OziExplorer for Android

[steveG]

I've loaded the trial version of Ozi onto my Samsung Galaxy Tab, and copied across some of my maps from my PC.

I can't find a way of opening any map other than the "locate map at position" option. Is there a way to do it or to at least confirm that its found the maps OK?
We're heading off to do the Hay River track and Simpson in a few weeks and want to make sure its working OK before we leave.

Steve

[silverhammer]

Steve
Have u indexed your maps? All the other Ozi versions require this. Max

[steveG]

Yes , have indexed them.
Just can't seem to find a way to check if they are ok.

Steve

[Blknight.aus]

turn off the tracking, then select load map from folder.

if you have position tracking turned on for the moving map it will load whatever map you like then immediately black the screen and load the most appropriate map for the cursor position.

Androzic does the same thing.

[steveG]

Thanks Dave. Thats what I was after.
I had tracking turned off but was missing that there was the load map option down the bottom of the window.

Really obvious now I've found it. All good, maps are there and load OK.

Steve

[Bush65]

I've been a long time ozie user, and have been thinking seriously about an android tablet instead of my old laptop. So will be interested in your experience.

I would think ozie for android will undergo a few revisions before i get around to it though. I still have much to do before I get the 120 back on the road, but doing a lot of mods to the dash area at the moment and want to sort tablet mounting and wiring etc. soon If I decide that way. I'm also considering alternatives like a carputer.

BTW I had a great trip down the Hay River back in 2007, I must do it again soon - having withdrawal symptoms from being out of the deserts for too long.

[steveG]

In the past I've only really used Ozi as a moving map on a small 4.5" GPS (Ranga special). On the PC I scanned/calibrated a few paper maps and loaded them on the device, but it was too small for anything else.

Have just spent about an hour marking our planned route on a large wall map in the dining room, and used the tablet to zoom in/out to finding the smaller places that weren't marked on the wall map. Very happy with its performance from that respect, and definitely couldn't have done it on the small device.
Only had to drag out the Hema paper map once for somewhere we couldn't find on the tablet - and that was simply a case of us not zooming out far enough.
I need to start having a play with weighpoints and actually creating the route on the tablet (or doing it on the PC and loading it).

Also need to sort out a mount for it in the County. I've got a mud pod fitted and I reckon the angled top area where a normal person would put a radio is about the perfect angle and size for the tablet.

Steve

[HangOver]

I have some GPX file of a recorded route.

Looking at OziE website it says its compatible with GPX files.
So I loaded a random map, (indexed).
I went to Route Navigation Page > Load

When I browse for the GPX file it can't see any files in the folder they are located in. I also tried copying them to the device rather than USB and it still wont see the GPX files from within Ozi.

What and I doing wrong?

[Kevin B]

I have some GPX file of a recorded route.

Looking at OziE website it says its compatible with GPX files.
So I loaded a random map, (indexed).
I went to Route Navigation Page > Load

When I browse for the GPX file it can't see any files in the folder they are located in. I also tried copying them to the device rather than USB and it still wont see the GPX files from within Ozi.

What and I doing wrong?

Make sure you completely restart the app, in android that means killing it in task manager, I had same problem

[HangOver]

Make sure you completely restart the app, in android that means killing it in task manager, I had same problem

Thanks for the suggestion, I restarted the tablet with no success.

Same as before, within OziExplorer, when browsing to the folder that contains the GPX files it appears to be empty. :/

[Kevin B]

Thanks for the suggestion, I restarted the tablet with no success.

Same as before, within OziExplorer, when browsing to the folder that contains the GPX files it appears to be empty. :/

Do you see any map at all when you start ozi, the world default ond should come up, if it does and your map folder is empty, that means the app is pointing to the wrong folder, check it in the sttings menu

[Kevin B]

I have some GPX file of a recorded route.

Looking at OziE website it says its compatible with GPX files.
So I loaded a random map, (indexed).
I went to Route Navigation Page > Load

When I browse for the GPX file it can't see any files in the folder they are located in. I also tried copying them to the device rather than USB and it still wont see the GPX files from within Ozi.

What and I doing wrong?

Just read this again, yout route needs to go in the Data Folder not the map folder

[HangOver]

I am trying to import a route, I don't understand why you can browse to other folders if it has to be in 1 specific folder.
The route is from someone else this is the first time I have used OziExplorer on this device.

I tried it again tonight, GPS works fine, maps are indexed, shows my location and zooms into best map.

If I use file explorer I can see the xxx.GPX files on the SD card.
If I load > browse to the same location it will not see them.

I will try again after putting the routes in the data folder.

Thanks for the tip.

[HangOver]

I copied them to the data folder and restarted Ozi. Same issue :/

Looks like I might have to email Ozi support if they have one.

[Kevin B]

I copied them to the data folder and restarted Ozi. Same issue :/

Looks like I might have to email Ozi support if they have one.

