What Gps Features Would You Like To See?

[+Insp Gadget]

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day. He asked if any GPS units have a digicam built in. I thought this would be a great feature. I also wonder why they don't have touch screen on the small handheld units. That way, they could make the screen bigger without adding to the overall size.

 

Do you have any ideas for new features to put in a GPS?

[+Limax]

I want one that will do my laundry.

[Taxman003]

I would like to see temperatures. Touch screens would be nice, but they always run into problems in the end.

 

Mike

[+S&G.Davison]

Not quite sure where to start here - I always end up juggling the PDA, GPS and camera so something combining all 3 _and_ with the quality I use now would be good. Seriously as I use a 8mega pixel camera maybe I'll skip that part :-) for now

 

So - USB2 interface, Garmin V with a removeable expandable memory system, rechargeable batteries when plugged into mains / cigarette lighter

 

infact a merge of the Garmin iQue 3600 and GPSMap 60C would come somewhere close to the combined PDA / GPS functionality I'm looking for.

 

Sue

[+Sparky-Watts]

Downloadable porn screensavers?

[+GeckoGeek]

I want one that will do my laundry.

I want one that will do my day job so I'll have more time for caching.

 

Seriously, what about a unit that would take generic maps and not just the OEM's maps?

[+Renegade Knight]

10,000 waypoints.

 

256mb RAM minimum for maps.

 

The ability to turn off one set of maps or another (Topo vs. City Select) entirely without doing it individually.

 

GPX Support

[+Dan_Edwards]

Complete user interface redesign, and bluetooth standard.

 

For the user interface side, I want something like a hockey puck, but with a screen in the middle and big clickable buttons on the outside. Something you could wear around your chest, pick it up one handed and click the buttons in thick gloves while snowshoeing. Color screen would be hi-res, color and very readable in bright sunlight and backlight for night. Rather then trying to type text with a new waypoint I would rather just speak a quick note. Waterproof and able to survive all but the most serious falls. Memory card with data storage (waypoints, tracks, voice notes) only limited by your pocketbook rather then the GPS. User interface customizable so you can choose what data is on the screen at one time. You could even store custom setups for Snowshoing, Geocaching, Exersise, Driving Etc.

 

I tried the "I want it to do it all" route and found that it tends to do each thing poorly. I would prefer that more devices talk to each other. For instance, digital camera with bluetooth would see GPS with bluetooth and store the Lat/Long and Sat Time on each photo in the JPEG file (Not on the picture itself, but as a tag). Or have a PDA see the camera, and the GPS and do the job as well. Maybe storing a custom tracklog that notes where you took a picture.

 

Well at least I know what I want anyway

[+Dan_Edwards]

Seriously, what about a unit that would take generic maps and not just the OEM's maps?

Oh I so have to second that! Even go further as to encourage people to upload trails they have mapped and make them available. It gives people even more reason to buy your GPS and costs you very little as your users willingly make your product more appealing.

Edited February 4, 2004 by dan_edwards_1966

[+GeckoGeek]

I tried the "I want it to do it all" route and found that it tends to do each thing poorly. I would prefer that more devices talk to each other.

I have to return the favor and second that as well.

 

A Swiss Army Knife is a cool tool to have, but it doesn't come close to replacing all of the tools it carries. Some maybe, not not all.

[+Limax]

I'm not a fan of the "I want one device to do everything" concept. That's why my cell phone doesn't have a camera, why my ham radio is used for talking, and why my GPS (when I get one) will not have games.

 

I was really interested in the Garmin IQue when they first were talked about a year or so ago, but now I'm not so sure. If one thing breaks on those devices, do you have to throw the whole thing away?

[+dino_hunters]

Raster Image basemaps would be cool, kinda like ExpertGPS. Downloadable, or scan your own!!! Even a good vector map would be nice, Like TopoUSA with complete topo coverage, or a COMPLETE street map of the US (upgradable of course)

 

Definitly more memory!!!!

 

The problem with touch screens or integrated PDA is they are not rugged. I wouldn;t dare take one on a hike or camping trip.

[+GeckoGeek]

and why my GPS (when I get one) will not have games.

Careful, the new models like the 60C/60CS have games. Games are OK as long as the rest of the unit does what you want.

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

I want one that will paint my house.

[+Volwrath]

 

The ability to turn off one set of maps or another (Topo vs. City Select) entirely without doing it individually.

 

I can do that in my legend.....You should be able to as well

[Bobthearch]

On the 76S I'd like:

 

* to be able to turn off the barometer. I just don't use it,

 

* to replace the pad with an eTrex Thumb Stick,

 

* to not have to remove the unit from the case every time I want to use it,

 

* to skip the disclaimer and other splash screen.

