Google Maps on yr mobile

[sinned]

I should have discovered how to use google maps on the mobile a year ago and would not have spent money on maps. Now I have loaded the map application I can't see myself ever needing to buy a map again.

All you need and probably have is a mobile with web browser and a data plan or access to data on the mobile. I downloaded the google map application and placed a short cut on the menu giving a one click access to the map.

The map options are similar to those on a full web browser; search, get directions, my location, layers, satellite/map view, favourites, zoom, help. Get directions returns distance and turn by turn instructions.

My locations shows a map with a marker showing where you are. The accuracy depends on the location relative to cell sites so this is not accurate like GPS. However, with the map showing street names etc it takes only a few seconds to work out exactly where you are. When a destination is selected you have a map view of the route or word instructions.

Now I am wondering if I need or will buy a GPS for the motorcycle?

Pros

• Free service - except for minimal data cost ($10/100Mb plan or prepay is more than enough) Note that Vodafone and Telecom data plans have come down in cost.
• No need to buy any more urban maps (possibly also rural)
• This may meet the requirements a lot of users would want of a GPS
• If you carry a mobile you will always have maps with you

Cons

• Must have mobile coverage - not a problem for me.
• Must have mobile with web browser (got that and most have)
• Small data cost.
• Is not a GPS and can't be monitored while riding.

What to do?

• Open the browser at google.com
• Download Maps
• Place a shortcut

My phone is a Nokia E65 - now an old model. On Vodafone.

[Bren]

Now I will never get lost...thanks....

One note though...the application is accessed on google if you click the "more" link

[.chris]

My sony mobile came with google maps as standard, it does not have a gps, but it seems to work out roughly where you are based on the cell sites around you.

Just makes google maps load roughly to the right spot, which makes things easier.

You are right, if you do not need tracking or routes then google maps on the mobile phone is a pretty easy solution.

[p.dath]

Several of the new model mobile phones have have a GPS receiver built in.

The US manadated the requriement in law so they can track accurately the location of 911 calls. As a result, our phones have started having this feature.

[Gremlin]

Yep, the Nokia E71 (not E61) has a built in GPS receiver. While you can use Nokia maps, the Google Maps are faster, and still use the GPS to nail accuracy.

The functionality is limited tho, by not being able to add extra points in the middle, and as you say, you need data coverage. I still have a GPS, but then, I'm often in areas with no mobile coverage, let alone data coverage.

[Dargor]

ant technology grand.

[Trudes]

Gotta love it eh!

[Tony.OK]

I tried it on my pre pay yesterday, managed to put my house as a favourite, checked my balance after doing so, used over $6 for around 2 min of playing..................thanks Telecom

[sinned]

I tried it on my pre pay yesterday, managed to put my house as a favourite, checked my balance after doing so, used over $6 for around 2 min of playing..................thanks Telecom

Can be expensive without a data plan. I use approx 0.5mb on days using maps. My dataplan is lowest Vodafone at 100mb for $10.00. More than I can use.

[p.dath]

Don't forget Vodafone also have the $1/day for up to 10MB for casual usage. Probably fine for most mapping applications.

But be carefull if you use more than 10MB. The charges are excessive.

[cheesemethod]

I found this about a month ago for my phone, and I find myself using it more and more. I've got a Nokia N82 and I must say Google Maps is about 500x better than the standard Nokia maps program. Although if you get lost in the middle of nowhere with no cell coverage you're a bit stuck, but hey, that's half the fun of biking.

[Askelon]

I got it on mine - Palm Treo Pro.. Worked ok.. Ended up sticking Tom Tom on my phone - no more downloads, runs nice and quick. Doesnt support A-GPS like Google Maps (which uses both GPS & Cell Tower triangulation to get your coords) so it means I have to wait for the GPS to lock in before I can get anything - I normally only use it for route finding anyways .

[onearmedbandit]

Use it on my N95 which has A-GPS, much quicker than Nokia Maps, love the satellite view and also street view. Downloaded an app which uses the phones built-in accelerometer to show lean and pitch angle. Doesn't log unfortunately so won't be using it on the bike yet.

[Devil]

Use it on my N95 which has A-GPS, much quicker than Nokia Maps, love the satellite view and also street view. Downloaded an app which uses the phones built-in accelerometer to show lean and pitch angle. Doesn't log unfortunately so won't be using it on the bike yet.

Yer, I have an N95. A-GPS is what they're talking about above, the triangulation using Cell sites. if I want to be a cheap bastard I use the nokia maps with A-GPS switched off so it uses no data.

[onearmedbandit]

Yer, I have an N95. A-GPS is what they're talking about above, the triangulation using Cell sites. if I want to be a cheap bastard I use the nokia maps with A-GPS switched off so it uses no data.

Yeah I know what it is, I use it all the time. I'm on a 512mb per month plan, so using it regularly doesn't concern me. Except however while roaming in Oz, 30sec use cost me $6 lol. Turned off all network use after that. Next time I'll get a sim over there.