NaviGadget

viewranger mapping tool for your smartphone

Aug 19, 2006 bluetooth, gps navigation, misc news, software

Viewranger is not your classic map on a cell phone software. It is a lot more. But first let’s start with the map functionality: It can provide topographic map information with hill contours, tourist information, camping and caravan sites, picnic areas and viewpoints, etc. It of course gives you control over what you display with fast map and zoom controls. Got a bluetooth GPS receiver? You can have ViewRanger update your location in real time as you travel and it’ll also be your compass and show you the direction you are heading with your speed.

Next feature is really unique to ViewRanger. You can view your surrounding in 3D on your phone and check out features of interest identified and labelled on panoramic viewpoint map. You really need to look at the demo for this to make sense.

It has also navigating capabilities. You can create and edit routes and waypoints on your phone, or import from popular PC software applications and websites. If you are into geocaching, you are in luck! ViewRanger imports GPX and LOC files too.

You can record track logs for reviewing later including info such as time, max and average speed, distance, height, and so on.

Nowadays most smartphones have cameras too. ViewRanger will integrate with this feature and let you record photos and video clips onto the map.

Unlike a static map, ViewRanger provides a 3D panoramic view of your location – where all the main landscape features are identified and ‘tagged’. Hills are named, woodlands and lakes identified, and villages, towns, and prominent landmarks are shown.

It’s simple to use and doesn’t require any map reading skills – making ViewRanger perfect for the occasional tourist as well as the regular outdoors activity enthusiast.

ViewRanger consists of a mapping application and digital maps, all stored on your mobile handset. ViewRanger will display it’s panoramic mapping and labels without requiring a mobile network connection. You will need a mobile internet service if you want to access the ViewRanger server and download/upload images and notes associated with features-of-interest.

Only one downside; the maps are only available for Great Britain.