 

-Bob

[+Mopar]

On the 76S I'd like:

 

* to skip the disclaimer and other splash screen.

 

You're never gonna get this one, so at least put it to good use. Hack the disclaimer screen to show your contact info in case your GPS is ever lost.

[Bobthearch]

Hack the disclaimer screen

 

Can you give a link to where I can find instructions?

 

-Bob

[+RockyRiver]

Join the yahoo groups its free.

http://groups.yahoo.com/

Then go to the 76S newsgroup

You can do a shearch on it or try this link below and see if it works for you.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/garmin_map76...yguid=165725064

 

Look in the files section for GPSwarn.zip I posted there awhile back.

[jallen013]

On the 76S I'd like:

 

* to skip the disclaimer and other splash screen.

 

You're never gonna get this one, so at least put it to good use. Hack the disclaimer screen to show your contact info in case your GPS is ever lost.

is there a similar hack for the MeriPlat ?

[+treemoss2]

I think the simplest thing to go for would be a combination of a PDA and a GPS inthe same unit. Seems like that is certainly feasible right now with only a minimum of fuss.

The use of PDAs for paperless makes the addition of a GPS in the same unit a no-brainer.

Why haven't Garmin, Magellan, Sony, Palm seen this?

[Bobthearch]

Why haven't Garmin, Magellan, Sony, Palm seen this?

 

There is a Garmin PDA-GPS-in-one. The trouble I see is that PDAs are generally not as durable as GPS units. I bet since Garmin has one, Magellan won't be far behind.

 

Rocky River,

Thanks for the link. I might try it out.

 

-Bob

[+Dan_Edwards]

A little more comment on the user interface of GPS's. I see a trend to include features that don't relate to location retrieval such as games. These are ok as long as they don't get in the way of the GPS primary function. But I would really like to see more work on trying to make the GPS show what I want to know as quickly and easily as possible.

 

Things like...

 

Figure out that it is after sunset in location you’re at so by default turn on the backlight if any button is pressed. I am always an advocate of being to disable a feature by the way.

 

Being able to add user customizable features. You can't predict everything a person is going to need. This could allow things like scripts. I would use one to change from a "Hiking" screen layout to a "Geocache" screen layout (both that I would have customized) if I came within 100ft of a Geocache.

 

If your traveling faster then 10 mph, but less then 30, switch to "Bike mode" if faster then 30 but less then 150 go to car mode, if greater then 150 then "air" and if greater then 2000 then "Orbit/ISS" mode

 

Like I said, customizable. I like that I talk about above, but it would be horrible to have a GPS do the above if all they ever did was horseback riding.

 

Also allowing people to share setups/scripts would be great.

 

Another thing. Out of the box have most extra stuff turned off. It takes a while before people even know what they want something as complex as a GPS to do. After they start to know what they want, make it easy for them to find out how to do it.

[+Insp Gadget]

Figure out that it is after sunset in location you’re at so by default turn on the backlight if any button is pressed. I am always an advocate of being to disable a feature by the way.

 

The 60C does this, well maybe not exactly this, but close. This new toy knows the sunrise and sunset times and can be set to automatically change the display from day mode to night mode. It's pretty neat and really makes a difference.

 

One thing I noticed this morning that I wish my 60C had. I was out Geocaching early this morning. The cache was quite far and I usually use the Follow Roads option until I get close and have to recalculate for off road use. I wish it could be set to automatically do this when I get within 1km or so of a cache. I think this would really compliment the Geocaching mode of the 60C

[five_user]

 

The ability to turn off one set of maps or another (Topo vs. City Select) entirely without doing it individually.

 

I can do that in my legend.....You should be able to as well

on my V: MapSource Info > Menu

on my 60c: Map Setup > Information > Menu

(the options only appear when you have more than one mapset loaded)

[+shegget]

Join the yahoo groups its free.

http://groups.yahoo.com/

Then go to the 76S newsgroup

You can do a shearch on it or try this link below and see if it works for you.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/garmin_map76...yguid=165725064

nifty! i never knew this forum even existed... thanks!

[+Limax]

and why my GPS (when I get one) will not have games.

Careful, the new models like the 60C/60CS have games. Games are OK as long as the rest of the unit does what you want.

My main question is why do they put games in them? Are they trying to compete with cell phones? (Which do everything but give you a nice clear signal to the person you're calling) For me, it just seems out of place to put games in a GPS. It's not like you'll be playing while you're hiking/driving/boating with it, since you'll most likely want to see where you are.

[+geospotter]

I'd like to see some sort of programmable operating system similar to some digital cameras. Then we could write (and share) small programs to do things that Garmin/Magellan won't write or didn't think of.

[five_user]

and why my GPS (when I get one) will not have games.

Careful, the new models like the 60C/60CS have games. Games are OK as long as the rest of the unit does what you want.

