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Open Source Alternatives to Consumer Map Programs
posted by Satri
on Monday March 20, @12:51PM
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from the working-alternatives-on-the-roadside dept.
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from the working-alternatives-on-the-roadside dept.
Ofer writes "Open source tends to be lacking in consumer map programs ala Microsoft Streets and Trips and Delorme's Street Atlas. There are several efforts to repair that situation. GMap, Roadster, and RoadNav are three examples. Using US Census public domain data, all three of these generate map information on the fly. GMap and Roadster have the advantage of collaboration; both will be using the same file format in the future. GMap has the advantage of a navigation mode and Roadster has the advantage of being more complete and currently faster. RoadNav is complete but slower than roadster."
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Technology: OpenSource Map Database 9 comments
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gujju writes "I've been thinking of building an open source GPS-based navigation software for in-vehicle navigation. Unfortunately there are no accurate opensource maps available to use for this purpose. I know TIGER files are freely available but they are hopelessly inaccurate and out-dated. Are there any opensource (freely available) map sources. If not, what are your opinions on starting a Wiki-style opensource map database to build a datasource similar to something that Navteq has?"
State of Open Source GIS Report 3 comments
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At GeoTec in June Refractions distributed their State of Open Source GIS report. Their website provided an old version of the document so I requested the newer one by email. Jody on the OSGeo mailing list tells us the new version is available on Refractions' website. This 42-pages report is worthed and introduces every major open source GIS/Geospatial project in the wild. From the introduction: "Fundamentally, successful OSS projects are not created by releasing free source code – they are created through the growth of communities of shared interest."
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007, GPS Included 1 comment
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The Map Room reports on the announcement of Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007, with an optional GPS device. From the press release: "Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007 with GPS Locator delivers the helpful tools that consumers have come to expect, along with several new and enhanced features. The updated version of the product includes a sleek new and compact cordless Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver manufactured by Pharos, and a new full-screen navigation mode, making it easier than ever to plan personalized road trips and travel with complete confidence." More on the optional GPS device here. See also alternatives in previous stories below.
Reviews: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 Review
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The Earth is Square offers a review of Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007. From the review: "The GPS unit is a Pharos 500 which has SiRF star III technology in it. This means it is really accurate. [...] All and all I am impressed with the software and the GPS unit. They work quite well together. And the GPS unit also works in World Wind with the GPS Plug-in. The only real gripes I have at this time is the lack of GPS monitoring ability and that the GPS turn-by-turn assistance won't help you if you get off your route. Other than saying "Off route" it will not help you get back on the route."
Application Domains: Introducing Quantum Navigator and QGIS MapServer 2 comments
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Over the Quantum GIS blog, the easy-to-use open source desktop GIS in active development, we learn about Quantum Navigator, a new open source routing / navigation system in the works. From the announcement: "The aim of the project is to enable basic routing and navigation capabilities on a roadmap. Given a shapefile of roadmap with correct format, you'll be able to select start and end point of your route. The application will calculate you a route that will meet your needs (shortest, fastest or economic path). This route should follow all restrictions like one-way streets or turning restrictions from one road to another one." I wonder if they're aware of the open source GMap, Roadster, and RoadNav efforts? Related to QGIS, there's a QGIS MapServer project in development, described as: "QGIS mapserver is a server module for geographic maps. The content of vector and raster datasources (e.g. shapefiles, gml, postgis, wfs, geotiff ) is visualized according to the request parameters. The generated map image is sent back to the client over the internet.".
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Open Source Alternatives to Consumer Map Programs
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First impressions
(Score:2)( http://alexandreleroux.blogspot.com/ | Last Journal: Friday March 17, @05:07PM )
- All of them are in early development stages.
- Roadnav looks the more advanced of the bunch (this, of course, may change with time).
- These tools only provide US info (since they use US Census data) yet.
Overall, sounds like a good start. I wonder what the future of those apps will be. My gripe with WorldWind is it's windows only (yeah, I'm aware of the java port), if it wasn't the case, I would ask why such apps are not built as integrated companions apps to WordWind. (I hate duplication of efforts
Re:First impressions
(Score:3, Informative)Their goals are also distinct from worldwind so the interfaces vary. I think this variation of interface is useful for ease of use in each particular situation.
Worldwind would not be good on a touchscreen. The others would not be good at visualizing the entire world and its geography.
Audodesk inspiration
(Score:2)( http://alexandreleroux.blogspot.com/ | Last Journal: Friday March 17, @05:07PM )