Backcountry Navigator for Android

[cnynrat]

Yes, I'm loading the maps to my phone using the BCN interface for selecting and loading maps. I agree it takes a long time, but I look at it as a one time deal. I've got just about all of the areas where I travel in CA loaded by now.

I also agree the touch and drag interface is a little touchy, mostly because of the small screen size. I could see a few different ways to streamline that process. How about a selection to "load all maps for southern California" as an example.

All in all though, I've been happy with BCN. We're starting to think about getting an Android tablet to run BCN on in the car.

 

[gahi]

Thanks, is there a way to set the map to north up? I agree this would be better on a tablet.

 

[ssssnake529]

As of today, Backcountry Navigator lost access to their MyTopo service. So, this renders the app pretty much useless. Apparently, Trimble bought out MyTopo.com, which was the service that Backcountry Navigator was using and has cut off all non-Trimble apps.

This sucks, and unless/until Backcountry Navigator can find a replacement source for topo maps, it is no longer of any real use. The only good news is that I already downloaded a ton of the mytopo maps, and at least I still have access to them. (I guess that the other good news is that I only spent $10 for Backcountry Navigator, and I've probably already got my money's worth from it.)


EDIT:

Looks like the regular USGS maps are still available from another source. Not shaded like the MyTopo maps, but still workable. I'm glad, as I've really come to rely on this app for my travels, both backpacking and car camping.

 

[2 E L O]

They got a new source for the topo maps. This is from the email I got from them early this morning:

As of version 4.3, released to the Android Market tonight, you can now choose USA Topo Maps, creative commons licensed imagery, hosted by ArcGIS. Look for this map source by going to Menu->Maps_>Choose Map Source and choosing USA Topo Maps. Please spread the word to others who may be frustrated with MyTopo.

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=99cd5fbd98934028802b4f797c4b1732