Reviews

Memory-Map’s

updated for V4.0, February 2004

Moving map software

Authored by Ralph Lombardo for GPSpassion.com

 

1 Introduction 3
1.1 Product Overviews 3
1.2 What's new in Version 4.0? 3

2 Summary Conclusion 4

3 Product Comparison 4
3.1 Comparison Table 4

4 Getting Started, Installation 4
4.1 Desktop Menus 5
4.2 Maps/charts, Types and Sources 6
4.2.1 Installing Maps/Charts 7

5 PocketPC program 8
5.1 PDA Menu 8
5.2 Viewing available maps and charts 9
5.3 GPS 9
5.4 Other settings 10
5.4.1 Buttons 10

6 Operation and features 10
6.1 Zooming and Scaling 10
6.2 Creating routes 11
6.2.1 Creating Marks 12
6.2.2 Creating and Editing Tracks 13
6.2.3 Map Text/Notes 13
6.2.4 Alarms 13
6.3 Displaying info 13
6.3.1 Satellite Status and position info 13
6.3.2 Lat/Lon 13
6.3.3 Position, Course projection and tracks and velocity vector 14
6.3.4 Range and Bearing info 14
6.3.5 Position Lock 14
6.3.6 Alternative View 14
6.3.7 Track info 15
6.3.8 Route info 15
6.3.9 Goto info 15
6.3.10 Overlay Manager 17

7 Other Desktop features 17
7.1 Printing 17
7.2 Creating your own maps 17
7.3 View 3D
7.4 Sync Views
7.5 Embedded Web

8 Summary: 18
8.1 Wish List: 18

9 Acknowledgments/References 18

1 Introduction

This review covers the moving map software from Memory-Map and its two variations sold by Maptech and Navman. This software runs on a PocketPC under Pocket Windows 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003. In addition, there is a desktop version that runs on various Windows version from 98 to XP .

Memory-Map, the company that writes the code for these programs released it's new version 4.0 recently. This review was originally written for  the Maptech software (v2.57/3.1.x versions) and their charts, and this update contains changes exclusively for Memory-Map's 4.0 version. With the version 4 update Memory-Map switched to the word map instead of chart. You may still find the word chart in this review in places but there's really no difference.

When I make reference to native Memory-Map software, I’m talking about the version from Memory-Map, not Maptech or Navman. This review will concentrate mostly on the PocketPC version, but the desktop/laptop version allows one to do the same things and is really nice for pre and post trips. My experience with this software spans a few years with use on a Casio E115 and Toshiba e750, initially with an external Magellan GPS and now with a Holux CF.  

This software is useful for any off-road use like; marine and aero navigation, hiking, and the sport of geocaching. To get full benefit of this software you will also need a GPS to connect to your PocketPC (PPC).

1.1 Product Overviews

Memory-Map (http://www.Memory-Map.com) is the US company and developer behind all three products and therefore they are all very much the same. The Memory-Map product will support a wide variety of map types and even allow you to scan and create your own maps. These programs use raster-based maps, not vector based like the road navigation programs. This means that there is no “snap to” a road or any point on the map. Your position is displayed without any software finagling. It also means you get a map/chart with much more detail (showing buildings, elevations, railroads, nav. aids, etc.)

One of the neat things about this software is that you get a version that runs on the desktop/laptop that nearly matches the version that runs on your PocketPC. The Memory-Map product has one feature not found in any of it derivatives, printing capabilities, and version 4 added 3D Views, Sync Views, Embeddded Web access and some other features too.

Maptech's Pocket Navigator (http://www.Maptech.com/products/pocketnavigator/index.cfm) is a slightly restricted and customized version of Memory-Map. Maptech is Memory-Map’s US partner. Maptech has probably the best topographical maps for the US, as well as marine, aero and photoview. The customization is in the area of the product name, company name and logo and web site pointers. The Maptech version doesn't allow all the various map types, 3D view, Sync Views, and prior to V4 didn't contain the enhanced overlay manager on the PocketPC, allowing you to list marks, routes, etc, in tabular form (which is a nice feature). And of course, no printing or support for creating and calibrating your own maps. Pocket Navigator supports the Navman iPAQ GPS/sleeve too.

SmartExplorer™: (http://www.Navman-mobile.com/html/3000.htm) Navman is Memory-Map’s European partner. This variant of the software is very much like the native Memory-Map and allows the use of various map types. But the SmartExplorer software only runs on Navman hardware and is sold as the GPS 3300 Terrain. Navman consist of a sleeve for an iPAQ, which contains a GPS and the customized Memory-Map software. The Navman package still contains the old release, but users can download the latest Memory-Map build and use it with the Navman license.

