GPS for Canadians

[Jeff Rutledge]

I'm considering getting a GPS system for use with my iPAQ and am looking for some advice.

I intend to read the GPS shootout here (http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=55), but don't expect that it will have a Canadian perspective. So I thought I'd look to the collective wisdom of the PPC sites.

So, any suggestions? I'm totally open, except that I'm only looking at Bluetooth devices.

TIA.

[Jeff Rutledge]

I should probably give a little more info on what I'm looking for.

I'll use the GPS system in Canada for the most part, so I want software that has good maps and updates for us. As for the hardware, while I'll be reading the reviews, any advice from the folks here would be appreciated.

[Pat Logsdon]

For BT, I'd go with the Fortuna Clip-on. The shoot-out mentions that it sometimes gets 1 less sat than others, but the range is great, lock is instantaneous, and it has two modes - ST for regular vehicle navigation, and XT for more accurate (slower) coverage under foliage, in a city with lots of tall buildings, etc. XT works by averaging signals and works really well for geocaching.

As far as software, I'd look no further than Routis 2004 (http://www.deluo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DE&Product_Code=RSSA&Category_Code=GS). It comes with Canadian maps, it's accurate, has a really nice UI, and it's cheap at $89.90 US. Plus, Deluo has really excellent customer service. Their support forum is over at gpspassion, so check out what people have to say about it there.

[disconnected]

I also read on GPSPassion that the newest Mapopolis maps have much improved Canadian coverage. I haven't seen them yet as I'm still using the previous version. General opinion seems to be that Mapoplis is rated very high for local area use, but due to map management issues, is less user-friendly for long-distance routing.

[Locksmith]

I've been using Mapopolis in the Vancouver area for a couple of weeks. I think it works very well. There are apparently new maps coming out very soon now, but with the currently available maps it has door to door navigated me all over the GVRD.

Even if I make a wrong turn (deliberately) it quickly reroutes me to get me back on track.

[Jeff Rutledge]

Well, I pulled the trigger and ordered the Fortuna Clip-on Bluetooth Receiver. As for software, I'm leaning towards Routis right now, but Mapopolis looks OK too. I'll probably go with Routis. I mean, hey, an endorsement from Surgical Snack? Can't beat that. ;)

[Pat Logsdon]

hey, an endorsement from Surgical Snack? Can't beat that. ;)
And I don't even work on commission! :mrgreen:

[Jeff Rutledge]

OK, I got Routis on the way too. I'm thinking about giving this geocaching a try once it all arrives. It seems like a pretty cool concept.

[Pat Logsdon]

OK, I got Routis on the way too. I'm thinking about giving this geocaching a try once it all arrives. It seems like a pretty cool concept.
Geocaching is a LOT of fun. And just from a quick search (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?zip=+T2E+1L4&dist=5), it looks like you can't throw a brick in Calgary without hitting a cache! The four pages of search results are from a radius of 5 miles around zip T2E 1L4.

Keep in mind that you'll probably want "moving map" software for geocaching if you really want to utilize the full coolness of your PPC. Memory-Map (http://www.mapconnection.com/memorymap.html) is great, but you can use Vito Navigator 2 (http://www.handango.com/brainstore/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&jid=3762DC7859893612643EFF5D8XC7FF58&platformId=2&productType=2&productId=87640&sectionId=0&catalog=30) as well - it provides all the functionality of traditional GPS units.

[ctmagnus]

The four pages of search results are from a radius of 5 miles around zip T2E 1L4.

Hmmm... T2E 1L4... Quick Canada Post (http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pcl/bin/range-e.asp) lookup, quick Google on the results (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%222120+16+AVE+NE%22+%22CALGARY+AB++T2E+1L4%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=)...

Country Western Dance Halls in Alberta, Canada (http://www.gate.net/~cowboy1/canada/canalber.htm)

You learn something new about Señor Snack everyday! :mrgreen:

[Darius Wey]

Hmmm... T2E 1L4... Quick Canada Post (http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pcl/bin/range-e.asp) lookup, quick Google on the results (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%222120+16+AVE+NE%22+%22CALGARY+AB++T2E+1L4%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=)...

Country Western Dance Halls in Alberta, Canada (http://www.gate.net/~cowboy1/canada/canalber.htm)

You learn something new about Señor Snack everyday! :mrgreen:

Pat, you're being stalked...RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! :eek:

Hang on...you dance? :lol:

P.S. ctmagnus, it took you 8 months to dig out that information? :P Productivity at its finest. :mrgreen:

[ctmagnus]

Nah. I just found that post today. I was searching for something else though, and I got distracted by the thought of Pat linedancing :p

[Ripper014]

Oops.. its to bad I didn't see the post eariler... I think that Mapopolis has a free demo... I have been using it with my GPS since I got it a few weeks ago... and as maps for a few years now. I find that they work well... as mentioned above... it reroutes quickly... and though the maps are not 100% accurate... it will get you to where you need to go.

[Mitch D]

OK, I got Routis on the way too. I'm thinking about giving this geocaching a try once it all arrives. It seems like a pretty cool concept.

I still think geocaching would make a great Calgary PPC Users group event...