KTMphil
Senior member
With the exponential growth in digital map data recording, I thought it might be a good idea to look at what travelers are using.
What do you use?
Do you use digital (GPS, phone data or tablet)? or do you use a hard copy map too?
With the rapid improvement in digital map data, we are definitely getting less and less riders asking how to get to somewhere every year.
My latest digital device is a big as a printed map and has the whole world in minute detail on it. This is a Samsung Galaxy View running Android. It's an 18.5 " screen and sells for around USD$ 450. Below you can see it running the Orux Maps App & the North Thailand GPS map we sell on the screen. Hopefully the pen gives you an idea of how big the screen is and how readable the map is ( ie printed map never needed).
It will search and auto route offline with downloaded maps.
Maps by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
Since I got this device I have not felt the need to reach for a paper map ever, its quite remarkable.
Here running the free Sygic Map App, again free maps downloaded so will run and route without an internet data connection
Maps by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
Below running OSM through the OSMAND App, again free downloadable maps so will route offline
DSC_0646.JPG by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
Below is an interesting app that many dont use. The Galileo Map app (free) has downloadable country maps with just the right amount of detail for trip planning. With this big screen, no printed maps needed.
Gall by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
Put the Galaxy View in your car/ truck, you have an amazing GPS, massive screen. Below shows it in split screen mode so you can run two things at once.
DSC_0647.JPG by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr
For me, even if you are unfamiliar with the region you are going to travel through, with a screen like this, planning is easy, all the important route data is easy to find.
-
- Are digital maps the printed map killer because of cheap large screen gps's?
- Are printed maps needed in the future?
What do you use?
Do you use digital (GPS, phone data or tablet)? or do you use a hard copy map too?
With the rapid improvement in digital map data, we are definitely getting less and less riders asking how to get to somewhere every year.
My latest digital device is a big as a printed map and has the whole world in minute detail on it. This is a Samsung Galaxy View running Android. It's an 18.5 " screen and sells for around USD$ 450. Below you can see it running the Orux Maps App & the North Thailand GPS map we sell on the screen. Hopefully the pen gives you an idea of how big the screen is and how readable the map is ( ie printed map never needed).
It will search and auto route offline with downloaded maps.
Maps by Triangle Golden 007, on FlickrSince I got this device I have not felt the need to reach for a paper map ever, its quite remarkable.
Here running the free Sygic Map App, again free maps downloaded so will run and route without an internet data connection
Maps by Triangle Golden 007, on FlickrBelow running OSM through the OSMAND App, again free downloadable maps so will route offline
DSC_0646.JPG by Triangle Golden 007, on FlickrBelow is an interesting app that many dont use. The Galileo Map app (free) has downloadable country maps with just the right amount of detail for trip planning. With this big screen, no printed maps needed.
Gall by Triangle Golden 007, on FlickrPut the Galaxy View in your car/ truck, you have an amazing GPS, massive screen. Below shows it in split screen mode so you can run two things at once.
DSC_0647.JPG by Triangle Golden 007, on FlickrFor me, even if you are unfamiliar with the region you are going to travel through, with a screen like this, planning is easy, all the important route data is easy to find.
-
- With a large GPS you get the big picture quickly. You can see the network of roads & trails and zoom to see whatever you want. With a printed map, you cannot zoom in on an important route change or destination area.
- Big screen GPS you can plan your trip.
- Over a beer everyone can look at the big screen map and play with zoom levels to explain route ideas.
- Sit with the locals and amaze them with the map data of their area. It makes the touring of a new area fun.
- Landmarks and POI's are easy to find when zoomed in on the big screen.
- With so much data on the gps map, you zoom and you can find things that you would miss just using a printed map. Use the "find attractions" function and a plethora of POI's will show up that you can mark and route to.
- 8 hours of battery life and the ability to plug into a vehicle power supply is now rarely an issue.
- With a big screen GPS there is no losing your way as planning is easy, the luxury of being able to zoom in and out makes you immensely productive.
- Many printed maps, especially of north Thailand, the roads and trails on them are 10 years out of date. Many of the trails are now paved ruining trail riding plans for may riders (we have them come complaining about the red maps all the time).
- Are digital maps the printed map killer because of cheap large screen gps's?
- Are printed maps needed in the future?
