How to use navigation on a smartphone. We use a smartphone as a navigator, which application should we choose? Smartphone as a navigator

08-12-2018 00:34

The functionality of smartphones is rich, and allows you to use the gadget not only for communication, but also for performing many other useful functions. One of these features of the device is navigation. It became available thanks to the introduction into the phoneG PS sensors. How to choose andset navigatethe national programon a smartphone?

The main purpose of navigation apps is to help the driver navigate the terrain. However, they perform this task in different ways: programs differ markedly in functionality, usability and a number of other parameters.

By default, all navigators on the phone work online and may be unstable (or not display maps at all) without a direct internet connection. There are workarounds to solve the problem and you can use maps offline - in offlinetraveling in Russia, neighboring countries and Europe.

Offline maps are indispensable for navigation if you have expensive mobile traffic or if you open the map in a place where there is no Internet access via mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Note that software is like paidand free... The main disadvantage of the paid system is the need to deposit money for the purchase of an application, as well as a package of cards. Of course, most ordinary citizens can easily afford such navigation programs - their price quite adequatebut the advantages of such software are very significant - advanced functionality and weight additional opportunities both offline and online.

Free navigation products generally operate exclusively online. The most famous products are from Yandex and Google. Such software is perfectly adapted to the rapidly changing realities: all map updates are carried out as quickly as possible, and a wide range of various services, for example, voice search or online broadcast of the traffic situation, will delight even the most skeptical driver. The only but significant disadvantage of this kind of GPS navigation software is that in the absence of the Internet, their capabilities are reduced to a minimum.

Let's take a closer look at several navigation apps.

Before Google maps for mobile operating systems, it was not too elaborate: some functions were very slow due to poor optimization. However, now the situation is completely different and the application has improved significantly. The program can be installed using the play market, most devices have it by default. The ability to download your own maps for short routes and navigation without an internet connection has recently appeared. Because of this, things are far from being so smooth with them when compared with the implementation of a similar function in similar applications.

Another inconvenience is that the user cannot quickly download maps for large regions of Russia or other CIS countries. Without a network connection, the motorist is unlikely to be able to navigate normally. However, Google Maps has a huge advantage: it works not only in Europe but all over the world.

BenefitsGoogle maps :

Detailed, updated maps 220 countries of the world.

Optimal routes in 15,000 cities around the world.

Trace state information ( traffic jams) and the ability to plot a new route.

Description of countries, cities: 100 million seats.

The ability to see the interior of restaurants, cafes, museums in real time (satellite images).

Additionally, the gadget can use a cell tower or services to determine the location Apple geolocation in iPhones.

While this navigator cannot be confidently called the best choice, we must not forget that it is completely free and can work without a network connection. There is one more plus - it's integration with the service of the same name. The user does not need to bother with installing additional cards and their subsequent activation. Plus, this app is already present in many Android phones.

Yandex.Navigatoris a handy programwhich works for free over the Internet. It does not require a lot of smartphone resources and is easy to operate. In addition, she does not need a lot of space and knows how to plan routes taking into account various unpleasant situations on the roads and overlaps.

The developers paid special attention to the interface. It is very well structured and simple at the same time. When the car starts to follow the set route, the navigator displays the most important information on the screen. This is data about the time and distance to the desired point. If during the trip you need to call at a service station, car wash or any other service, then you can add an additional item in the application. In this case, the route will be automatically rebuilt taking into account all wishes.

Among the useful functions are night mode navigator. During its operation, the map will be displayed completely in dark colors. This makes it possible not to attract unnecessary attention of the driver while driving and does not have such a detrimental effect on vision.

You can control the selected route with voice commands... In this case, the desired route will be saved under the name chosen by you. To build a route, you can tell the program the street and house number. If during the journey you decide to visit another place, then simply set the point on the map in advance using your voice. You can also record an event that happened on the road, which you witnessed.

The program works without the Internet, but this requires installing maps for large cities in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus. They can be easily browsed, but an internet connection is required to create complex routes or find objects.