1.2 What's New in Version 4?

Feature	Desktop application:	PocketPC application:	Comments
View 3D mode	Yes	N/A	Great map views if you have elevation data
Sync View the dual window displays	Yes	N/A	View a NavPhoto and aero,  topo or marine in separate windows and have them both scroll in sync
Enhanced track features	Yes	Yes	Convert between tracks and routes Delete track points Create tracks from your arm chair Get speed and elevation profile
Create Map text/notes	Yes	Yes	Add notes , comments anywhere you like on your maps/charts
Embedded Web support	Yes	N/A	Download maps and trails from the web one touch update
Navigator Pro version* (*this version and features are not reviewed here, they are listed for information and convenience only)	Yes	N/A   N/A Yes	The professional version adds the following features in addition to the standard version: CSV (comma separated value) and ESRI Shapefile format. CSV is good for managing data using a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel. and Shapefiles are widely used for distributing geographic data. Support for large format printers, Tabloid (11" x 17" and larger) inkjet printers  Hi-res display for Pocket PC using Second Sight wearable display.
Program fixes	Yes	Yes	Specific support for more GPS models and SiRF too Improved GPS operation with the Pocket PC 2003 bluetooth implementation Pocket PC: fixed update flicker when locked-on Fixed ActiveSync compatibility problem
Ordnance Survey map Support	No	No	Must use an OS edition which is bundled with maps

1.2.1 Ordnance Survey Maps

With version 4.0 there has been a change for support of British Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Due to Ordnance Survey license restrictions, Memory-Map had to make a special edition of the software for use with OS maps. The regular Memory-Map version 4.0 (or later) is NOT compatible with any OS maps. The OS editions do not support scanning and calibrating paper maps. The OS editions support the same marine and aero charts, as well as topo maps from Europe and around the world as the standard Memory-Map Navigator program.

2 Summary Conclusion

So what did I think? I’ll tell you right up front. If this sounds good to you, then read the rest and get all the details why I came to this conclusion.

The program was very good prior to this version 4 update. This version has even more features with all controls well thought out. The software is well seasoned and behaves well. In addition I found the following:

Most importantly,

Ø Blazingly responsive, very fast screen redraws
Ø Easy to use and understand
Ø Chock full of features and various ways to present information
Ø Maximizes and utilizes the PPC screen very well
Ø Excellent data exchange between desktop, PDA and GPS

Additionally,

Ø Flexible and customizable
Ø Will run with less than 2 MB of program memory, but 4mb is recommended and more is better
Ø Supports a vast number of maps and chart types with various formats
Ø Supports a gazillion waypoints, marks, tracks and routes (no real limit except your memory)
Ø No major short comings and few, if any, minor ones
Ø Reasonably priced, but maps and charts are extra cost (can easily double, triple your cost)

 

3 Product Comparison

The following table shows all the variants of Memory-Map and what features are available in each. The blue column is the native MMN, where as the green is Navman’s version and the yellow Maptech’s version.

In each case you get two pieces of software, a desktop/laptop version and a PPC version. The features between the desktop and PPC work pretty much the same, so once you learn one, you know the other.

3.1 Comparison Table

	Memory-Map	Memory-Map	Memory-Map	Memory-Map	Memory-Map	Navman	Maptech	Memory-Map
	Trial Demo	Street Atlas	Discoverer	2004 OS	Navigator V4	SmartEx	Pocket Navigator	Navigator Pro
	Free	UK specific products see ... http://www.Memory-Map.co.uk/software.htm			$125.00	(European Product)	$99.95	$225
Desktop Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	No GPS	No GPS	=
PocketPC	10 Day only	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	=
								=
Features included:
Plan routes	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	=
Print		YES	YES	YES	YES	no*1	YES	=
Import/Export GPS			YES	YES	YES	no	PPC only	=
Real time Plot GPS				YES	YES	Navman GPS/PPC	PPC only	=
Performance review				YES	YES	YES	YES	=
Map Import	ALL	ALL	ALL	ALL	ALL but OS	ALL but OS	Maptech only	=
Elevation	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	NO	=
3D Views	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	no*1	NO	=
WEB features	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	no*1	NO	=
Sync views	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	no*1	NO	=

*^{1 - you can get this feature if you apply the Memory-Map v4 upgrade}

4 Getting Started, Installation

Depending on how you purchased the software, you might have a CD or a file that was downloaded. The file download is only about 3 mb so that is easily within the realm of any broadband connection. You will also need maps and charts. Although it's nice to be able to download maps and charts over the Internet, it can be very time consuming. I prefer to get a set of maps on a CD/DVD  (or memory card) to start with and then update them as required.