I just tried with mine, gpx not compatible needs to be .rt2 or .rte

[Kevin B]

Have a look here, it appears you need a converter to change to ozi format

Import and Export FAQ (http://www.oziexplorer3.com/eng/faq_import.html)

[HangOver]

it says " Note : GPX is a universal format which OziExplorer supports. "

the files I have are GPX :(

Ozi doesn't seem to have "support" email address lol

[Learner]

That is referring to the fully functioned OziExplorer, "OziExplorer for Android" is still in Beta form and not fully functioned.

[Kevin B]

That is referring to the fully functioned OziExplorer, "OziExplorer for Android" is still in Beta form and not fully functioned.

That was my next thought, I have the full desktop version on my pc at home also on a win CE device, ill have a look there as well, might just need to convert it for the beta version, no biggy really.

[HangOver]

you are correct !

I emailed Ozi and they said that OziAndroid does not support GPX.
I found a GPX converter that I will try tonight.

[HangOver]

OK, got it cracked, OziExplorer android will only accept routes as a .rte. not .ocx or .plt ( ozi track) files.
Thanks for the pointers

[ballbag]

Completely new to this .. . looking to set up Ozi Explorer on a Samsung tablet with maps/data files in ozf2 format.

Confused by which Ozi Explorer software is required to make this happen, site is poorly worded IMHO.


Important - Before purchasing OziExplorer MUST be installed on your android device. The Trial version will display the Device ID during program startup and on the "About" dialog. This "Device ID" is required to purchase OziExplorer for Android

So, does that mean .. . .

1. I install this file, http://www.oziexplorer3.com/android/oziexplorer1-release.apk , run it, get the device ID from it, enter that ID into the shopping cart and then make the purchase?

2. Then, assuming I have maps and data files, I can throw those onto the tablet and start using them for navigation?

3. And I can use the tablet version to mark waypoints and tracks?

4. And if that's all I want it to do, I DON'T need the PC version?

Sorry for the luddite questions but my head's going around in circles.

[steveG]

Just been through this recently, and thats pretty much it.
Think you can also install the trial program from one of the usual app stores (Google Play or Aptoide??) but not 100% sure.

From memory the trial is fully functional - just has a big "TRIAL" emblazoned across the screen. Once you install it, you can load your maps etc and have a play.
Then when you want to purchase you get the device ID off the app on the tablet and enter it on the purchase page from the Ozi site.

I don't have Ozi for the PC, but was able to load track files for a recent trip that were sent to me by another Ozi user who'd created them on his PC.
Don't think you can create the track files on the Android version but I could be wrong.

EDIT: BTW - my license code didn't arrive in a couple of days after purchase, so I had to email Ozi support to sort it out. Exchanged a couple of emails with them and had the code within an hour - so thumbs up for their support.

Steve

[Kevin B]

Before you purchase Ozi, look at Androzic, its the same but free, in google play

[ballbag]

Thanks Steve and Kev. Appreciate the help. I'll look into Androzic.

[OffTrack]

Before you purchase Ozi, look at Androzic, its the same but free, in google play

Similar, but not the same.

Not singling out Androzic but like every other freeware app that claims to support Ozi maps, it's based on an open source library that doesn't load encrypted ozf3 or any ozf4 format maps. The open source library - and therefore Androzic - also has trouble with some of the Australian map projections supported by OziExplorer.

The current version of the Hema DVD has only ozf4 format maps, for example, so if you want to run these maps the only choice is OziExplorer.

I'm also yet to find a third party app that will load the Spatial Vision VicMap DVD with the correct projection applied - rather than falling back silently to Lat/Long projection which introduces errors that vary across the map.

If you are planning on running free maps like Festys it probably won't make any difference. If you plan on buying Hema and other commercial mapping package OziExplorer is the only way to go.

[Witchdoctor]

I have spoken to Hema about Android apps, they will have a full app available just before Christmas this year.

Ill be first in the door for this Hema product.

Cheers
David

[OffTrack]

I have spoken to Hema about Android apps, they will have a full app available just before Christmas this year.

Ill be first in the door for this Hema product.

Cheers
David

The "hema app" will most likely be a hema branded version of memory map plus bundled mapping. If you want to see what you'll get you could just download memory map and get a 10 day demo of the Hema Maps.

Cheers
Paul

[HangOver]

So, does that mean .. . .
.

you pretty much summed it up. you can load up Ozi and follow a moving map it will record your path for later use or for you to follow for your return. Yes you can mark waypoints along the way but I didn't see the need, it plots the course itself.

note it will only accept routes not paths from others. please look on their site to see the difference. I "think" a path is waypoint to way point and route follows exact course followed but please check if it matters to you.
To sum up no you don't need the full OziExplorer to record a path and retrace it.

[mikehzz]

Ozi/Androzic only works out cheaper if you get your maps for free (read pirated). I like Memory Map with the Hema Map set. It works on PC, Ipad/iphone or Android with the same MM maps. You pay nothing or bugger all for the app but you do pay for the maps ($150?). Licencing is quite strict. The PC planning app is quite handy to draw your intended route on the map and then upload it to your device.