Navitel Navigator is a program developed by leading manufacturers in the field of digital navigation. Unfortunately, it is not free. You will have to spend a small amount of money to purchase cards or find them on some file sharing services. Among the functions available on the side panel, it is worth noting the ability to display the map in three-dimensional mode. In some situations, this setting will be very useful.

Here you can choose a night or day skin, voice control, which is necessary for planning routes by specifying commands to the application, and also switch between satellites. This is necessary to ensure that the POI map is always available to the user even under unsuitable weather conditions.

If we talk about the picture as a whole, then justified claims may arise to it due to the pileup of all kinds of signs and not entirely clear designations. But it should be noted that Navitel is able to become a faithful guide almost anywhere in the world.

Traffic information on the road in real time: you can immediately see the path on the maps where there are no traffic jams and get to your destination faster.

Messaging with friends/ employees through the service "Friends.Cloud": information about the location of employees (if it is a taxi) or friends, as well as the possibility of faster find each other and meet... It is convenient to use a social network to register with the service.

FROMweather forecast service a few days ahead: it will help to plan the work (deliver a valuable cargo, put on winter tires, etc.).

The program captures and transmits radar information, hiding cops and speed cameras. When entering a highway, the program helps to rebuild depending on how many lanes on the road: it saves travel time.

Navitel Navigator program - multilingual, there is a voice reading of maps and messages. The interface can be customized for yourself.

Navitel Navigator - application for drivers with the ability to plan routes both abroad and in Russia. There are corporate options for business, information support on the official website, constant map updates.

Maps.me supports free offline cards, and this is one of the main features mobile application... Working offline is very convenient: in fact, you can get directions without having an internet connection on your phone.

However, you must first open the map with an active connection. The fragment of the map you are interested in will be loaded onto your phone. Maps do not take up so much space, several tens of megabytes at most.

In addition to the automatic download mode, it is not difficult to download maps through the Maps.me navigator menu.

Another strong point of the gps navigator is good detailkart. This is due to the fact that ordinary users participate in filling in the data on the cards. Surprisingly, the maps may differ markedly from the same Google Maps. It comes to the point that a shop or path is marked on the map, which are not in other navigators.

Maps.me is a great phone navigator without the Internet or for users who prefer not to use the online mode on their mobile device.

Navigation program interface Sygic GPS Navigation there was no clutter of information, the main part of the screen is occupied directly by the map in isometric projection. All accompanying information is located on the bottom panel. While driving, you can see the speed of movement, the estimated time of arrival, the remaining distance and the quality of the signal strength from the satellites.

Sygic offers the most accurate real-time traffic information with data collected from 500 million users around the world, provided by global automakers, mobile operators, mapping and traffic information providers.

Navigation Sygic knows how to plan a route cross-country... Therefore, the program does not have problems if it is necessary to establish a route from Moscow to Paris. The versatility of ways to reach the desired point has long been a sign of good manners, Sygic is by no means an exception to the rule. The offers are divided into categories such as shortest in distance or estimated time, taking into account obstacles on the roads.

A set of Tom-Tom maps is provided with the Sygic navigation software, which includes coverage of almost fifty countries. This suggests that, first of all, development will useful for active travelers... The quality of the maps of Russia leaves much to be desired.

What's more, Sygic lets you organize route for pedestrians and cyclists. Routes are built with a set of intermediate points, it is available by editing them if it is necessary to bypass individual sections.

Sygic is the most expensive product. It is aimed at the European consumer, so the price tag is quite appropriate. In addition, you will have to pay separately for traffic jams and advanced information about cameras, but this all applies only to Europe. In Russia, network services do not work.

Outcomes:

The developers of most of the presented applications are trying to attract users with various additional features, for example, weather, photos on a map, articles from encyclopedias, tags in social networks, displaying the location of friends and even augmented reality.

