GPS Without Internet?

[Naveronski]

I'm looking for a GPS program that will store maps on my phone for use when the signal is too weak to download maps over the internet.

I've been using Google Maps for a while because I use both the map view and overhead images, but when I'm doing work I don't always have the signal strangth required to refresh the maps. However, I still have a GPS lock.

What program has pretty good maps that would fit what I need?

[bfaber]

Originally Posted by Naveronski

I'm looking for a GPS program that will store maps on my phone for use when the signal is too weak to download maps over the internet.

I've been using Google Maps for a while because I use both the map view and overhead images, but when I'm doing work I don't always have the signal strangth required to refresh the maps. However, I still have a GPS lock.

What program has pretty good maps that would fit what I need?

If you do a search on here you'll find threads regarding the best 'maps stored on the phone' GPS program. In short, there are 2-3 or so larger-named ones that do this. All are commercial, none are free.

1.) Tomtom. In the U.S. only version 6 is (was?) available (buygpsnow.com used to carry it), but looking at Tomtom's website, it appears they've stopped supporting it. 'Its a shame, I considered it the best.

Many are using tomtom v7, ripped from European phones, with maps acquired via your favorite nefarious means. It appears that's the only means to get this program now...

2.) Garmin XT. 'Bonus that it has free traffic-rerouting for slow traffic areas. (Uses your net connection when available). 'Not a big deal for me as it usually covers interstates only...

Cost: ~$79

3.) iGo/Oncourse Navigator. 'Has pretty graphics. If you search the same nefarious sources, it can be hacked to do 'text to speech' and will read out street names for you. 'pretty cool.

Cost: ~$50

I'm currently using #3 after being a long-time fan of #1. 'Abandoned Tomtom because Tomtom abandoned it....

Again, search this site and you'll find lots of threads.

[713alan]

iGuidance is another navigation software that works fine.

Microsoft Pocket Streets (portable version of their Streets & Maps) works fine and is GPS aware. You have to go to their site to download map sections, and downloads are size limited. As an example, I have to split Houston into multiple maps. In rural areas there the density of Points of Interest are lower so you can download bigger maps.