My main question is why do they put games in them? Are they trying to compete with cell phones? (Which do everything but give you a nice clear signal to the person you're calling) For me, it just seems out of place to put games in a GPS. It's not like you'll be playing while you're hiking/driving/boating with it, since you'll most likely want to see where you are.

you've obviously never actually played the games...they all use GPS. from the Garmin website:

 

"The Geko 301 also includes five interactive games that transform the great outdoors into a virtual board game, including the new Gekoids, which takes advantage of the electronic compass. You can also enjoy a good workout while chasing a virtual lizard in Geko Smak, match symbols in a grid version of Memory Race, navigate to reference points without crossing one's trail in Nibbons, and collect symbols along a path in Virtua Maze."

 

the games are worth the "inconvenience" of seeing them as a menu option if one kid gets off the couch and goes outside instead of sitting in front of the tv all day.

[+Limax]

Oh. So it's not Tetris.

[+ThisWayOut]

How about an IR port so you can beam waypoints, coordinates, routes, etc. back and forth to other units?

Edited February 6, 2004 by ThisWayOut

[+SBPhishy]

The cache was quite far and I usually use the Follow Roads option until I get close and have to recalculate for off road use. I wish it could be set to automatically do this when I get within 1km or so of a cache.

 

I have a Meridian, and it would be cool if Direct Route did that. Also, the IR port would be neat.

 

I'm am completely against the "do everything" route. Anything with a digitial camera built it sucks. The resolution doesnt even come close to any decent camera.

 

I think the Meridian comes close to doing everything I would want, besides some things I don't like that could probably be fixed with Firmware updates (though they will never happen). The new 60c/cs seem to have some more features that are starting to be artificially intelligent. (like knowing what time it is, and switching modes)

 

If the meridians had some features, like not turning the light on at alarms, and DR being able to go straight to a off rode goto, and a smaller size, I think they would be great.

 

I dont think they should ever change the SD card capability, as that is a stand alone selling factor in my opinion.

 

I'm against the touch screen, and the click stick, so those shouldnt be incorporated. Also, everything that the company may think of as a "feature" should be able to be turned on or off, because not everyone thinks of the same things as features. (some consider them to be defects)

[+Renegade Knight]

...

on my V: MapSource Info > Menu...

Thanks.

 

That was not obviouse!

[+Team GPSaxophone]

Downloadable porn screensavers?

Why am I not surprised?

[+Diogenes51]

I hope we are not too surprised to see new versions of high end phones specialized to the GeoCacher, offering features similar to Garnin's Rino series, but with the infinite range of cellular. Full color. Inifinite subscription map downloads "as you go" real time, showing all caches, with full discriptions when selected. Or filter to show the location of "team" members, or 7-11's , or speed traps of the day, or hurricane evacuation routes (I live in FL), or...

 

All with a touch screen and stylus so we can type input to GeoCache history screens or add GoTo coordinates using a keyboard screen. And being able to switch between several open programs windows style so we can see a map and see see Cache find/maintanence programs switchable or at the same time.

 

Sign me up!

[+DomHeknows]

i got an email from a marketing company who had been given my addy by magellan to "have the opportunity to influence the name of a new gps" without specifying the manufacturer (which was magellan). CHoices were things like Cleartrak, Xplorist, Geoist, Xscape and other pants ones that I had NO idea why they thought of that. Cleartrak was (imho) the best of the bunch

[+Scanlon]

This is easy.... A heads up display for my windshield or sunglasses! How hard can that be!!

 

Scanlon

[+geo-jedi]

This is always a fun topic. I think the Garmin 60C addresses much of what I'd like to see but they still left out expandable memory, directory structure for waypoints, non-proprietary maps, and an open operating system.

 

Here's a link to the Dream GPSr discussion last May. Heads up displays were mentioned but the cost would keep it away from a production model.

 

Here's my take from back then.

 

This is a review of the bidding with heavy borrowing from 3fro...

 

Cacher’s Delight – a Dream GPSr

The Cacher’s Delight family of GPS receiver-computers adds a whole new level of functionality and enjoyment to your geocaching activities. Not only are these GPSr designed for durability and fieldwork, there are a number of features that should especially appeal to the dedicated geocacher. All three models sport ruggedized lightweight waterproof and floatable cases, a 3-axis electronic compass, the ability to track 12 satellites simultaneously. These WAAS enabled devices can geolocate to within 3 meters with high reliability.

All three GPSr’s have the features you have come to expect in your favorite gps including Finding the Nearest Object, finding Objects by Name, and autorouting. The speedy processor and generous amount of built-in memory can be further supplemented by SD memory cards. Linux is the operating system used by all Cacher’s Delight GPSrc’s. Open source extensions to our software are encouraged. There are several active communities of developers and a sanctioned software developer’s kit (SDK).