Many cyclists have a question what to choose: bike navigator or dedicated smartphone apps? To provide the most complete and detailed answer, you will have to understand many nuances. We recommend that you carefully read the material, the article will discuss the advantages of navigators and applications for a smartphone.

Why is it necessary

What might you need a navigator or smartphone app for?

• The main task is orientation in unfamiliar terrain.
• Finding the best route to quickly reach your destination.
• Calculation of the distance covered.
• Determination of minimum, maximum and average speed.
• Formation of training programs.
• Determination of the effectiveness of classes, the number of calories spent.
• Graphing and analyzing the collected information.
• Subsequent data processing.
• Formation of individual training programs based on the current parameters and the user's anatomy.

Note that many of these features are only provided in smartphone apps. But in practice, not everyone needs them. Advanced features are useful for advanced amateurs and professionals. If you just ride a bike and make tourist trips, then it is enough to determine the current location and build routes on the map.

But which one to choose - a navigator or a smartphone? Do not look for an accurate and unambiguous answer on the Internet, it simply cannot be. The choice between the two devices depends on the way you use your bike and the features you need.

Therefore, each user will have to answer such an urgent question. Do you think that we deceived you, promised to provide a clear answer, but in fact it does not exist? This is not the case, our material should help users decide on the right device. To do this, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Navigator

Navigators are produced not only for cars, but also for bicycles. Note that before buying such a device, it is important to understand why you need it. If you ride around your area, the navigator will become an ordinary toy and will not bring any practical benefit.

Such equipment should be purchased in the following cases:

• You often visit unfamiliar areas of the city.
• You want to quickly find the best route.
• You often go on tourist trips by bike.

What are the benefits of a navigator?

• This equipment is well protected from mechanical stress, moisture and dust. Modern navigators come in a robust and sealed case. This increases the reliability of the equipment.
• Navigators are able to work autonomously for a long time. On average, they can run on battery power for a day. You do not have to frequently recharge and connect an external battery during the trip.
• Modern navigators are equipped with a barometer to track weather conditions and a compass to determine the cardinal points.
• IN this device maps are already loaded, and GPS and GLONASS satellites cover the entire globe.
• The navigator is independent from mobile networks. This fact will be especially important when riding in the woods and outside the city.
• This device can be operated using buttons or a resistive screen. You do not have to take off your gloves to perform any manipulations with the equipment.
• If necessary, you can easily find mounts for the navigator on sale. Many manufacturers include them in the kit so that the owner can immediately install it on the bike.

The main drawback of the navigator is limited functionality. He is capable of performing only a certain list of tasks. Manufacturers are trying to gradually expand the capabilities of this equipment, but in any case it is inferior to applications for smartphones.

Benefits of a smartphone and specialized apps

Several reasons to choose a smartphone:

• A huge number of available applications in the official store.
• Many programs are free for users.
• You can find advanced software, but it is often provided for an additional fee.
• The displays on smartphones are larger, and the image is much better.
• Many modern phones are protected from water and dust, they are not afraid of being exposed to rain.
• You can not only build routes, but also get access to many additional features.
• The software is updated, improved and the number of available functions expanded.
• Almost everyone has a smartphone, no need to buy additional equipment.
• Modern phones support work with various navigation systems.
• You can use multiple applications at the same time.

Now let's list the disadvantages:

• Fragility. The phone may break if dropped.
• Smartphones with poor performance often slow down, and applications crash on them.
• It is difficult to find a bike rack that would provide a secure fit for your device.
• Phones are equipped with capacitive screens. You can only interact with them with your bare hands or with a stylus.
• Some applications do not support downloading maps. They are loaded while driving and this fact must be taken into account when choosing software. If there is no mobile network signal in this area, then the maps will simply not be displayed on the screen.
• Most gadgets drain quickly. In active mode, they can work for about 5-10 hours, depending on power consumption and battery capacity. Therefore, be sure to take a power bank with you.