In the US you are most likely to buy one of the Maptech packages. If you were to just buy a topo map or a navigation chart from Maptech you would get a chart viewer program for your desktop. This is not the software we are reviewing. In addition with your Maptech purchase you will need to buy Pocket Navigator. With Pocket Navigator you will get a desktop version and a PocketPC version.

First the desktop program must be installed.  When you use the Maptech CD labeled Pocket Navigator, you get the Maptech Pocket Navigator icon...

        With the version 4 Memory-Map installation you'll get the new Navigator  icon ...  

The new icon reflects a change in the users profile. Previously, most users were mariner types which navigated with charts of the seas and waterways. Today the user community has migrated to landlubber like hikers, bikers and off road users with topological maps.

You need to register the program. You will need both a Product ID, and a Product Key. Note the license information is not interchangeable between the Maptech, Memory-Map and Navman products You should also check Maptech’s, Memory-Map’s, or Navman’s web pages to make sure you have the latest version.

Note: Toshiba 7xx owners will need a patch to run the latest version correctly. Contact your vendor for this patch.  Without it you will experience problems with the course projection and track lines.

Once you have registered you should then transfer the program to your PocketPC. Just setup the normal Active Sync connection and use the PDA menu and select Install Pocket Navigator. You will get the usual install screens on your PocketPC. Make sure you get a notice that the license was transferred. Otherwise you will not be able to use a GPS with the program.

So, the installation is typical and pretty much a breeze. Initially when I installed it, I ran into one problem getting my license online. A quick call to Maptech fixed that instantly. You will also find e-mails to Memory-Map get answered very quickly too.

4.1 Desktop Menus

The desktop Memory-Map application menu is shown below as a composite pull-down. The items highlighted in yellow on these menus and brown text through out this review are only available with the native Memory-Map software.

Note: Maptech and Navman do Not offer GPS, printing, or the ability to create your own maps using the desktop/laptop software. For these features you’ll need the full-blown native Memory-Map software. Memory-Map provides an upgrade for those Maptech and Navman users needing these features

4.2 Maps/charts, Types and Sources

Memory-Map supports a wide variety of map and chart types.

Ø Maptech marine, topographical, aero and photoview types in BSB, PCX and RML format
Ø Also marine and aviation charts from Imap at http://marineplanner.com/ in Softchart format.
Ø Canadian Charts from NDI at http://www.digitalocean.ca/
Ø European topos from Memory-Map at http://www.Memory-Map.co.uk/maps_uk_onland.htm and     http://www.Memory-Map.co.uk/acatalog/maps_europe.html
Ø Your own scanned map images in PNG or TIFF format (N/A for the 2004 OS editions)

Note: In the following screen-shots; the Marine, Topo, NavPhotos and Photo Views are of the same area; the Aeros are of the Statue of Liberty/Ells Island

Also note that you can place marks, waypoints and routes on the Marine, Topo, Nav Photos and Aero charts.
The Photoview is only a picture and does not allow the use of these features.

And “what you see is what you get”! The application accurately displays the maps and does not change the maps in any way. The maps are usually high-resolution scans of paper maps and charts with the same features, color, and size. Since these have much bigger files sizes (sometimes 10 mb) than vector (road navigation) maps make sure you install the maps on a storage card.

6.2.2 Creating and Editing Tracks

In versions previous to 4.0 Tracks were created automatically once you enabled GPS tracking. That's still the case but now you can have much more control over tracks (on both desktop and PPC versions). You can delete individual tack points, split a track in two or convert the track to a route (desktop only). With this feature you can take a track of the tail you hiked and save it as a route for your next hike, or send the route to a friend to try. Missing here is the ability to merge tracks. You can also convert a route back to a track too but again only on the desktop..

6.2.3 Map Text/Notes

Here's one we were looking for in releases prior to V4.0. The ability to add a text based note anywhere on a map or chart.  Previously I would use the mark function for this purpose but now there is a dedicated "create text" function. On the desktop you'll have options of color, font and background. Of course any text created on the desktop and sent to your PPC will look the same.  Here's a screenshot of the desktop Create text screen: Now if I could only add arrows from the text box to a point on the map.

 

6.2.4 Alarms

Another nice feature of waypoints and marks is the ability to set alarms. There are two possible alarms, proximity and anchor.

The Proximity alarm will notify you when you get within a user set radius of the point/mark.

The Anchor alarm will notify you when you go outside the user set radius of the point.

