This is repeat post (reply) that I made in one of the threads. I wanted to create a new thread so we can all talk about it more...

Most of the time, when you hear 'GPS,' it's all about driving directions, geocaching, etc. -- the iPhone might change all that. If you saw the GPS enabled social-networking app, Loopt on the keynote video, I predict that it barely scratches the surface on what new generation GPS-enabled apps can do. The iPhone will be in 70 countries and it will be a battle of the best and most creative apps. I want to see GPS-enabled messaging, tours, training, group games, etc apps. I can't wait!

Feel free to post some ideas that you have. I'll start with some:

1. How about an app that lets you post private or public virtual messages in 3D space. You need the iPhone to post, and you can only see posted notes when you are in the vicinity.

2. How about an app that lets you do a virtual tour of a city. With an iPhone, all you have to do is follow the instructions / voice prompts on where to go, and what to take.

3. How about a tracking app. Maybe you have a delivery business or maybe just want to check how many kilometers your friends are from a certain meeting place.

4. How about an app that lets you check on the best promos on a 5 km radius? or maybe check what's the lunch or dinner menu like in a place you've been for the first time.

5. How about a Tron like game. All you need is a football field and some friends with iPhones -- run and don't cross paths. A variation can be like the snake game -- first one to arrive at a certain location gets the point.

Let's hear yours.

i want the ability to turn off assisted GPS

i want a detailed philippine map on google maps first. :)

I don't think we will be able to have a detailed philippine map soon. Maybe for major cities in the metro for now.

I don't think we will be able to have a detailed philippine map soon. Maybe for major cities in the metro for now.

there are already decent provincial maps (up to secondary roads) out there for the non-assisted GPS.

PhilMUG thread (http://www.philmug.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=23707&highlight=gps)

You might have the A-GPS confused with something else Boo. Assisted-GPS lets you lock to satellites faster based on which cell site you are connecting to. Based on the day, time, and cell site location it feeds those info back to a server and returns all the satellites it should look for. The GPS won't need to poll for each satellite that's in view then since it already knows which ones are in view, thus a faster lock.

You might have the A-GPS confused with something else Boo. Assisted-GPS lets you lock to satellites faster based on which cell site you are connecting to. Based on the day, time, and cell site location it feeds those info back to a server and returns all the satellites it should look for. The GPS won't need to poll for each satellite that's in view then since it already knows which ones are in view, thus a faster lock.

that is IF you have the maps on those servers.


In a self-contained GPS receiver, the receiver contains such pieces a radio, signal processor, geospatial almanac, conversion functions, and optional positional reference data (e.g. maps), all of which together provide the viewing user with understandable information about their position e.g. latitude and longitude.

In AGPS however, the handheld device only (necessarily) contains a radio and signal processor. The results of the GPS signal receipt and processing are then passed over the wireless network, to be interpreted by the assistance server located elsewhere. The assistance server then performs the necessary math and conversions to determine the map location of the handheld.

Disadvantage of AGPS:
GPS is realtime whereas AGPS is not. Network interaction is required everytime you move out of the service area. Useful only for locating a particular place in small area. Also in AGPS privacy is not as good as GPS since the Assistance server knows the location of the device. Another disadvantage is that there needs to be communication over the wireless for processing of GPS data so this could be expensive.

from http://www.3g4g.co.uk/Faq/agps.html

A-GPS uses an additional reference - cell sites as basis for triangulation. and since cell sites are fixed geographic references.

As for what iPhone GPS can do? well, assuming there is a Philippine map for it like in the other thread I made, you can mount your iphone in your car, select a destination, and let it guide you thru traffic. That's what im doing now on my Garmin.

Let's see, I'll try to ask the guys at waypoints.ph if they can come up with a commercial version of the phil map for iPhone ready when it launches.

that is IF you have the maps on those servers.
Oh, I would think that Globe should be the one who needs to provide the location of each of their cell site/node. I wouldn't be surprised if they themselves will run the assistance server in the Philippines.

As for maps, it all depends if the app needs to display maps. Computing distances, proximity, and plotting your location might be enough for some apps.

Oh, I would think that Globe should be the one who needs to provide the location of each of their cell site/node. I wouldn't be surprised if they themselves will run the assistance server in the Philippines.

