Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
BikeRadar verdict
"Intelligent use of mobile technology; carry fewer devices, never get lost"
ViewRanger’s software turns the GPS-equipped smartphone you probably already carry into a navigator with full Ordnance Survey mapping.
Get full UK coverage, regions or even single map tiles. You can download map tiles on the go, panoramic maps included, and pick a custom tile centred on a particular location.
The map data is stored on the phone, so operation is lightning quick once you get the initial GPS lock, and it uses the handset’s keys or touchscreen for menu navigation.
You can log routes and tracks, create and import points of interest and customise your trip data screen to show speed, distance, clock, compass and altitude details.
Standard .pdx files can be exported for use with desktop software as well as navigating on the phone. One niggle is the impact on battery life – our Nokia N82 needed charging nightly to cope with a full day’s riding.
Manufacturers description
ViewRanger™ is a unique mapping, navigation, tracking, and information tool for mobile phones that provides information about your immediate surroundings through a natural and intuitive display. On a phone with a built-in internal GPS, or with a Bluetooth GPS receiver connected, ViewRanger transforms a Nokia or other Symbian S60 smartphone into a fully featured trail navigation system.User Reviews
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Google Maps - ok, it doesn't do OS level. But, it's free.
Nokia Sports Tracker - does the GPS, tracking, logging, etc, and all for free:
http://sportstracker.nokia.com
You can even use it to upload your route in real-time, for others to track/watch.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
There is no information here that isn't merely a product description. I take it Bikeradar was paid for the "review" and accordingly can't say anything in the least bit contentious about any given product?
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
SportyPal does this for FREE aswell !!
http://www.sportypal.com/
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Had a Nokia Smartphone for 6 months was brilliant when it worked though the built in GPS was very slow to lock on, also the GPS would switch off when you received a call and you would have to start from scratch.
The phone kept crashing until it would n't work at all. Then I sent it off to phones4u http://www.flickr.com/photos/40746564@N02/3752082718/ for repair, they sent it to Nokia.
They say I dropped it the board inside was cracked and beyond economical repair. Lovely phone but never again. Still paying for it.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Is this compatible with all GPS equipped phones? Only, I don't have a Nokia, I have a Sony W995 which does Sat-Nav anyway...
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
I use Viewranger for those rare situations when I get completely lost MTB'ing. Yes the Nokia GPS is a little slow to latch on, but that is not Viewrangers fault.
The software, so far works great, pan and zoom is easy and the mapping detail is spot on totally OS quality.
You can just buy the map tiles you need at 1:25K or 1:50K or pre-set areas - download is quick and the map software installation worked first time.
Overall, if the GPS lock was faster it would be a great everyday solution, based on my experiances with a 6220, however until gps lock is faster then viewranger remains a useful, but infrequently used navigation tool.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Great piece of software and excellent customer service and product development - have been using it for a couple of years for walking and now cycling.
The reviewed price (£147) is a little misleading - the software itself is free, you then pay for the map coverage (and level) you want, from a single tile through to a complete region.
Comparisons with SportsTracker and SportyPal are not comparing like for like as neither of these provide any form of mapping. Similarly with Google maps - it will show you where you are (after downloading on your data tariff) but doesn't use OS maps (essential for bridleways etc.) and lacks the features like routes, tracks etc. that ViewRanger does.
As mentioned the main drawback is the occasional speed and quality of the GPS lock - but that is down to the hardware and can be improved by using assisted-GPS.
Highly recommended.
PS Salsarider79 - it works on most GPS-equipped S60-based phones.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Use this on my Nokia N96 in conjunction with a handlebar mount. Works brilliantly. I create routes in Google Earth and then convert them to .pdx for transfer to the Viewranger software. Have used it for a few camping trips and night rides without a single failiure. :-D
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
whats wrong with memory map
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
I can't understand how people use a GPS without mapping, like sport tracker etc.
Been MTBing with viewranger for 3 years, it's great! Go out, ride, pick a interesting direction, see what's on the map, go explore. Haven't got a map fo rthat area? No prob I'll just download it right now. And all without stopping to get a map out.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Use this on my Nokia E71, great software.
As others have said, comparing with Google maps etc is misleading.
Very helpful company too.
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0.3
User review of Viewranger Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
Ive been using this software for nearly 8 months and I wouldn't go round a trail I didnt know without it. I have done a review of it at http://mtbbitzblog.wordpress.com/
Shopping partners
Specification
- Name:
- Smartphone Mapping Software (UK 1:50k)
- Built by:
- Viewranger
- Price:
- n/a
- Description:
- Symbian S60 Smartphone compatible, UK1:50k,£147;NationalParks1:50k,£24; UKregions1:50k,£49, Also available on memory cars at extra cost
Shopping partners
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