Um, won't a GPS phone do this, and with maps to boot? Mark the location as "Home", then from wherever you are just enable directions to "Home". Depending on the software, you can get walking directions even.
Any hints how to do this? I want to be able to tag a location when I park the car at Disneyland. I don't want to use something like breadcrumbs because that sounds like I would have to retrace my steps. I want to be able to tag a location as "parked", then later in the day get directions (back) to it no matter what my new location is.
Um, won't a GPS phone do this, and with maps to boot?
The problem are maps. Maps are expensive, and in the case of Japan for instance, I doubt I'll go back there again in my life. I actually tried getting maps for my TomTom GPS, and for an entire two-week period prior to my trip, TomTom's online store was down for maintenance, so I couldn't purchase anything. AUGH! Really frustrating. So I want something simpler than having to load up maps onto my device.
And if you're going to suggest a real-time map solution, data roaming is too expensive (not to mention my GSM phone didn't work in Japan of course!) and trying to get a local SIM and data package is more hassle than it's worth.
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Assuming you have a Windows Mobile w/ GPS, why not use one of the phletora of ` breadcrumbs` software? NoniGPSPlot is a very good example, but there are many others with various degrees of user friendliness/ease of use and features.
That thought hadn't crossed my mind to be honest - I wasn't aware there were "breadcrumb" apps on the market, I assumed there were only the data-download type apps that I was already familiar with. Yet another problem with Windows Mobile not having a really great, centralized, organized app store.
NoniGPSPlot looks pretty basic, but I guess it would get the job done. Thanks, I'll take a look!
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I have not used one of these 'breadcrumb' programs but it does make good sense to re-use (or rather make-use) of the device you are already carrying around, eh? Instead of buying more hardware (meaning another battery to remember to charge or buy), getting another software title for the ppc would work. I need to try one.
Looking at this, would recommend almost any of the other low end handheld gps units such as the etrex previously mentioned.
While the Bushnell size is nice, the specs indicate only three "waypoints" which is very limited. It also looks like the information is limited to "direct line" from where you are to the point you want to return to.
All of the handhelds I have seen allow backtrack either by "breadcrumbs" but they also give a direct line heading and distance back as well which works in the parking lot.
"breadcrumbs" is valuable for things such as backtracking a trail where direct line might direct you across a canyon or lead you into a blind alley in the city.
Garmin also has a line of small, relatively inexpensive gps known as "Geko" which are primarily "backtrack" gps units without maps.
I've had a Magellan Explorist 500 (now discontinued) for several years and it has been a fantastic tool (after going through the steep learning curve...) was a costco special for under $200 including usa detail maps, small, rugged, weatherproof, long battery life with a huge number of capabilities plus it uses SD card storage which is a major consideration. Garmin has a number of units with similar in capabilities but much more expensive for comparable units, plus there are other handheld mfg's as well.
Back to the ppc apps... would assume that most allow you to "mark" your current position as a "poi" ...once you have done that, you can later select that poi and ask the app to give you directions to that point... it may want you to walk down an interstate, but, the display should give enough information to get you back.
Hope this is of value to someone,
Beverly Howard [MS MVP-Mobile Devices]
Assuming you have a Windows Mobile w/ GPS, why not use one of the phletora of ` breadcrumbs` software?
NoniGPSPlot is a very good example, but there are many others with various degrees of user friendliness/ease of use and features.
I made a program on my phone that would point in the direction of a waypoint and indicate the distance. A shortcoming of the program is that if you are not moving it cannot determine in which direction you are facing. This is because GPS can only infer direction from position changes. This device includes a digital compass. The device knows how it is oriented and thus can always point you in the direction of your waypoint.
To date the only mobile phone of which I know with the proper hardware for implementing this functionality is the T-Mobile G1.
i think it is good to have a GPS which are not from mobile device. what i mean is purely a GPS systems.
i do have one. 'Garmin' and i found out that the device is very userful to me when i was travelling, especially those place i dont even heard of it.
you guys can try one.
To all:
I use to sell special pre-loaded SD cards for GPS and I found the best way to really get a feel for what is out there is a Hunting and Fishing and Hiking expo or trade show near you. Every Summer there are hundreds of them. Go to the Gamin or Lowrance website. They normally post all the events and shows they will be doing. Go to one of those events and touch and feel and try their devices and get their expert help to zero in on exactly what you need. Target also carries a fair line of Hiking GPS units.
breadcrumbs
There are Trade Shows for this
Linear Mode
LinkBacks (?)