The phone is suitable for cyclists who need a wide range of functionality. If you need to collect as much information as possible, process it, create training programs, then it is better to give preference to a smartphone. In the official app store for your operating system, you can find the right software. Here are some popular programs for cyclists:

• VeloPal.
• Cyclemeter.
• Map My Ride +.
• Strava.
• iBiker.

How to choose the right bike navigator

When choosing a navigator, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Reliability of fastening. The device should fit perfectly on the steering wheel. Typically, manufacturers attach fasteners in a box so that the buyer does not have to purchase it separately.
• Rugged, impact-resistant housing.
• Water and dust resistant. Ideal if your navigator is IP67 or IP68 compliant.
• Capacious battery. Although the navigator consumes less power than a smartphone, it is still a rather gluttonous device. The minimum battery capacity is 2000 mAh.
• The battery must be of the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer type. These battery technologies are the most reliable at the moment. Such batteries are characterized by high energy density, are devoid of memory effect and are well tolerated in difficult climatic conditions.
• A slot for a flash card will allow you to download many maps and store information in the navigator.

You have to understand that this equipment is far from cheap. Really good navigator will cost at least 10 thousand rubles. Naturally, the higher the price, the better the performance and more additional functions for subsequent use.

When buying this technique, you should not save. Stop buying too cheap devices. They will quickly discharge, freeze, have limited capabilities and can completely fail.

How to choose a smartphone to use on a bike as a navigator

Additionally, we list the basic requirements for a smartphone:

• The optimal amount random access memory for a full-fledged work. At the time of this writing, the minimum recommended size is 4 GB. But you can buy a device with 6 or 8 GB of RAM. Considering the rapid development of operating systems and applications, the supply of RAM will never be too much.
• Note: this recommendation is relevant only for Android OS devices. The peculiarities of this operating system increase the consumption of RAM.
• It is important to have an optimal amount of permanent memory for storing information from applications and downloading offline maps.
• The smartphone must be IP68 water and dust resistant. Then you can not be afraid to get caught in the rain with him.
• Some sources recommend checking for a shockproof enclosure. But only the authors forget that phones protected from mechanical stress do not differ in powerful hardware. Since the device will be used to the maximum, specifications much more important than having resistance to impact. Choose a secure mount and be careful when using your smartphone, then nothing threatens it.
• An important parameter is the presence of a capacious battery. The minimum indicator is 3000 mAh, but more is possible.

In practice, a high battery capacity does not guarantee long battery life. The operating time of the phone without recharging depends on the power consumption. It is also affected by the components installed in the smartphone and the optimization of the operating system. Therefore, give preference to devices from trusted manufacturers who are working on their own shell and trying to reduce battery consumption.

Don't forget to find the right app. Several programs for cyclists have already been listed in our article. But in the official store, you can also pick up other applications. It is better to test the programs yourself to see how easy they are to use and whether they are able to cover your needs.

Sooner or later, each of us has to travel to unfamiliar places, be it another city or some place outside of it. To navigate in space, there are many tools, such as a compass or a map. As far as the city is concerned, people are usually guided by street names and house numbers. As a last resort, you can always ask passers-by for directions.

Nevertheless, these are too outdated methods of orientation, which are extremely inconvenient to use. Moreover, there are many modern technologies that can facilitate this task.

First of all, the so-called GPS navigators should be mentioned. This technology, most reliably helps to navigate in space, and it is oriented primarily for car drivers.

For pedestrians or cyclists, the most convenient tool is mobile devices with built-in GPS navigator.

The most common gadget at the moment is a smartphone running on the Android operating system. Most of the devices on this system have complex specifications, including many modules and sensors. Among others, almost every device has a built-in GPS module. In fact, any smartphone can be turned into a GPS Navigator, albeit not as high-quality as a full-fledged device.

When purchasing a new device, usually in the operating system, there is already a built-in application for navigation, however, most often it is Google Maps, which, although convenient to use, require a constant connection to the Internet from the user.

The Android operating system is so good that you can install any software on it, at the discretion of the user.

First, you need to turn on the GPS module and, if possible. Internet access will help you to quickly connect to satellites and determine the approximate location.

