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I' awaiting the delivery of my new testing platform.
This time a 7" Android GPS tablet.
Some might have noticed that I already provided a few tuts for map making as well as some maps (more to follow
).
I need to install a few programs for testing purposes mainly, and for the fun on the tracks in particular.
So I was wondering if anyone would be interested in some test results?
Currently planning on IGO, Tomtom, OZI, Navionics and Androzic.
Still searching for other free mapping alternatives with offline routing.
Main focus will be on usabilty, road tests and performance.
Not meant to be a byuers guide, just for information.
First test....
Installed Tomtom1.1.1, Androzic and Ozi 1.20.
Tomtom works almost as I was used to from my 730 but a few things are still missing like the maps (still one season behnd), speed cam warnings and a better menu style.
Navigation works fine so far and it looks good on the big screen.
I used the AU computer voices and although it does not sound too bad it still has problems pronouncing some local names.
Overal I would say the software appears to be still in a beta phase as too many loved features are not working.
You can use third party cams but still only a visual and no audio warning possible.
So far I have not found a direct way to transfer my favourites off my 730, only good way is converting them into a POI group and to create a corresponding bmp.
Have not checked that part out yet as I still mainly use the 730 for on road use.
One thing I really miss is the hands free feature for the phone, so unless you use a phone for navigation TT on android can't support calls.
Androzic was amazingly easy to install and accepted all settings and maps I added.
User interface seems to be a bit easier than Ozi, but than again, Ozi can be modified and it's only a personal preference.
Big downside, mostly for NZ users is the fact that many datums are not supported, NZDG200 for example is unknown.
Aside from the fact that on their website they copied the instructions for OZI's data file (they even kept "OziExplorer" in the text), there is no real help on creating custom datums.
All my attempts to create the correct values for a new datum resulted in disaster, something to do for the cold winter days....
Ozi in the current 1.20 beta works suprisingly stable and even accepted the path the the Androzic map folder, so no map doubles needed - saves a lot of memory
You get most of the things you are used to but definately all you need for good off road mapping and navigation.
The user interface can be custumised using the Ozi Screen designer (website) but I did not look into it yet.
Oruxmaps was only briefly tested as it, like Androzic, refused several of my maps due to missing datum/projection details in the program.
From the quick tests I would say Androzic, Ozi and Orux don't really compete - test them and if you like it use it.
Only downside is the missing support for some maps but that could be compensated by converting the maps into different datum/projection combinations.
Problem with that is that some maps will end up distorted, does not affect the accuracy if done properly but affects the look of the map badly.
I guess Androzic will improove faster than Ozi and there already plans to at least the NZ details into a new release.
If you like the online features that Ozi's competitors offer you might even prefer them, but IMHO nothing beats proper maps you made yourself unless you pay top dollar, for example for Hema or Rooftop maps.
Navionics was a double sided experience...
Just because you ordered the east side of AU does not really mean you actually get it.
After installing you are prompted to download the map area you need.
So far so good I though...
Selected the areay from cape Otway to the eastern boarder of Vic, including Tasmania.
Download was less than 8mb which was confusing.
After checking the map it was only a basic map without any real detail.
While checking I was asked if I wanted to download a ore detailed map, hell yes I want!
Tried again with the same region and the program complained the selection is too big, not that it is eays to get the box to the size you want - most of the time all attempts to make it smaller or bigger are refused.
At last I settled for Port Phillip and the heads and the program stopped complaining.
Next download was a bit over 3mb and included only the south part of the bay
Took me over 12 tries to finally get the Port completely, between I always had to delete the program data as it would otherwise refuse the download with the comment that I already got the most detailed map for that ares ***frustration***
Finally I got it all only to notice the level of detail is actually below the level of my self made map.
Depth contours are mostly missing and the depth markers are far too wide spread to be of use for finding a reef for example.
Since the main use is aimed for navigation needs I guess they took a shortcut on the detail level.
Overlays or additional depth profiles are not available
Asker some chats with the support they said if I would ever feel the need for a tour along the coast a download for the complete map can be created in my account.
Due to the volume of data this "extra" is rarely used according to Navionics.
Next Snapper season will tell if the program is any good, hopefully they will supply some updates in the meantime.
