Using my android phone for navigation

edwardmlyte

I've got a htc desire. I want to ride new routes. And my memory isn't great.

Are there apps available for planning routes? I've got endomondo to track distance covered etc, but I'd like some sort of sat nav for a route that I manually plug in.

On a similar note, are the cheap desire handlebar mounts from ebay decent enough, or should I spend a bit extra elsewhere?

Cheers.

heathy_76

I think it might be possible to use .gpx files on Google maps (but I may be wrong).

I use MyTracks to record my ride and data, the route can then be saved as a .gpx and displayed on Google maps.

That's about as far as I have got using it, I haven't tried planning a route but I am sure it is something you can do.

springtide9

Google maps has navigation built into the app (but needs a data connection).
http://www.google.com/mobile/navigation/

There are many offline nav apps for android, but seem to remember that most you had to pay for. Take a look on the Market place...

https://market.android.com/apps/TRAVEL_AND_LOCAL/

flasher

Trouble is once you start using navigation the battery runs down very quickly.

springtide9

Flasher wrote:

Trouble is once you start using navigation the battery runs down very quickly.

+1

OP: I know you don't want to hear this but.... you are better off with a dedicated device.

One Man And His Bike

Or buy a local map, OS ones are pretty good I hear.

pilot_pete

I have even stopped using Endomondo for tracking as the battery on my HTC Hero just goes flat within 2 and a bit hours.....

PP

Peddle Up!

springtide9 wrote:

Flasher wrote:

Trouble is once you start using navigation the battery runs down very quickly.

+1

OP: I know you don't want to hear this but.... you are better off with a dedicated device.

Agreed, tis a problem but with dedicated units costing £200-300 can you blame anyone for trying to sort out a cheaper solution. Although not perfect, the second battery solution helps (eBay is your friend).

aldric

edwardmlyte wrote:

I've got a htc desire. I want to ride new routes. And my memory isn't great.

Are there apps available for planning routes? I've got endomondo to track distance covered etc, but I'd like some sort of sat nav for a route that I manually plug in.

On a similar note, are the cheap desire handlebar mounts from ebay decent enough, or should I spend a bit extra elsewhere?

Cheers.

I've been using Runkeeper (free app) for the last few weeks and it allows you to create routes before you go out, I don't know if Endomondo (or whatever its called!) does that? Runkeeper also tracks you as you ride and it syncs in with your online account.

If its a new route I have come up with I have been printing the maps out from runkeeper, trying to memorize them before I start and if I get lost just pull the map out or use the GPS on my phone to navigate.

I don't fancy paying a fortune for a GPS device and this definately works for me as I am not in a race and cycle for fun.

cryocon

I've been messing about with getting the perfect app for a while now (i also have a HTC Desire). The problem i found apart from the battery life is that using app which rely on loading maps over the air are not quick enough to load especially in the country, and eat battery too. The app i use now is the most excellent Orux Maps, this allows you to save maps offline, and you can choose from a number of different map including the OSM Cycle. You can import a .gpx file with a route created on somewhere like Bikeroutetoaster or GSPies. It also records your track and stats, not as comprehensive as others but suits me.

I have had to do a number of tweaks and turn off cell and data to save battery life, also got a larger battery. The other issue i've had is getting a bike mount that is big enough to fit around the stem, in the end i've had to butcher one to fit. If you use it by turning the screen off and only on when you need it this will greatly increase the battery life. If it's on all the time you're looking at 2.30 and it's dead.

I will probably move over to a dedicated unit sometime, but for now this suits my needs.

edwardmlyte

I think I'll just get a map in that case. I might get a holder just for ease of checking google maps on the go. Not so much for the navigation side of things. I'm only doing a cardiff/newport loop so I can't really get lost on that.

supergrass

Instead of using the map when stopping just use google maps on your android. Turn on the gps and it will pick up your location.

edwardmlyte

supergrass wrote:

Instead of using the map when stopping just use google maps on your android. Turn on the gps and it will pick up your location.

That's what I do currently.

Squillinossett

I tried that, but on my desire, the battery would do about 2 hours on it, then die.

lochindaal

The new Sony Experia ARC has ANT+ as well so will be interesting to see its battery life

Dmak

In terms of battery life I can suggest the Veho Pebble

I'll be ordering one soon for all-day rides. It holds enough juice to charge a phone several times. From the dimensions given it'll fit snug under my Nokia 5800 which I attach to the stem with 2 silicone bands I had spare from fitting the computer. A shim of non-slip matting keeps it secure. Done loads of miles and no problems so far.

Nokia's are great for navigation, you can download and install all the maps you need for pretty much anywhere in the world and for free. You won't get lost anywhere without data coverage. Turn by turn navigation with road names can be listened to through an ear bud. You can plan custom routes on the phone or online fairly easily. It's spot on to be honest, had my Nokia 2 years now and I love it! A Nokia 5230 will do all the same for under £50 from Tesco, or £80 unlocked.

blackpoolkev

One Man And His Bike wrote:

Or buy a local map, OS ones are pretty good I hear.

+1, also signposts are cool.