Note, the alarm may only be specified in meters

Note: If you can buy a chart of the area you are interested in, it’s best to do so. It will be more accurate and save you time and some frustration.

The source here was a topo map taken from Maptech’s online server using screen capture software, then edited using a photo editor and converted to a PNG file; then installed into Memory-Map, calibrated and finally it was ready to transfer to the PC. This took well over an hour to do. And then you have to verify you got it right. I probably spent another half hour playing with the calibration and I’m still off about 30 yards at places.

7.3  View 3D

Now for the latest wiz-bang thing, 3 dimensional map views. Memory-Map has this feature built-in its standard product starting with its new version 4.0. I haven’t used 3D mapping and navigation much at all. Hikers know that there’s no such thing as a straight trail; they always go up down and around. 

One must be aware of the limitation of 3D mode. For one thing, you can’t blindly rely on the altitude data which is the basis for these views. If you don't know better it's probably best to just read the heights directly from the maps to be sure. Although I'm told that elevation data from US satellites is far more accurate than the altitude info printed on some maps (which can be very old data). Secondly, the US elevation data uses the theoretical GRS80 ellipsoid as the vertical datum. The maps use sea level as the datum, giving rise to a difference of as much as 50m. From what I have read the accuracy and amount of 3D data is very dependent on the particular area you are looking at. 

What you need in order to use 3D view is the elevation data for that area, and you'll need to match the level of elevation data to the scale of the map you are using.  So, remember when you get a map to also ask for the elevation data for that area too. If you get a 1:24K map make sure you have the appropriate elevation data to go with it, as using course elevation data will yield results like in the fist screenshot below. As you can see in this screenshot there is a hill (small mountain circled in red) but the 3D view doesn’t show it as such.

	Notice how this 3D view isn't so good. The hill circled in red isn't elevated at all.   This is due to using a 1:25K map. with elevation data that is spaced 900m apart. The result has the effect of smoothing out smaller terrain features as shown here.
3D view, desktop

Of course you can imagine how really useful this could be for hiking and skiing. I think we’re going to see this trend grow as the data gets better and better. Note you’ll have to have a fairly new laptop with the horsepower to use these features (sorry, no 3D on the PocketPC either).

Compare the screenshots below. The first is your typical 2d view and the 2nd one of the same area in 3D view. The elevation data for this area (Manchester, VT) seems to be very good. You won't be able to perform live GPS tracking using the 3D view but you can take a track (with marks and map notes) generated in 2D mode and display it in 3D mode. There is no way to actively add features once the view has been rendered. That is, you can’t add marks for example to the 3D view. These must be added prior to generating the view. And lastly, you can only generate a 3D view of the displayed portion of the map (screen view), For these reasons 3D seems more a fascinating amusement at this time but I expect we'll see this develop into real time 3D tracking in a future release.

 

Top is 2D view, bottom is 3D view, desktop

Note: Memory-Map doesn't support Moving Map (GPS tracking) on its 3D view. The tracks shown here were created in 2D mode.

Note in the 3D screen-shot above some of the controls you have. You can zoom in and out, change the vertical exaggeration, rotate and tilt the view, change lighting and print the view. Below is a view from the top of Mt. Equinox. As you can see we didn't quite make the very top. It was an icy New Years day and daylight was starting to wane so we terminated our hike a bit early. But we did get this nice view. Be careful looking down, you might get dizzy.

7.4 Sync Views

One of the new features for V4.0 is Sync View. Previously you could open up dual windows with either the same or different maps. Now you can synchronize the two windows. That is as you move or zoom and scroll around in one window the other will track your actions. This is kind a like the Alt View on the Pocket PC but on the desktop where you have room for both views at the same time. Here's a couple of examples:

 

And another one. Note in this shot I set a red mark (flag) to point out a building on the NavPhoto screen (right) and the same mark appears on the topo screen on the left. Same goes for GPS tracking and map text too. Also note my tracks (blue) in both windows.

One thing I'd like to see implemented here is a second cursor or cross hair on the none active window tracking the cursor on the active window.  It would be nice to dynamically see the position of your cursor in both windows. Of course your tracks, when GPS is tracking, do show up in both windows. 

7.5 Embedded Web Support

You may have noticed the new Web pull-down menu on their desktop version (4.0). Here you can get direct access to Memory-Map’s support and product updates. The really good news is you also can download maps from this site, which 

MMN Desktop, Web menu

seems to be a partner of Charttif. Through the Memory-Map portal to this site you can get collared DRGs ($1 each) and aerial photos ($7.50 each for grey scale).

You'll have to use MS Internet Explorer to use this feature.

