Google Maps without any data plan/GPS

[cyanide911]

Just like it's in the iPhone. The GMaps app downloads a certain map area, and then using cell phone triangulation, pin points the location of the phone, and then gives directions etc.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_tracking)

Is such a thing possible on Windows Mobile? It should be, I feel, because there's no special hardware required for it.

GMaps for WinMo, *does* pin point point almost the exact location, but if the data/wifi connection is cut, the map disappears.

[dgaud007]

Cell Phone Triangulation works OK in the Google Maps latest version (and earlier too) for Window Mobile. The problem is you need a data connection to download the map to the phone. Google Maps does not allow to save the map for offline use or even thru Wifi, AFAIK. For that you will need another program like Google Navigator, which I think is better than Google mobile, but VERY EXPENSIVE. There are other freeware program alternatives that allow offline map saving and usage, but I haven't tested them. Hope this helps.

[cyanide911]

Cell Phone Triangulation works OK in the Google Maps latest version (and earlier too) for Window Mobile. The problem is you need a data connection to download the map to the phone. Google Maps does not allow to save the map for offline use or even thru Wifi, AFAIK. For that you will need another program like Google Navigator, which I think is better than Google mobile, but VERY EXPENSIVE. There are other freeware program alternatives that allow offline map saving and usage, but I haven't tested them. Hope this helps.

Wait. So are you positive that google navigator allows this? Download map once and then browse on it offline while your position is calculated using triangulation...?. Also what freewares are you talking about?

[belthur]

Have to tried Bing Maps app for WinMo ? I have got the directions when there's wifi and it caches the whole route. I once drove from Atlanta to Charlotte...only thing you have to do to kinda force it to cache by going over the entire route when you have finished setting up the directions from point A to B...

[cyanide911]

I downloaded the trial version of Google Navigator. I cannot figure out how to use it! With my WiFi connected, I tried zooming in, and it just doesn't load the map!

[dgaud007]

It should work thru wifi and cell phone triangulation, unless the demo is crippled or something. I know I used it in Buenos Aires. However, you may want to disregard Google Navigator since it looks like they are no longer in business. Some time ago I also tried these free alternatives, but it was a pain to download the maps,

MGMaps (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351001)
Terracrosser (http://www.terracrosser.com/)

[cyanide911]

Yes, it's showing my location alright, with a Blue dot. But after that it doesn't load anything.
Do those other two apps support cell phone triangulation?

[cyanide911]

Just researched a bit, they don't.
So is there *no* way I can do what I'm trying to do? Sounds absurd! Why do iPhone users get cache supported GMaps and we dont? :P

[dirkblok]

that would be great, tell me how this works? or isn't it possible?

thanks

[cyanide911]

No help? There has to be a way!

[jez83uk]

If you have a program which will store the maps, (someone mentioned MGMaps and Terracrosser), then you can use cell tower triangulation with VirtualGPS (http://www.kamlex.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49).

[cyanide911]

EDIT: Nope. It is asking for internet connection for GSM Triangulation; for some reason. I don't understand why would Internet be required for *GSM* Cellular tower Triangulation.

[badasschris]

EDIT: Nope. It is asking for internet connection for GSM Triangulation; for some reason. I don't understand why would Internet be required for *GSM* Cellular tower Triangulation.

because it needs to query a database of cell towers, that database is on the internet. either buy an unlimited data plan or don't bother I think all methods of finding location use a data connection apart from gps. gsm location is very inacurate anyway and they dont triangulate they just assume your position from the 1 cell tower you are connected to

also just a note the iphone uses skyhook to determin location when its not using gps so even if it does dowload the maps before hand it still needs to use a dataconnection if it finds a new access point or cell tower.

[cyanide911]

Okay, I understand. But then, even though such an app doesn't exist; it must be possible. Considering the app downloads the Map and cellular tower data for a particular area that we select. Then, it will not need any kind of interaction with an other server.

Also, it *is* triangulation. And it is accurate if you live in an urban area.

[badasschris]

Okay, I understand. But then, even though such an app doesn't exist; it must be possible. Considering the app downloads the Map and cellular tower data for a particular area that we select. Then, it will not need any kind of interaction with an other server.

Also, it *is* triangulation. And it is accurate if you live in an urban area.

Yes it would be possible if it downloaded map and cell tower data.

Got any proof about it being triangulation? From what I understand although it is possible for a phone to connect to more than one cell tower wm at least has no managed or native functions which give you access to their cell ids.

Im not 100% if google mobile maps uses wifi but if it does that is triangulation if enough access points can be seen.