As for maps, it all depends if the app needs to display maps. Computing distances, proximity, and plotting your location might be enough for some apps.


well, we better hope so. so far, they haven't been getting it done for the nokia n95. the smart/globe wireless centers informed me before that the nokia Maps application is only good for M'Mla.

what mapping system is the iphone mostly related to?
garmin? (if this is so -- no more problem -- full phil road map is available)
tom tom? saw in the web that its kinda like tom-tom, so its just a matter of time before the garmin map programmers can re-program it into Tomtom.
magellan - who still uses this today?

tom tom? saw in the web that its kinda like tom-tom, so its just a matter of time before the garmin map programmers can re-program it into Tomtom.

yeah, tom-tom announced that they will write apps for the iPhone. if this app will allow maps to become user-installable, then maybe this will finally take GPS mainstream locally.

it will however take a huge bite out of sales of tom-tom GPS devices and i'd be surprised if they let this happen.

main purpose of why the GPS is there: for Apple to track illegitimate iPhones across the globe. :D

main purpose of why the GPS is there: for Apple to track illegitimate iPhones across the globe. :D

coming from you, i'll take this very seriously and make sure mine isnt illegitimate. I know where you work :) :)

what mapping system is the iphone mostly related to?
garmin? (if this is so -- no more problem -- full phil road map is available)
tom tom? saw in the web that its kinda like tom-tom, so its just a matter of time before the garmin map programmers can re-program it into Tomtom.
magellan - who still uses this today?


i think we already have the answer to this:

Following a Reuters report claiming that GPS manufacturer TomTom plans to sell a navigation application for the iPhone, and the subsequent discovery of a line in the iPhone SDK agreement disallowing “real time route guidance,” a spokesperson from TomTom has come forward to clarify the company’s plans for the device. In an interview with MacGeneration (Translated link), Yann Lafargue of TomTom France revealed that while the company does have a navigation application running on the iPhone, it is unsure of whether or not it will release the software. Lafargue said the company wants to be sure that Apple will allow them to sell the software on the App Store, while stating that the restrictive clause in the SDK agreement is most likely Apple trying to protect itself from a liability standpoint, rather than an outright restriction. Finally, Lafargue added that while the company does work with other cellular manufacturers such as HTC, it is primarily focused on car navigation solutions.

from iLounge (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/tomtom-clarifies-iphone-gps-application-plans/)

it's getting more likely that we'll be stuck with whatever location-based service that the local telco will provide (most likely) via 3G. it better be 3G, or else we'll be charged for navigation at the same per-minute rate as a regular phone call (ouch!).

Hopefully this (http://www.slate.com/id/2196404/) will be ported into the iPhone soon, a way to be warned of traffic buildup, with input from iPhone users in the area. Very accurate and effective as stated in the article.

I've seen some screenshots posted somewhere in the forums (or in applei.ph) wherein a user is using the Iphone's GPS while driving around Pasig area. It's pretty neat considering google satellite map is somehow superimposed on the app and letting him see where exactly he is at that moment.

As for a detailed map i.e. with street signs, i hope software developers and Apple fix their problems so the app can be released.

it can burn in your pocket and leave a nasty scar:p

http://www.intomobile.com/2008/08/01/iphone-3g-hits-melting-point-burns-sleeping-dudes-leg.html

I Would like to see an app that pulls data from cell towers and GPS that can make a loopt like social messaging service. You can see iPhone 3G or other GPS users w/in the vicinity -- MOVING! if you want, you can move to their direction and bump into them (bad idea if the one bumping you is a robber) It's great if you can register friends and family for easy meetups.

My N95 in action using Garmin Mobile XT

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0028.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0003.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0005-1.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0010.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0015.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0016.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a38/xxadonisxx/Screenshot0012.jpg

anyone using the GPS of iPhone?
how and tips?

I use the maps feature of the iphone but all it will give you is the photo of the terrain and put you as a blue dot.. when you are mobile it actually moves .. (short delay)

Here is a screencap i took from my trip to CDO. This was going down the airport..

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/iphonemaps.jpg

are you airborne when you took this? :) he he he

I bet this is in the area near xavier and pueblo de oro. ..

I use the maps feature of the iphone but all it will give you is the photo of the terrain and put you as a blue dot.. when you are mobile it actually moves .. (short delay)

Here is a screencap i took from my trip to CDO. This was going down the airport..

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/iphonemaps.jpg

are you airborne when you took this? :) he he he

I bet this is in the area near xavier and pueblo de oro. ..

I think this is after SM.. going down the alternate route.. :)

Feel free to post some ideas that you have. I'll start with some:

1. How about an app that lets you post private or public virtual messages in 3D space. You need the iPhone to post, and you can only see posted notes when you are in the vicinity.

2. How about an app that lets you do a virtual tour of a city. With an iPhone, all you have to do is follow the instructions / voice prompts on where to go, and what to take.

3. How about a tracking app. Maybe you have a delivery business or maybe just want to check how many kilometers your friends are from a certain meeting place.

4. How about an app that lets you check on the best promos on a 5 km radius? or maybe check what's the lunch or dinner menu like in a place you've been for the first time.

5. How about a Tron like game. All you need is a football field and some friends with iPhones -- run and don't cross paths. A variation can be like the snake game -- first one to arrive at a certain location gets the point.

Let's hear yours.

