Nokia N-95 and Nokia Maps 2.0. Anyone use it?

[discomuzz]

Hi all.

Just interested in whether anyone here has recently tried the Nokia Maps 'off the beaten track'.

I have an N-95 that is fully tweaked/hacked running Maps v2.0 A-GPS.

Really good, quick and detailed so far around town.

But... would you take it bush?

[beforethevision]

Gday!

I have an N82 (similar phone), with the gps etc, and was wondering how you got the new mapping software, navigation ( ?) etc on there?

As far as accuracy, it has done me well, the only downside is limited mapping and pay per use nav.

Sorry if its a stupid question, Cheers!

[discomuzz]

Gday!

I have an N82 (similar phone), with the gps etc, and was wondering how you got the new mapping software, navigation ( ?) etc on there?

As far as accuracy, it has done me well, the only downside is limited mapping and pay per use nav.

Sorry if its a stupid question, Cheers!


Hi.

It's not stupid question at all!

Nokia Australia - Nokia Maps - Download (http://www.nokia.com.au/A41161414)

I found this to be a really time consuming and pedantic process. Each step must be followed.

When was the last time you updated your firmware (*#0000# will give your current FW). If there is later version than you have, to take advantage of A-GPS, you will need to update.

You MUST have the latest version of PC suite(even though you DON'T use it to load your maps data) on your PC.

The Maps Loader (NOT the Maps GPS Software) requires a heap of Micrsoft gobbledy gook (33Mb ish) to run which must be downloaded as well (unless your PC has it already. The loading process will let you know). About 110Mb is stuff is downloaded so I hope you are on broadband.

When you get to point of connecting the phone to PC for download of the new Map data (NOT the GPS software called Nokia Maps 2.0 - different process - normal apps. loader will do that), select the Data Transfer mode.

Still with me?

If you get to this point you should be right. However, it took me the best part of an afternoon to do this and that was with the help of the Nokia forum I use (link below - don't be put off by the N95 name - it is expanding it's scope and any question on the GPS thread will be answered).

Nokia N95 Users Forums (http://www.n95users.com/forum/)

Really good forum this!

After all of this the new maps are much more detailed and the A-GPS is a lot quicker, so, IMHO, it is worth it.

If you need anymore, I'll do what I can.

[greebo]

Which firmware lets you use a-gps?

[discomuzz]

Which firmware lets you use a-gps?

With my N-95 1, V30.0.015

For any other models, I don't know. They just expect you to have the 'latest'.

Nokia N-95 forum has people that live for this sort of problem.

Check it out!

[AussieAub]

For "off road", this is what I use on my N95....

MGMaps (http://www.mgmaps.com/)

For "on-road". I use my TomTom (far better and considerably quicker than an N95 for road navigation).

Its FREE, and by following the instructions and associated downloads VERY CAREFULLY it allows you to rip maps and satellite images from Google, Yahoo, etc, and use them as moving images relative to your GPS location.

One of the associated files (the one used for downloading the said image files) also has the option to download those same images as OziExplorer files, for use with that program.

The only problem is, and it depends on the area of the maps you wish to rip (and the amount of zoom levels you require) is the sheer time it takes to download. After a certain time downloading, Google restricts your access to their servers, slowing you right down. Its "work-round-able" by resetting your internet connection, and thus renews your IP address, allowing you're download time counter (on their servers) to also be reset. You can of course use Yahoo maps, but the Google ones are considerably better quality, more up to date, and allow closer zoom levels. But the wait is worth the results! I tend to start them in the evening are they are done by the morning, without worrying about the IP reset issue.

Imagine....full colour scalable satellite maps in OziExplorer!! The other good thing about it is that the maps/images are already co-ordinated to their respective GPS co-ordinate locations. No messing around trying to determine accurate points for alignment.

