Favorite Droid apps for overlanding

[Momrocks]

I am a fairly recent Droid owner. Amazing device, it’s really light years ahead of the “smart phone” (which really wasn’t that smart) that it replaced. I have been enjoying the several of the utility, business travel and entertainment apps I’ve tried but now I want to get serious about researching apps that optimize the device as an overlanding tool.

This discussion is not intended to deteriorate into a ‘my phone is better than your phone’ tug of war. it doesn’t matter what flavor you prefer, your loyalties are not in question. I only want to discuss ways to optimize this type of device with the advice from others who’ve traveled the same trail.

The Google maps, turn by turn GPS nav, RADAR Now, Breadcrumb and waypoint share are givens as excellent back country travel apps but I know I have only scratched the surface. What Droid apps have any of you discovered, tested and can recommend? I appreciate in advance any suggestions, reviews and experiences you share.

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[redbeard]

Google earth should be added to the list. Though I have a question, can the android(or iphone) version of google earth utilize kmz files?

 

[flyingwil]

We have two G1's, and I like and use Google tracks. The problem with Google maps is that if you do not have coverage, you have no maps.

This will be fun thread to watch...

 

[john101477]

I like the google sky map for my G1. it is pretty cool. Google maps ticks me off to. as far as being a viable GPS, not a chance. I have not used Google tracks but will check it out here soon.

 

[Corey]

1. The built in Google Maps app for Android phones.

2. My Tracks
http://mytracks.appspot.com/

3. Compass
https://snaptic.com/products/

I had posted these two in another thread.
Also samples of the My Tracks in action by me.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=e...172447175620153175.0004823f13482edfe9471&z=16

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=213709879489248130026.0004810d41ea1f9b1e79a

 

[redbeard]

Offline use - that's why I was asking if google earth can use kmz's, then you could roll your own maps for offline use.

 

[brained]

For offline maps I've used TrekBuddy on my BB. I see on their site they are now offering an android version.

I think Notion Ink Adam + Android + TrekBuddy = Near Perfection.

 

[Momrocks]

3. Compass
https://snaptic.com/products/

Corey, I am glad you brought up the compass. I have been pondering which compass app to use. I have seen mixed reviews on many of them and it has only served to confuse me further. What are your impressions of the snaptic app? Have you compared it against any of the others? I have been playing with GPS Status and it has rather slow reacting compass included as the field for the sat positions. The compass isn't a primary function of the app so I expect little of it.

I find Radar Now from usnaviguide.com a useful app. It's weather a RADAR that continuously scrolls the last 50 minutes of weather movements (by 10 minute interval) over a 100 mile radius map. The text block at the bottom of the screen shows local temps, humidity, barometric pressure, dewpoint and wind speed and direction. This is a keeper for me. Here on the Gulf Coast we've begun our 60 day countdown to hurricane season. Our weather off the Gulf can be pretty volatile and can change rapidly; this should prove a good way to stay abreast when away from conventional media. I must admit, I have been caught in some tent buster winds and rains while camping on the beach. This app might end up being one of my favorites.

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[tdesanto]

I think the compass looks to be the most useful app mentioned so far.

Most of the apps mentioned to date require cell phone service.

I'm not sure I understand the usefulness of an application for overlanding purposes that requires cell phone service to function.

 

[Momrocks]

I think the compass looks to be the most useful app mentioned so far.

Most of the apps mentioned to date require cell phone service.

I'm not sure I understand the usefulness of an application for overlanding purposes that requires cell phone service to function.

Tony, I am blessed (maybe cursed) that nearly all places I go afield, I have good Verizon coverage. I'm sure the southeast US differs in that respect from the southwest US. I regrettably cannot camp outside a 50 mile radius (probably less) of a McDonalds without crossing the Mississippi. I am convinced app phones can/are valuable devices for travelers. To your point that many apps relying on cell coverage are useless without cell coverage, you're obviously correct in pointing that out. But not everywhere is outside coverage. In the locations with coverage, app phones open up a wide spectrum of utility.

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[tdesanto]

I guess it really is a blessing or a curse, depending on the POV. For me, losing cell phone coverage is cathartic. :smiley_drive:

 

[Corey]

Corey, I am glad you brought up the compass. I have been pondering which compass app to use. I have seen mixed reviews on many of them and it has only served to confuse me further. What are your impressions of the snaptic app? Have you compared it against any of the others?

The one I have is the only compass app I have tried so far, and I like it.
I did find that in order to save the cords where you are app to a note, you must use their Banana Notes app which is at the same URL.
I use Melon Notes too, but the GPS cords will only paste to the Banana Notes app.

Will have to try out that Radar app you mentioned.

What I like about the My Tracks app is say you find a nice camp spot.
You can mark it with the app, then upload it to your Google/Gmail account, then also email your contacts the URL to the site you are at, then then they can come join you at your camp site.

Of course that needs cell service to upload, unless there is a secret Wi-Fi hot spot somewhere in the mountains near you

What I think is cool is the street view too as seen in both of the My Tracks I uploaded.
If you keep zooming in, eventually it will show you the street with a real picture from the Google Camera van that goes around snapping pics.

The other link will only do that out on the street, as most of the route I took I was in the Bobcat Toolcat clearing moss from the walking trails at work, and that is on Boeing private property, so the Google van can not enter there to take pics.

But I think the My Tracks has a lot of potential such as in keeping a record of where you are so others or yourself can find it again.

I will try that camping this summer up in the mountains to see how the signal is.
GPS signal will be great, not so sure how Verizon will be.

Oh, if you did not know, the 2.1 update is coming out this week for the Moto Droid too after much delay.
A forum I use is up to 173 pages in just two days.
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-news/33538-android-2-1-update-rolls-out-motorola-droid.html

Can not keep up with that place, they BS to much about updates and other Droid stuff.

 

[Momrocks]

I guess it really is a blessing or a curse, depending on the POV. For me, losing cell phone coverage is cathartic. :smiley_drive:

Thats a nice way to look at it. It seems we all forget those phones stuck to the sides of our heads have "OFF" buttons too.

 

[AFSOC]

G1 here. I am absolutely fascinated with the capabilities of these Droids. I am going to be watching this thread very closely. These little devices are great for the business traveler, they'd be incredible tools for overlanders too. I don't think anybody says these are a substitute for good sense but what a valuable supplement to existing tools and equipment we already use. Why would you want to go without if you have the option to go with?

 

[Corey]

I can also state that since I got my Droid last November that I hardly turn on the Dell laptop anymore.

I have a fast tower PC that I am on now that I built for gaming, surfing, work stuff at home ect a few years back.

I got the Dell 1720 Inspiron laptop at the same time to mainly have to surf on while in my easy chair watching TV or relaxing, or on the porch in the summer.

The little Droid I can surf on and read forums, send email, Google stuff to look up, it is an amazing piece it technology.

Still hanging onto the laptop though, the Droid is not the best to type on for long emails or documents.

It will be kind of cool though if I am able to be camping and log onto a forum and send in pics, YouTube vids, routes, ect while I am away from home.

My Droid came with a YouTube all that when I record a video on it, it lets me instantly login to my YouTube account and post the video.