This time a 7" Android GPS tablet.
Some might have noticed that I already provided a few tuts for map making as well as some maps (more to follow
).I need to install a few programs for testing purposes mainly, and for the fun on the tracks in particular.
So I was wondering if anyone would be interested in some test results?
Currently planning on IGO, Tomtom, OZI, Navionics and Androzic.
Still searching for other free mapping alternatives with offline routing.
Main focus will be on usabilty, road tests and performance.
Not meant to be a byuers guide, just for information.
First test....
Installed Tomtom1.1.1, Androzic and Ozi 1.20.
Tomtom works almost as I was used to from my 730 but a few things are still missing like the maps (still one season behnd), speed cam warnings and a better menu style.
Navigation works fine so far and it looks good on the big screen.
I used the AU computer voices and although it does not sound too bad it still has problems pronouncing some local names.
Overal I would say the software appears to be still in a beta phase as too many loved features are not working.
You can use third party cams but still only a visual and no audio warning possible.
So far I have not found a direct way to transfer my favourites off my 730, only good way is converting them into a POI group and to create a corresponding bmp.
Have not checked that part out yet as I still mainly use the 730 for on road use.
One thing I really miss is the hands free feature for the phone, so unless you use a phone for navigation TT on android can't support calls.
Androzic was amazingly easy to install and accepted all settings and maps I added.
User interface seems to be a bit easier than Ozi, but than again, Ozi can be modified and it's only a personal preference.
Big downside, mostly for NZ users is the fact that many datums are not supported, NZDG200 for example is unknown.
Aside from the fact that on their website they copied the instructions for OZI's data file (they even kept "OziExplorer" in the text), there is no real help on creating custom datums.
All my attempts to create the correct values for a new datum resulted in disaster, something to do for the cold winter days....
Ozi in the current 1.20 beta works suprisingly stable and even accepted the path the the Androzic map folder, so no map doubles needed - saves a lot of memory
You get most of the things you are used to but definately all you need for good off road mapping and navigation.
The user interface can be custumised using the Ozi Screen designer (website) but I did not look into it yet.
Oruxmaps was only briefly tested as it, like Androzic, refused several of my maps due to missing datum/projection details in the program.
From the quick tests I would say Androzic, Ozi and Orux don't really compete - test them and if you like it use it.
Only downside is the missing support for some maps but that could be compensated by converting the maps into different datum/projection combinations.
Problem with that is that some maps will end up distorted, does not affect the accuracy if done properly but affects the look of the map badly.
I guess Androzic will improove faster than Ozi and there already plans to at least the NZ details into a new release.
If you like the online features that Ozi's competitors offer you might even prefer them, but IMHO nothing beats proper maps you made yourself unless you pay top dollar, for example for Hema or Rooftop maps.
Navionics was a double sided experience...
Just because you ordered the east side of AU does not really mean you actually get it.
After installing you are prompted to download the map area you need.
So far so good I though...
Selected the areay from cape Otway to the eastern boarder of Vic, including Tasmania.
Download was less than 8mb which was confusing.
After checking the map it was only a basic map without any real detail.
While checking I was asked if I wanted to download a ore detailed map, hell yes I want!
Tried again with the same region and the program complained the selection is too big, not that it is eays to get the box to the size you want - most of the time all attempts to make it smaller or bigger are refused.
At last I settled for Port Phillip and the heads and the program stopped complaining.
Next download was a bit over 3mb and included only the south part of the bay
Took me over 12 tries to finally get the Port completely, between I always had to delete the program data as it would otherwise refuse the download with the comment that I already got the most detailed map for that ares ***frustration***
Finally I got it all only to notice the level of detail is actually below the level of my self made map.
Depth contours are mostly missing and the depth markers are far too wide spread to be of use for finding a reef for example.
Since the main use is aimed for navigation needs I guess they took a shortcut on the detail level.
Overlays or additional depth profiles are not available
Asker some chats with the support they said if I would ever feel the need for a tour along the coast a download for the complete map can be created in my account.
Due to the volume of data this "extra" is rarely used according to Navionics.
Next Snapper season will tell if the program is any good, hopefully they will supply some updates in the meantime.
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