Wayfinder Earth: navigation on a phone without GPS
5 June 2006
Finding places in a city doesn't necessarily require packing a GPS system or carrying a pile of maps in one hand and a guidebook in the other. Smartphone owners can use their phones for viewing maps and getting location information simply by downloading an application, such as Wayfinder Earth, to the phone. Wayfinder Earth brings maps and location information to the phone from a large, centralized database.
Wayfinder is known for the Navigator product which turns smartphones into GPS navigation devices. Now, the company has published Wayfinder Earth Beta, mapping software for smartphone owners who don't have a GPS unit hooked up to the phone. Wayfinder Eart Beta is currently available for Symbian OS phones from Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson; however, the company is in the process of making the product compatible with Windows Mobile and Java phones as well.
You can download the application for free from the Wayfinder Earth web page. Wayfinder claims that both detailed maps and location information are available for Europe and the US only, but we could find maps and information for other regions as well. The product is worth trying out. The only cost is the data connection from your phone whenever you view the maps.
Wayfinder displays maps and information about places of interest for free. However, if you want to see a detailed route, you have to upgrade to a commercial version of the product. Also, you have to remember that you are paying for the data connection that is established every time your phone fetches information from the Wayfinder database. Wayfinder Earth loads maps to your phone as you need them. The nice thing regarding this approach is that you don't have to worry about having the right maps with you. The not-so-nice thing is that there is always a cost involved when you want to view maps. The cost depends on your data subscription plan. Be careful when you travel overseas. Roaming charges can be quite high in some countries.
How does Wayfinder Earth work?
On your computer, logon to the Wayfinder Earth web page. Follow the instructions and install the software on your phone.
Let's imagine that this holiday season you have decided to celebrate the 250th birthday of a dude who liked to wear a blonde wig when he performed for the celebrities and paparazzi of his time. You would be heading to Salzburg in Austria. There, you'd want check out places where Wolfgang Amadeus used to hang out and compose his music. Let's see how the Wayfinder Earth can help you.
Once it is installed, start the Wayfinder Earth application on your phone. If your phone can establish a connection to the network, you'll see the main screen, with four options: Map, Find, Favorites, and Services.
- The main screen in Wayfinder Earth Beta.
You have two options for finding Salzburg on the map. If you know the whereabouts of the city, you can select Map, find the area where you believe Austria is located, and begin zooming in - gradually closing in on your destination. This method will take time, but is fun to watch as more details appear on the map.
- The Earth according to the Wayfinder.
The second option is usually much faster for finding a destination. Select Find in the main menu, type in the Country and the City, and let the Wayfinder system find Salzburg for you. Wayfinder automatically loads the necessary maps and related information to your phone.
- Wayfinder's location database finds your destination and points of interest in the area.
You can zoom in on a detailed view, where you can see street names and places of interest. When you move the pointer over a symbol of a place of interest, Wayfinder displays some key facts about it.
- A Wayfinder Earth display of information about places of interest.
The described features are extremely useful when you are on location and want to know which way to go. But planning a trip is half the fun, and for that, you need other tools. Wayfinder has developed an online service to access from computers, mywayfinder.com. The service creates a detailed travel route that you can print and take with you. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to download the directions onto the phone and follow the itinerary on the go?
Wayfinder Earth is a useful application that helps you to find your way when you don't have access to a GPS unit. When you have your phone with you, you also have maps with you. If you own a smartphone, download the application and use it when the need arises.
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nav man 12.06.2006 01:02
hey, great blog you have. i always enjoy stopping by! i finally started my own blog (navigationblog.com) and added a link to your blog on my "blogroll". i'd really appreciate a link back to my blog from yours! keep up the blogging!
Ari 16.06.2006 07:26
Thanks, link to your blog added.
BELLATRECHE 25.09.2006 05:41
NOKIA N80
Tony Pavón 27.09.2006 21:00
I want have this special program
bopha buth 07.05.2007 03:36
HI sir , can you help me to put this special program in my phone.
Ank 21.03.2008 19:01
Hi .... Just like we have personal navigation devices(with gps) like tomtom or garmin.... do we have any standalone(without gps) personal navigation devices out there..... I'd really appreciate ur response on this..... thanks
Ari 23.03.2008 04:13
Hi Ank, Wayfinder Earth is available for mobile phones, as well as Map24, Windows Live, Google Maps, and Nokia Maps. Check out these links: http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=1080 http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=993 http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=888 http://www.avecmobile.com/index.php?id=1034
nour 08.02.2009 19:57 google
not nessery
aydgkn 19.05.2009 14:58 1234
benden başka