Navigation is enabled in the system settings, namely, in the section " Location" or " Geolocation", May also occur" Geodata". To enable GPS navigation, you need to put the switch to the active position, after which you can see which applications have access to navigation services.

Another way to quickly enable the navigation module is to open the curtain vertically from the top edge of the screen and click on the corresponding icon.

In the first section “ Mode”, Positioning accuracy and speed can be selected. Choosing the first item " GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks ", A person gets the fastest and most accurate connection to satellites, but at the same time, one should take into account the energy consumption and.

The slowest navigation is the determination of the user's location, only by GPS satellites.

Choosing and installing a third-party navigation app

As mentioned above, you can install a third-party application on any smartphone, be it iOS or Android. For navigation in space, there are dozens of high-quality programs. Some applications are oriented to navigate the city and city roads, others to navigate intercity connections. There are also those who help specialists in complex, geodetic work.

American, Russian and Chinese satellites can be used as navigation satellites, however, most smartphones use American GPS technology. If the smartphone supports other navigation systems, it will not be difficult for any program to connect to one or another satellites.

One way or another, all navigation applications can be divided into two categories: those that work on a pre-compiled map and those that are positioned using satellite images. The most popular satellite imagery applications are Google Maps and Yandex Maps. Both applications satisfy all the requirements, and yet Yandex Maps is a more convenient application that allows you to save the entire route displayed earlier in memory.

As the main program for navigating the roads, it is worth stopping your attention on the paid Navitel application.

Like any other application, Navitel is downloaded from the Play Store. After installing and running the program, a special directory is created in the device memory " NavitelContent". Inside this folder, there is another directory called Maps. It is in this folder that new maps should be loaded.

Once launched, the application automatically starts searching for satellites. When the smartphone connects with at least one satellite, the application will display the person's approximate location on the map. The more satellites are involved, the more accurately the user's location will be determined. It should be reminded that Navitel is a paid app, but worth it.

Unlike the previous application, Yandex Maps is absolutely free. To get started, you just need to run the program and wait for the program to load the selected area.

Yandex Maps can work both in satellite mode and in the form of a map. For offline operation, you can download a map of your hometown. Unlike many other navigators, maps have of this applicationare absolutely free.

In the satellite imagery mode, a person can move not only along roads, but also in other areas, for example, a field, lake or forest.

On the right side, there are buttons for scaling the map. You should be extremely careful, because the same area, but with a different scale, will reload the location. Thus, the phone memory will fill up pretty quickly.

Of course, it's best to use a phone with a permanent internet connection. In this case, the created cache must be cleaned regularly.

If a person wants to use a smartphone without access to the Internet, the cache of satellite images can be downloaded in advance, while setting the same scale.

Summing up, it should be noted that, if desired, Yandex Maps can be replaced with Google Maps, and Navitel, with any other free alternative, for example, 2Gis.

Thus, any smartphone can be turned into a powerful navigation device.

Summer is gaining momentum, and very soon the long-awaited vacation. It's time to plot your routes and take care of the accurate maps you need on the long journey. And the question arises: which is preferable to use - or professional navigation?

Photo caption: GPS navigation - the right hand of a professional driver

The times when it was necessary to make stops from time to time on the track to determine your location on a paper map are long gone. Today, overcoming hundreds and even thousands of kilometers by car has become much easier, provided that you have a device that can quickly and accurately plot a route from point A to point B. This is a navigator.

Smartphone or GPS Navigator?

The most important argument in favor of using professional GPS navigation is “have mercy on your smartphone”. And your wallet, we will add. Advanced mobile phones, which we cannot part with, are not cheap at all. And frankly, it's a pity to use them for other than their intended purpose, that is, as many people do, attaching a smartphone to the windshield as a universal device. In this case, the car navigator. Believe me, it was not made for this. Continuous activation will drain the battery quickly. Light falls on the screen, causing the smartphone to heat up and shortening its lifespan.

