Complete offline topo maps on Windows Phone
It's now possible to download the complete north island or south island topo maps for offline use on Windows Phone using the NZ Topo Map app...
http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=b861ab51-a68d-456f-9ae4-cbed66736b36
A handy tip: Turn flight mode on when you're in the bush without a cell signal, you're battery will last a lot longer! You can still use GPS for tracking while flight mode is on if you have a Windows Phone or Android device (iPhone's unfortunately turn GPS off in flight mode).
Regarding offline maps and SD cards...
Unfortunately Microsoft is really restrictive on Windows Phone 8 regarding letting apps use the SD card - a real shame and annoyance! Luckily most people should be able to upgrade their devices to Windows Phone 8.1 soon which makes better use of the SD card. You can actually install apps directly to the SD card. Should make the offline maps more accessible to some people who don't have the spare space on the phone itself.
That's great -- tempted to get one of these Windows Phones. How are you finding it?
I quite like Windows Phone but there's definitely not as much app choice at the moment as you get with Android and iPhone. So check there's apps for everything you want to do before switching. Even the cheaper Windows Phones seem to be nice and responsive to use.
You can actually pick up a Nokia Lumia 520 for around $160. So you could actually use the phone without a SIM card in as an inexpensive GPS unit. I do a lot of testing on devices without having a SIM card in and they work nicely for GPS tracking in the bush.
http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=1698491
Though the Nokia Lumia 520 does lack a compass chip so might be lacking for some navigation needs.
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_520-5322.php
Spend a little more on a Nokia Lumia 620 or similar and you get the compass chip also.
Camera etc. on these devices seems pretty good too.
Thanks for the links. I have a low end phone at the moment after the little one dropped mine on concrete (which was my fault for letting her have it!).
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| Forum | Gear talk |
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| Started by | gavinharriss |
| On | 28 May 2014 |
| Replies | 4 |
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