 

Cacher’s Delight Sphere

The Sphere is the ultimate, top-of-the line model with a wearable detachable color display and voice recognition control software for completely hands-free operation.

10 oz with a 4 oz detachable display with data entry mechanism.

 

Cacher’s Delight Circle

The highly capable Circle model has a detachable monochrome display and multiple mechanisms for data entry while maintaining the high quality GPS receiver that is in the Sphere model.

9 oz with a 3 oz detachable display with data entry mechanism

 

Cacher’s Delight Dot

The Dot is a very capable handheld unit with a consolidated integrated monochrome display. Standard alkaline batteries are the power source. Although there is an infrared communications mechanism, there is no WiFi or Bluetooth connection. A USB cable is used to connect the device with your computer.

8 oz

 

More details on the common features

 

Power

- Uses AA batteries or a nominal 12 volts with an optional adapter

- Optional solar strip extends battery life

Physical Aspects

- Compact case with a standard rubber shock absorbing case

- Completely waterproof and floatable (when in rubber case)

- Easy to use optional lanyard or belt clip

 

Hardware – A robust hardware design is of utmost importance.

 

Processor

- Fast processor

- no lags in redrawing screens

Memory

- 32 megabytes is standard

- 128 Megabytes for Circle and Sphere models

- Expandable with SD memory

User Interface

- Typical rocker switch is included

- Scrolling side control eases reviewing list data

- On Circle and Sphere, display moves to reveal a mini keyboard

Antenna

- Built-in quad-helix antenna for fast satellite acquisition

- Plug in for external antenna

Display

- A high resolution display 480x320 pixels

- High contrast with adjustable backlight (with “light on” indicator)

- A screen power-save feature: turn off the screen while still making use of the GPS receiver to create tracks and maintain position data

- Ability to use display in landscape or portrait mode

- The Sphere model has a touch screen and can recognize Graffiti

 

Audio

- Digital voice recorder with telephone quality sound

- Tiny tinny speakers

- The Sphere has simple voice recognition for selected commands

 

Interfaces/Connectivity

- USB and firewire hard wire connections

- Bluetooth and IR wireless connections

- Can send/receive geo-data via these connections

- Can communicate with other IR and Bluetooth devices

Linux Operating system

Firmware/System Software

- Directory/Folder structure for Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks

- Flexible naming for navigational elements

-Extensive comment fields are possible

- Storage limited only by memory limitation, no fixed limit on number of waypoints

- Programmable track resolution

- Icons may be imported and stored in non-volatile memory

- Tools to personalize the start up screens and audio

- Name and contact information

- MP3 or WAV file of your choice

- Reward information

- User can program an audible alarm based on measured proximity to any one of a set of navigational elements (e.g., selected waypoints)

- Fixed location averaging – a fixed location may be named – the unit can be directed to take new measurements at the location to come up with a more accurate position by using a weighted average of the measurements biased by the degree of precision of each measurement taken

 

Versatile Electronic Compass

- 3D Axis so works in any orientation

- Programmable settings for auto on/off

- Hot key for compass on/off

- On screen indication of compass mode - T (True), M (Magnetic), or C (Course)

Maps

- Base maps are standard

- An XML format for building add-ins is provided

- Compatible with Open-Map data products

Other features

- Calendar

- Sun and moon data

- Tide tables

- Temperature (maintains coldest and warmest)

- Barometer (and altimeter)

Accessories

- Detachable keyboard

- Cradle with connection and recharger

- Headphones

- 12 volt adapter

- solar strip

 

Team Geo-Jedi, Searchers 4 Ground Truth

[+Kordite]

I have a Megellan Meridian Platinum and am generally pleased with the features it has. I would like a few small things: When you are viewing larger scale maps (county, state) hide the waypoint names so that you can see the roads. Or have a option to show only selected waypoints at the higher scale so that the map isn't cluttered with too many waypoints.

 

But, I think the thing I would really want is to have USGS maps onboard. Oh, yea! I would give up barometers, thermometers, elevation profiles, sunrise/sunset calculators, moon phase displays and all those other "nifty" add-ons to have the full color 1:25,000 scale maps.

 

Micro-drives are getting smaller and smaller and with a larger capacity. The new ipod is about the size of a deck of playing cards and has a 5 gig drive. Slap a GPS unit on something like that, add a little bit of processing power to handle the graphics and you'll have a unit that probably wouldn't be much bigger than a Meridian is now. And 5 gig should nbe more than enough space. I have National Geographic's Topo software and all of Pennsylvania fits on 5 CD's. That would only take a little over half of the total capacity of a 5 gig drive.

 

I'd order that right now.

Edited February 6, 2004 by Kordite