On the contrary, professional car navigators are not only adapted to work in this mode. You can easily select any screen size, it is specially made matte, which prevents light reflection and, accordingly, makes the map visibility optimal, regardless of the intensity and angle of illumination.

Or is it a smartphone?

The latter is supported by the fact that the map applications available in the AppStore are downloaded for free. It is enough to download them, and the whole route is at a glance. All that is needed is a strong reception of the Network signal, thanks to which you have at your disposal not only the freshest and latest maps, but also "live" information about traffic, traffic jams and, if necessary, the ability to find an alternative road.

Transparent screen and interface

Let's say right away that this is the best choice for those who move mainly around the city, make several trips a day, for example, from home to work and back. For these fairly local tasks, a smartphone is really the best choice that will work no worse than professional equipment and will allow you to move around the busy streets of a modern city without any problems.

The further the better

Returning to where we started, that is, to the season of vacations and long voyages along the roads of Russia, neighboring countries or distant Europe, here the functionality of a smartphone may not be enough. Again, a question of money: high-quality navigators with built-in maps of the European continent can cost quite a lot. Therefore, before choosing a device, think about how often you travel abroad. It may be that it makes no sense to overpay if most of the time you will only use cards of the Russian Federation.

We considered best navigators for Android smartphones and tablets. Choose the one that suits all your needs.

Yandex Navigator - great program for both motorists and pedestrians. Like Yandex Maps, stands out from the competition with an attractive interface and rich functionality. Both applications display the highest quality and realistic satellite view of the map. You can study in detail the places of interest in the city. The software is most useful when traveling in the CIS countries.

Google maps - a unique tool for travelers that will help not only to plan the route, but also to get acquainted in detail with all the sights that are nearby. Special attention should be paid to the 3D Photo Tours tool, created for three-dimensional viewing of images anywhere in the world. Also, the user will be able to read reviews of various establishments nearby, which will definitely come in handy when choosing hotels and restaurants.

CityGuide and Waze will be a good choice for long-distance drivers. The utilities are capable of notifying about traffic police posts and CCTV cameras in real time. Like Navitel, these programs received the option to determine the traffic congestion on the roads, so they are able to plot a route to avoid traffic jams.

Among analogues CityGuide features an integrated database RosYama, which provides the owner of the gadget with all information about the condition of roads in the Russian Federation. Weise includes a good speedometer with the ability to fine-tune voice notifications at the slightest speed limit. Navitel known for its fast alternate route function and smooth offline operation.

If you are interested in free app for Android with a good route planning system for all types of transport and a search function for various establishments and attractions, choose MAPS.ME... Cyclists will find many benefits for themselves in the program TomTom GPS.

OsmAnd - good software that works without the Internet. Provides detailed data on stops and routes of public transport, is able to measure the distance you have traveled. GPS Sygic notable for the presence of a Dashcam video recorder, you can record what is happening on the road. Thanks to the SOS option, the utility makes it possible to make emergency calls to the police or ambulance at any time.

The rating did not include such solutions as TourMap, CoPilot GPS, Navigon, Route 66 Navigate. Each of them had their own shortcomings. Basically, it's about poorly detailed maps, a small amount of useful information on the screen, a heavy load on the processor and battery, lack of support for gps-glonass and other nuances.

If you were looking for a car navigator, not mobile phone and consider exclusively individual devices, modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of models, including top-end devices HD Drive Route, Lexand SA5, Garmin Drive 61 rus lmt, Digma Alldrive, etc. We did not consider such systems, not only because of the significant segmentation of the firmware of these software operating systems (Windows Phone, Android, Linux) and their obvious shortcomings. The purpose of the review was to help you choose a navigator for your mobile phone.

By the way, many of the reviewed applications are also available for iOS devices (iPad, iPhone). The only difference is that good offline navigation on iPhones is usually paid. In addition, the operating system already contains a built-in online service, which is suitable for both hiking and traveling by car. If Apple maps don't suit you, you can download Google Voice Assistant with its proprietary navigation.