1. There's one like it-- Brightkite.
3. There are a few I use for tracking. GPS Kit, Trailguru and GPS Tracker.

Google's Map Maker now has more detailed maps of Metro Manila and other urban places. Using GMDL and map maker, I have created a few maps with street names, landmarks and a few commercial establishments. With the use Offline Maps app, I load my maps in my iPhone's Maps app for viewing. Not bad.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/amf_bucket/IMG_0001-1-1.png

nice one amf.
care to share how to get it?

nice one amf.
care to share how to get it?

There's a thread about it in applei. It's a bit complicated.

You need GMDL (Windoze only). Create your maps using GMDL. The maps you can create with GMDL are small so you need to create multiple maps.

Download Offline Maps app (not via Appstore). Put the maps you created above in the folders used by Offline Maps (http://code.google.com/p/iphoneofflinemap/). Then use/view your Maps in the native Maps app using Offline Maps.

It takes quite a while and confusing to create maps via this method but I guess it's worth it.

globe should just buy a decent map for the phone.

not sure how useful but younote stores gps coordinates of multimedia notes you create.

Here are some screencaps from motionx -gps

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0025.jpg
fun for out of time drives especially if your destination is marked..
you can get your ETA and time to waypoint.

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0026.jpg
This screen was just updated tonight....
to include waypoint distance, waypoint bearing, and accuracy.

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0027.jpg

amf nice job!

hmm.. maybe you can teach us over a cup of coffee or lunch?

[quote=amf;492794]
You need GMDL (Windoze only). Create your maps using GMDL. The maps you can create with GMDL are small so you need to create multiple maps.
/quote]

amf nice job!

hmm.. maybe you can teach us over a cup of coffee or lunch?



Thanks!

I may write a short tutorial in my blog if I can find the time. I'll inform you folks about it if I'm done.

Here is GPS kit by GARAFA LLC

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0031.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0032.jpghttp://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0033.jpg
http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0034.jpg

the road map and the image map dont seem to be lined up well.

here is ZuluTime a free app

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0038.jpg
this has a speed reading on the right side.. im in the office so no reading..

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0035.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0036.jpg

http://www.photo.net.ph/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_0037.jpg
this is the only thing different with the other gps apps.. added
features but still basic.

amf (http://www.philmug.ph/forum/member.php?u=2183), can you teach us how to make local maps like what you did? I have an idea. Maybe we can split the work (parts of the map) to the members and share it so that we can have a whole map in smallest amount of time and work. Like a jigsaw puzzle.

Sorry guys but been quite busy lately.

I have a link for the tutorial from another site but I don't know if it's okay to post the link here. Just PM me and I'll send you the link. Thanks!

Here's a simpler and better solution

Openstreetmaps for iPhone
http://brainoff.com/weblog/2007/10/19/1271

heres how his solution looks like
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/1623752765_b4ebf71eca_o.png

and here is how detailed the philippine openstreetmap is. It will get better if you contribute.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/images/thumb/6/6d/Metro_manila_20080509.png/400px-Metro_manila_20080509.png

and here is where you can download Maning Sambale's OSM Phil project map. Hats off to this guy!!! :)
http://emexes.powweb.com/osm/download.html

how can you really know that the GPS of the iPhone 3G is working?
seems like no evidence on detection of GPS satellites.

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone


A page about creating and consuming OpenStreetMap with an iPhone. With a built in GPS, camera, voice-recording, map viewer and internet connection, the iPhone could be a great tool for OSM mapping. This page will attempt to gather together info on how to get the best out of it.


Contents

[hide (javascript:toggleToc())]

1 Viewing OSM Maps (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#Viewing_OSM_Maps)
1.1 OSM apps in development (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#OSM_apps_in_development)
2 Tracking (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#Tracking)
3 Apps using OSM (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#Apps_using_OSM)
4 Potential topics (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#Potential_topics)
5 links (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/IPhone#links) if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } Viewing OSM Maps


Mikel Maron (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Mikel) hacked a jailbroken iPhone to use OSM tiles in the built in Map (http://brainoff.com/weblog/2007/10/19/1271).
John McKerrell (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Mcknut) else created this iPhone optimised page (http://johnmckerrell.com/map/) with the MultiMap Open API that also shows OSM tiles (http://blog.johnmckerrell.com/2008/08/03/multimap-and-osm-maps-on-iphone/)
(And from the comments of that blog entry, another similar attempt (http://semonov.com/mobile/map/)) no osm-layer available at the moment
Another proof of concept slippy map for iPhone (http://www.worldreviewer.com/crud/iphone/map2.html), changed from Google to OSM after a nastygram
By breaking a map up into square sections (http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Add_Subway_Maps_To_Your_IPhone) the preview thumbnail acts like a (very) basic slippy-map
Touchscreen-optimized slippy map for the iPhone: [1] (http://osm.planetschmidt.de/) (Maybe not working with normal firefox ;-) )
A CloudMade (http://www.cloudmade.com/) iPhone Maps library is available for early testers. The library provides high-level access to CloudMade's OSM based map tiles with different sizes and different styles. Contact info@cloudmade.com or sign up to the dev list (http://lists.cloudmade.com/) for more info OSM apps in development