As I said, I'm using this on my N95 at present, and have it linked into my in-dash DVD player for a bigger picture. By having the maps downloaded onto a memory card in the phone means you do not need a data plan to load the maps. Just make a collection of your favourite areas on CD/DVD and delete/save on your phone when you need them. However, an in-car charger is a must as the battery drains very quickly using the GPS.

If I can help make the instructions any clearer, or need some screenshots etc, just holler and I'll try my best to help.....

I don't work for them, or have ANY affiliation. Its just a good reliable program that works.....with a little bit of frustration in setting up to start with!

Cheers for now,


..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

[discomuzz]

Dude!!:eek:

I thought my answer was complicated!:o

Edit: MGMaps looks really good on the surface. Thanks for the link and info.

[AussieAub]

Dude!!:eek:

I thought my answer was complicated!:o

Hahaha!! :p
For anyone over here around Perth who wants to try it, I have areas already downloaded for Wilbinga, Dwellingup and a part of Carramar (I used for testing in my area) at a couple of zoom scales if anyone wants to try it out before waiting for the downloads? Only in N95 format though, not OziExplorer, but might look at a way of converting them soon without having to download them again....

Can bang them on CD for you, with extra instructions if you need them....

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

[beforethevision]

I finally have got MGMaps running, and i do like it, although it seems to have no navigation ability.

I donwloaded SE QLD to resolution 12, and it came to ~35mb in med quality. Its no good for street names etc. This morn i started ripping the maps for se QLD up in med quality to resolution level 17. Currently its at 550mb and no end in sight. Anyone have any ideas on how large these archives get?

Cheers!

[AussieAub]

I finally have got MGMaps running, and i do like it, although it seems to have no navigation ability.
Thats right! Its not so much for guided navigation, but does enable you to see your surroundings and spot tracks and the like. But thats the reason I (personally) like it. For proper turn by turn directions its pretty much useless, I use my TomTom. But for handy satellite maps of my surrounding area I think its fantastic!


downloaded SE QLD to resolution 12, and it came to ~35mb in med quality. Its no good for street names etc. This morn i started ripping the maps for se QLD up in med quality to resolution level 17. Currently its at 550mb and no end in sight. Anyone have any ideas on how large these archives get?
HUGE!! Sounds like you've fallen into the same trap I did, and found out the hard, long and boring way! Downloading half a state is going to take forever, and the archive will be massive! Best just to download areas you know you are going to need, or heading out to, and archive these individually to folders on a disc, then just copy to the phone as and when you need. The range of scales I use is 13-15. I find these ample.

As the original post stated: "Just interested in whether anyone here has recently tried the Nokia Maps 'off the beaten track.
But... would you take it bush?"

Nokia maps won't work "off the beaten track". With this mapping software though, I DO "take it bush", but only as a guide to the terrain I know I'm going in.
I most definitely do not think it should replace ANY dedicated GPS or navigation software though. Its more of a "working gimmick"! ;)

Cheers,
..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

[beforethevision]

Yeah i understand your point Kieren, i agree maps v2 gets confused as soon as you leave the tarmac. Although i was looking at the higher details for the area as a general map running while i do alot of driving. I like to align my mental maps with real ones. if 0-12 was 35mb for quarter of the state, thats no problems, but how big does 13-15 get? And is 15 detailed enough? Its hard to make links between 15 on the pc and what 15 would be like on mobile.

Cheers!

[AussieAub]

....but how big does 13-15 get? And is 15 detailed enough? Its hard to make links between 15 on the pc and what 15 would be like on mobile.

Cheers!

Gimme a day or two and I''l try to take some digital pics with the maps on the screen, then you see how detailed they are.
When I'm less tired I'll also see how big the file directories are for the areas I have.

Watch this space....!!! :D

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8

[Disco2tow]

I know this is a different phone but my nokia nav 6210 works brilliantly in the city and in the rural areas. It does voice guided turn by turn.
I haven't been off road but country gravel roads it find no prob. It does take a while to connect to the sat I don't put mine online as data cost are $$$$