[gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly

Alice, I think it can be broken down this way.

First, you have to understand that the car based systems and even the portable 
systems are really designed for auto use.  So all they really do is display a 
map, announce some turn by turn and if you're lucky have the ability to work 
with POI data of some form.  
    Our systems are very much more detailed and flexable.  Also, because they 
are primarily walking devices the mapping and level of details are much more 
involved.  
    Next remember that not having vision really limits the interface 
possibilities in some ways.  Things that we do by entering in complex strings 
can be represented to a user visually and the user can just tap that section of 
the display.  That being said many of the car systems still involve a lot of 
poking and entering.  My car system uses a combination of cursor keys and the 
knobs so my driver does a fair bit of entering when using the GPS.  Also, 
another limitation of car systems is that once the car is rolling you can't 
adjust your route or even work with the unit itself.  (unless you rechip your 
car and hack the electronics package like many of us do)  The bottom line is to 
get the power and flexability we have a more complex interface is required.  
Add to that we can't see to use the devices it adds that much more challenge 
and need for commands and text based control.  Being sited though is definitely 
an advantage in some key ways, productivity and speed being right at the top of 
that list!
 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: alice dampman 
  To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:10 AM
  Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly


  Is this also an issue with the "off the shelf" GPS systems that drivers use 
in their cars? I also have the impression that we have to go through a lot more 
steps of setting addresses and what mode and all that than those drivers do. Is 
this true, or is it just easier and quicker for them because they use the touch 
screen? Hmmm, guess I should ask one of the drivers, right? I've seen friends 
use their gps in their cars, and it seems so uncomplicated and fast, whereas I 
always feel like we are typing forever! 
  Alice
  alicedh@xxxxxxxxxxx
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Baracco, Andrew W 
    To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 12:00 PM
    Subject: [gps-talkusers] Re: GPS not indicating direction properly


    This seems to be an issue with all such GPS systems.  This is one reason 
why these systems are no replacement for your other orientation and mobility 
skills.
    Andy




----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
[mailto:gps-talkusers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Eric Brinkman
    Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:58 AM
    To: gps-talkusers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: [gps-talkusers] GPS not indicating direction properly


    Hi,

    So I was walking around town last night trying to get used to using Sense 
Nav.  I was with a sited person, and noticed that while it identified the near 
POIS correctly, it always said that they were to the left even though they were 
in fact on the right side of the street, where I was walking.  Also, there were 
a couple of instances where I was literally right next to a place but I never 
got a "look around poi" message indicating it was there.  Do I need to ajust my 
settings?  Could I be wearing the receiver incorrectly?  I am using the Hollux 
M-1000 clipped to the shoulder strap of the VS/SyncBraille carrying case.  I 
normally hold it so the port used to charge it is facing downward and the light 
that flashes is on the front.  Sometimes it ends up being sideways when I'm 
walking, but the light is still facing forward.

    Thanks in advance.

    Eric
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