In addition there’s a link to www.trails.com , which has trails and routes for downloading. Trails.com offers an annually subscription for $29.95/year which includes 30,000 trail descriptions, Unlimited topo maps, and 20 eTrail™ downloads (additional downloads as low as $.99 cents). At this moment this is work in progress but eventually you’ll even be able to download trails (routes) to use with MMN and/or publish your favorite trails back to the site for others to download.

Downloadable trails are available in the UK versions, the web link points to www.countrywalking.co.uk .

If you search around the web you probably would find these sites but embedding the links makes things very easy. 

8 Summary:

I hope you found this report to be helpful in giving you a good sense of what these programs can do for you. In addition you should now understand the features of each flavor. Basically, you can pretty much consider these programs are all the same, but if you want all the features, you'll need one of the native Memory-Map variants. The programs are chock full of features, things have been well thought out and very easy to use. I feel it has a smooth implementation of most features and seems to obey the rule of K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Silly). It has everything integrated under one program, easy transfer between desktop and PocketPC, easy to identify icons. I also like the fact the desktop and PocketPC versions operate nearly identical. 

At first you may think Memory-Map Navigator is harder to use or lacks features because it has so few menus. But once you grasp the concept of an Overlay and get used to it’s tap and hold method to control things I think you’ll love it. In addition, as a sailor using a PocketPC I found the Alternative view of Memory-Map, it’s programmed hardware buttons, its resizable and moveable windows to be the most convenient to use. The program offers numerous ways to customize items your way. The good news is; this is probably the best moving map software for the recreational user. So, if you sail, hike, or drive where there aren’t any official roads or you’re into geocaching, check out one of these programs.

8.1 Wish List:

No matter what we can always ask for more. Probably the most import features to be added are those that would better support off-road, car navigation. Features, like voice prompts at waypoints and skipping waypoints, and some of the other features that are usually found in the vector based road navigation programs would be nice touches.

Other items I'd like to see are listed (in no particular priority):

Ø Add "heading up" mode to get a better sense of the terrain ahead
Ø Bigger icons so you can use the command line icons without a stylus
Ø Ability to program the jog button as desired (it is pre-programmed)
Ø A way to indication the position on the map for the “position info” window display
Ø A heads-up display (but this could result in the map printing being upside down)
Ø An Arrow in the circle position indicator once moving
Ø Allow multi-page printing of maps
Ø Allow skipping to the next Waypoint when following a route
Ø Voice prompts for upcoming turns in a route
Ø Ability to select Recent maps under the Map List menu
Ø Synchronized 3D view, a dual display with 2D in one pane and 3D in the other
Ø Dynamic GPS tracking in the 3D View window
Ø Add a cross hair or second cursor to the inactive Sync window
Ø Support for Netscape browsers using the Web Interactive map
Ø A true and cost effective annual subscription to online maps and charts

Watch for the following features (and more) in an up coming release:;

Ø Ability to set alarm radius in units other than meters
Ø Allow non-alarm "range rings" around the current position and marks
Ø Waypoint arrival and cross-track alarms
Ø A Merge Tracks command

9 Acknowledgments/References

Memory-Map, Inc., 7358 Wyers Point Rd, Ovid, NY 14521
Telephone (607) 532 4122, Fax (607) 532 4278, sales@Memory-Map.com

Maptech, Inc., 10 Industrial Way, Amesbury, MA 01913
Telephone: (978) 792-1000, FAX (978) 792-1091, http://www.Maptech.com/company/contact/contact.cfm

Navman Europe Limited, Gatwick Road, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9RZ, UK
Telephone: +44 1293 449 882, FAX: +44 1293 459 735, avl.sales@Navman.com

Map Sources: One of the places you might want to check out to get topo maps is http://www.topozone.com/ . They claim to have every USGS topographic map, orthophotomap, aerial photograph  and street maps in the entire United States for purchase. 

Another site with many maps is  http://www.charttiff.com/ This site has downloadable georeferenced topo Maps, Elevation Data, Aerial Photos and Contours. All available Individually, Custom Areas, by Degree and Full States. Your first download is free and after that a topo quad will cost you a dollar or two (US). Also available is a prepaid subscription that works like a phone card and can save you 10-15%. (note the Memory-Map does not support their DEM format for elevation data)

Other Reviews by Ralph:  

• Maptech's Outdoor Navigator - http://www.gpspassion.com/en/software/on/ON.html

• Comparison review between Ozi Explorer and Memory-Map - http://www.gpspassion.com/en/software/mmoz/mmoz.html

Authored by Ralph Lombardo for GPSpassion.com