[pct-l] GPS & Maps

[Brian Lewis]

"... But my question is, can you load any other maps into memory for 
use in out of service areas ..."


This depends in part on what operating system is running your smartphone,
and what kind of GPS is built in.  You definitely want a true GPS, not one
that is reliant on being in communication with cell towers.  I suggest that
you add as a criteria that it's a SiRF Star III (google that) type of GPS,
or maybe whatever comes after that at some point.

My smartphone uses the Windows Mobile platform, and I'm using Pocket Topo
software.  By exporting in relatively narrow slices, I have the whole PCT on
my device (memory card) requiring a bit under 600 Megabytes.
Pocket Topo is buggy software that's also not terribly fast, but it
nevertheless performs its core function well, which is to show me where I'm
at on a topo map in any of five different scales.   One of the bugs is that
if you ask for UTM coordinates, it gives you numbers but they're *wrong*.
So I downloaded a freeware app that as a sort of side function shows me
correct UTM coordinates, should I want those (for example, using the new PCT
Atlas).  

There are a number of GPS software packages out there for mobile devices,
and most of them aren't for what we do --- you'll find things aimed at
geocachers, for example, or surveyers, or what have you.  Trail related
stuff exists but I didn't find anything that duplicated the functionality of
a separate GPS device (such as a Garmin), though some get close.

BTW, I did buy car-oriented map software too (happens to be Tom Tom), and I
think this could be occasionally handy when off the trail or where the trail
goes close by populated areas.   One use is connecting with local businesses
(it includes phone numbers).

I wish there were a simpler answer for you!   IMO it's worth it to have this
capability added to a device I'm already carrying for several other uses,
but it can take a bit of time (and money) to select and install something
that will work well for you.



	Brian Lewis