Read more about: Mailinglist archiv (http://lists.openstreetmap.org/pipermail/talk/2008-November/031300.html) route-me (http://code.google.com/p/route-me/)
"Its a solid tile rendering engine. The maps work fine, we have on-'disk' caching support for tiles. Performance is similar to the built-in map app. There are a couple annoying bugs which are being squashed. Marker support is getting there.
If anyone is interested in wrapping an app around it and adding GPS support & search I'll happily push it out to the app store (I have a dev license)." (Joseph Gentle)
John McKerrell (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Mcknut) has ported the routing algorithm from gosmore to run on the iPhone and has successfully generated basic routes. More complicated routes crash the iPhone at the moment.

What is the best GPS for iphone that can download maps? I'm currently using motion x it can only do maps caching, limited to 250MB. I want to avoid 3G connection. Please Help. Thanks!

browse first in wifi then the maps are cached

Hello guys, as iphone has built-in gps receiver, has anyone here uses their iphone as a gps navigator? any apps to install like garmin? for example, nokia phones can have Garmin installed and uses it's built-in gps receiver to do gps navigation.

Hello guys, as iphone has built-in gps receiver, has anyone here uses their iphone as a gps navigator? any apps to install like garmin? for example, nokia phones can have Garmin installed and uses it's built-in gps receiver to do gps navigation.


Nokia does not use garmin instead OVI maps... iphone does not have a built gps receiver such as the E72.. It uses A-GPS so you need internet connection

You can try the Papago app in the AppStore. :)

I use MotionX GPS and/or Offmaps although these apps do not have the turn by turn instructions. I just download the maps in advance so as not to incur internet charges while on the road. Tracking if very accurate once gps signal is acquired. :o

Nokia does not use garmin instead OVI maps... iphone does not have a built gps receiver such as the E72.. It uses A-GPS so you need internet connection
You can install Garmin Mobile XT on your Nokia Phones, I have one installed on my N95 8GB before.

You can try the Papago app in the AppStore. :)

Thanks for your suggestion, will try it out.:) Does Papago uses Globe's internet connection?

I use MotionX GPS and/or Offmaps although these apps do not have the turn by turn instructions. I just download the maps in advance so as not to incur internet charges while on the road. Tracking if very accurate once gps signal is acquired. :o
Thanks dude. Currently downloading MotionX GPS.

Nokia does not use garmin instead OVI maps... iphone does not have a built gps receiver such as the E72.. It uses A-GPS so you need internet connection

i'm confused.. isn't AGPS also a GPS receiver? only difference that I know is that AGPS uses cell sites to locate itself more accurately. although the built in maps of iphones requires a internet connection(mobile/wifi) to download images from the satellite. But there are some apps that can be used offline(images are stored in the unit).

Can we clarify how GPS really works for our mobiles?

AGPS or assisted gps uses software and 3G or wifi network info to locate the device. GPS receivers use satellites. No they are not the same.

I just want street view when i use Google Maps! I wish there was a local initiative to get this done with Google's assistance.

The papago app will enable you to use your iphone, ipod as a gps navigator. The map is sourced from Roadguide philippines. I believe Roadguide licensed out map the phil map to Maction who is the map provider for that Papago app at the itunes store.

Sygic Maps for Southeast Asia also utilizes the iPhone's built-in GPS. It's a bit expensive at 100$ and the map is limited only to Metro Manila though.

AGPS or assisted gps uses software and 3G or wifi network info to locate the device. GPS receivers use satellites. No they are not the same.

AGPS is also a GPS device in itself its not software + Tower magic (well, they help). AGPS uses less time (and power) to locate the user since it is aided by cell towers. GPS only uses satellites.

You are correct. It employs a system that improves the startup performance of a GPS.

It's only now that I found out that the GPS of the iPhone does not need wifi or 3G in order to work. Just cell towers.

I was in a pedicab searching for a certain place in Binondo. Being in unfamiliar territory, I pulled out my iPhone to take a look at the pre-cached section of the map I downloaded. To my surprise, there I was, the blue dot moving in real time. That is so cool! I can't believe I've discovered this only now. With all the discussion, I thought that you needed a net connection in order for it to work. Geez.

I'm using offmaps app now for my GPS needs. This is great!

Does the find my iphone app also need a net connection in order to be found? or even with out, it'll be found on Google maps?

At some point the iPhone must have an internet connection to upload its coordinates to the server.