Spot GPS tool will support files for waypoints and maps on the Pearl
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I just tapped my information source at Skylab. He told me that an update of “Spot” will come soon. Moreover, the new version will come with some revolutionary feature that is not available on the market yet. We know since the presentation of the Pearl that our BlackBerry 8100 (I have one too) has Mirco-SD-Card and File Access Support. The GPS and mapping application Spot has a nice map implementation but these maps are depending on Internet access. The advantage is that you will get realtime downloads of maps and you will always get the most recent map to your device that is available on the map server. But you will not be able to see maps if you don’t have a data plan. The new version will bring a feature that is called “georefernced map image”. It will allow you to prepare maps on your desktop and transfer them to your device. The BlackBerry’s memory works here as well as the SD card. You can select the map from within Spot through a file browser and add the map image to your “Layer Manager”. So you are treated to use the Internet access all the time. Actually this feature isn’t as new as it sounds because it is available for the mobile phone version since the beginning. However, the Pearl is the only BlackBerry that currently supports the file system access.
The other feature is the possibility to exchange the waypoints you created with “Spot”. Since the first version of the program we are able to download and import GPX and LOC files (both used by geocaching.com) to get their waypoints into “Spot”. Now we can download them to our computer and copy the files onto the Pearl. These files can also be imported. And, the best thing ever! We can then export our waypoints to a GPX file. As GPX is one of the formats Google Earth understands, we can view our waypoints in Google Earth or publish them on the net or send them to our friends or do something else with them. Props to my friend and I hope he don’t get into trouble for my short entry here as this info is not available anywhere on the net.
BlackBerryInsight » New Spot version will come tomorrow said,
February 28, 2007 @ 8:34 am
[...] A while ago we exclusively reported that new version of the GPS and mapping tool Spot will bring new features (map image support / waypoint import and export) to the BlackBerry Pearl and I guess also to the 8800 series. Tomorrow - March 1st - shall be the day of the new release of that version. I am quite curious of how the new features will work. [...]
BlackBerryInsight » GPS & Mapping Tool Spot in new version 1.4.1 said,
March 2, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
[...] Now this great tool (do you get? I am a fan ) has been released in a new version called 1.4.1. It comes with all features we reported about before. But not only waypoint and map image support is part of the 1.4.1 release, Spot does now also give you the possibility to take control over your BlackBerry’s backlight. This very convenient if you are using the program on the road (let’s say in the car or at ‘hiking, biking, geocaching’). After some time of use I also saw that a lot of annoying bugs were fixed as well. So if you tried it before and were not satisfied you can now try it again. [...]
BlackBerryInsight » BlackBerryInsight’s Records - Thank YOU! said,
March 3, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
[...] It shows us that our strategy in providing you with free and high-quality information is the best we can do. Everyone here who is working to provide you more and more high quality articles, links, hints, secrets, free downloads, anything you might be interested around our addiction - the BlackBerry. In our humble opinion even convenience links for BlackBerry hardware is something that might be from public interest. [...]
AB said,
May 12, 2007 @ 5:49 am
How does SPOT export waypoints?
Skylab’s tech support disappeared when I asked….
I’m using a BB 8800…..
Pretty frustrating
k said,
May 12, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
Well, I just go to “Waypoints->Export file (GPX)” and select a filenname on my SD card. That is soooo easy going.
Bob said,
June 22, 2007 @ 10:38 am
I have the Curve and I would prefer to transfer the maps onto my micro SD card, and use the maps that way, as opposed to connecting to the internet… how abouts do you do that with Spot?
David said,
July 14, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Im impressed with Spot. Did screen-dumps from Google earth with a couple of reference points for corners (with Lat and Long), trimmed and put on the 8100. Imported and tracked rooute of cycle ride to metres. Just what I was looking for.
wholesale pearls said,
August 19, 2007 @ 12:47 am
wholesale pearls…
When you totally perceive this, you will be able to research more quickly….
jon said,
December 18, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
I am also curious about viewing maps from the SD card, rather then the network. Using the SD maps as the backdrop and using the internal GPS receiver on the 8800 to use BB Maps.
Anyone in the know about this topic?
k said,
December 18, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
I have this running on my Pearl. So it works
Shailendra said,
October 18, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Hi,
As updated version of map image tool “spot” is comming hopefully it will create a new era on waypoint import and export.It can be assumed that skylab technical department will bring a revolution on implementing a map using SD card and file access support that depend on the web.