So do I understand correctly that without map data the loadstone system
couldn't for example be used in a car to give accurate route directions
between two way points some distance apart such as which junction to
take off a roundabout etc? but rather that it simply would give
indicative information as to the direction of travel to get closer to
your target waypoint.
Sounds like it would be useful for re finding a particular shop bar etc
on a given road but less so for finding a particular hotel 200 miles
away even if you know it's gps location.
Adrian Higginbotham
Accessibility and inclusion adviser
British Educational Communications and Technology Agency - BECTA
Tel: Direct dial 024 7679 7333 - Internal extension #2287
Email: Adrian.Higginbotham@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Web: http://www.becta.org.uk/
BECTA, Millburn Hill Road, Science Park, Coventry, CV4 7JJ
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Monty Lilburn
Sent: 17 July 2006 14:05
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Loadstone GPS - free accessible GPS navigation
for your mobile
Hi Steve,
Loadstone does not come with any preprogrammed maps. You basically have
to create your own points and essentially construct your own map. This
is because licensing map data is very expensive and we want to keep this
free so everyone who might find it useful can use it regardless of
financial status. Fortunately several countries are starting to offer
their street map data to the public domain so as we get our hands on
this information we can use it. Unfortunately the UK government - who
we pay through our taxes to survey our streets and create maps feel it
necessary to charge us for the info. I know quite a few people are
lobbying for a change so hopefully that will happen soon.
We also have created what we call the PointShare Exchange whereby people
who have point information (regardless of what GPS software they use)
can upload their points and download points too. So, the more people
who use it the better it becomes for everyone.
We do have quite a few points for the UK already and I have more still
to upload so in terms of points, the UK is in third place behind Canada
and the US.
But in terms of usefulness, it is very portable, and very useful when
out and about walking or in moving vehicles. Once you've created a
point you can always find it in the future. The program itself is
improving every day and we do try and encorperate user suggestions into
the software as well.
Having said that, it isn't for everyone. Wayfinder and the the other
GPS solutions may be much more suitable for people. We're not trying to
compete, just offer one more choice to the mix and hopefully improve
everyone's independence without breaking the bank!
Best regards,
Monty
On Sat, 15 Jul 2006, Steve Dryden wrote:
Hi Monty,
This looks really good. Not so sure on all it's features yetl. Will
take a good look at the site butt briefly, how does it compare to
something like wayfinder? Are all the POI's identified only if you
program them, or are there any pre done from maps?
Best regards.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: Monty Lilburn
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 12:28 AM
Subject: [access-uk] Loadstone GPS - free accessible GPS navigation
for your mobile
Hello all,
I just wanted to let everyone know about a new free GPS navigation
application called Loadstone GPS. It works on mobile phones and is
compatible with the various screen readers such as Talks and Mobile
Speak.
To find out more information, visit:
http://www.loadstone-gps.com
Admittedly it may not be suitable for everyone but it's worth
checking out if you are interested in having accessible GPS
navigation that works on your mobile phone.
There is a mailing list set up for Loadstone GPS specific discussion
as well as general GPS navigation discussion. More info on the web
site.
Best regards,
Monty
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