[OffTrack]

To expand on Mikehzz's point...

On iOS the Hema App (a dressed up memory map) comes with 5 x iOS device licenses as per the App Store conditions. Currently the app is $149.99AUS

Memory map is $0.99 on iOS and free on Android and WinCE. You have basic three options to buy mapping. 2 x mobile devices (not platform limited so can be any combination of iOS or Android or WinCE devices), 2 x PC, or 2 x Mobile and 2x PC. With the Hema mapping you can also purchase by region - the mapping is broken up into 4 sections east, north, west and great desert tracks. The full HEMA coverage for 2 x mobile is $139.99US/$150AUS, or $180US/$195 for 2x mobile/2x PC.

If you wanted to add the PC planning to Hema App you'd have to purchase a Memory Map 2x PC license at $139.99US/$150AUS, which makes buying the Hema App an expensive way to proceed.

That said I've ended up ditching Memory Map because they have repeatedly changed the licensing on the Hema regional mapping. When I purchased initially the regions were sold via in app purchase as 1 x mobile device. They later updated this to 2 x mobile but did not retrospectively apply to existing licenses. About six months ago they changed the licensing again so that the regional packages can only be purchased as 2x mobile, 2x pc. I have the East coast (1x mobile) and GDT (2 x mobile), Northern Australia (2x Mobile, 2xPC) and was put into a position that I could no longer add a x2 PC license for the regions I had mobile licensing for. The only way I could reasonably upgrade was to buy a full hema package license for $195AUS. This has really put me off any application that depends on limited license mapping purchases.

In the end I decided to cut my losses and switched across to OziExplorer on Android. I'd been using Memory Map and OziExplorer on WinCE but hated the crap windows based UI. I don't want to have to use a microscope and stylus to navigate menus when I'm in the car. :angel:

It's probably not a concern for many people, but in some ways the Android/OziExplorer approach is more Mac friendly than iOS/Hema or Memory Map. Up until the 2012 edition the Hema DVD included copies of the maps in ozf3 and ECW format. The OSX application MacGPS Pro will read ECW format without any conversion required so this means I'm able to do route planning on the Mac, and then convert the GPX files to ozi route format with GPSBabel. MemoryMap locks you into their PC based Application for route planning.

By keeping an eye on eBay I was able to pick up copies of both the 2012 and 2013 Hema DVD's for $160 ($60 for 2012, $100 for 2013). Add in the $25 OziAndroid license and I've ended up with a far better result than if I'd thrown my money at VMS/Memory Map/Hema. :cool:

cheers
Paul

[mikehzz]

I have to agree that the Memory Map licencing is the pits. I bought the full set of Hema and also the full topo set for Australia as well. I really like the maps. Ozi's clunky interface on small screen started to bug me, Androzic couldn't find half my maps, Bitmap kept crashing....Memory Map was the last one standing. :)

[turps]

An Ozi app for iOS would be perfect. As I have already paid for most of my maps years ago. And although I am happy with the quick play with an android tablet. I cant see me every buying one. Or able to justifie one. But I will have an ipad. And all the cheap Android devices I have used are rubbish.

[OffTrack]

I'm a welded on OSX and iOS user, but Nav is one thing I think is better left to more "disposable" hardware. While I agree the Android hardware around the "$100-120 and under" mark is abysmal, at around $200-240 you can pick up something like a 32Gb Wifi-only Nexus 7 with built in GPS which is in a completely different league.

To get a suitable iPad mini with 32Gb memory and GPS you need to buy a cellular/wifi model which has a price tag of $620. Alternatively you can buy a Wifi Only iPad and use an external gps receiver but you only save $50 or so going this route.

I'm happy to leave the Nexus 7 mounted in the D2, which is something I'd never contemplate with an iDevice of any kind.

cheers
Paul

[VladTepes]

I haven't read the whole thread but what's the best way to set up Oziexplorer for a Samusng S4 ?
Can I use maps I laready have that were on teh 'Ranga special' ?

[HangOver]

I haven't read the whole thread but what's the best way to set up Oziexplorer for a Samusng S4 ?
Can I use maps I laready have that were on teh 'Ranga special' ?
read the thread :p lol

S4 = android so buy ozi explorer for $25 or Androzic which I think is free but its well, I prefer Ozi.
buy hema or calm maps for your state.
job done.


just a note to others I bought a cheap ($230 inc 3 year warranty) Android tablet from Harvey Normans and its not bad. I use it most of the time in the house as second device and its great for internet/email and kids games; oh and that candy crush thing the missus plays :/ Come 4x4 day its mounted in the RRC and its then used for the navigation stuff. I'm happy with it but any android device will do the same.

I also have street navigation and other bits on it like music, PDF files with workshop manuals and OBD codes.
Im a windows guy and prefer windows but it was $200 for android and $400 for windows.