to copy to a larger card as Garmin disabled that feature. It looks as if I can't use both at the same time.

Thanks

Jerry

Darren · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:00 am Post subject:

I'm afraid so. I really wish manufacturers would choose a different protection mechanism than locking the application to the memory card.
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Darren Griffin

axys · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 01, 2009 Posts: 37

You can run VR and maps on the phone's memory or just VR on the phone and maps on the card, which is what I do (as I have the whole of the UK loaded). Depending on what else you have on the phone's memory, you should be able to get at least one map area on the phone I would have thought, so, yes, you should be able to do it - drop an email to VR and they'll confirm.

Darren · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

lakewalker · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 18, 2006 Posts: 3

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