Mapping app questions

[sol1109]

I am new to smart phones and have a question about the mapping apps that came pre-installed on my phone. I understand that the VZ Navigator app is a paid service so I will not be using it. There are two other icons on my phone, one called "Maps" and the other called "Navigation". They both apear to be free, who is behind these and what are the main differences between the applications? What location services must be turned on to make them work?

[Dave-in-Decatur]

I believe that both of these are Google-powered. Maps will let you add "layers," such as traffic information, and in urban areas this can be very valuable. It's also good for locating nearby businesses, etc.

Maps shows a route from one place to another, and can show a list of directions. Navigation gives you turn-by-turn voice directions, in a female-robot voice that is only mildly annoying (for me, anyway; more annoying when it mispronounces street names). Interestingly, I've found that for journeys across town Maps will sometimes suggest one route and Navigation another. Good to have choices!

With these two free options in place, I'm with you -- I see no reason to pay for VZ Navigator.

[sol1109]

Thanks for the advice. I have a standalone Garmin but it is good to know I have a compact alternative if needed.

[Wildman]

Don't forget the Street View option with Google Maps Navigation app, nothing beats a image of the turns and also seeing the building on the screen when you arrive at location..

[peterpan2011]

Something else you need to know.  The MAPS app is a fantastic app.  I use it all the time.  And I have used the Navigation app a few times.

BUT.  If you use the Navigation app you need to make sure your phone is plugged in.  Battery drain is tremendous when using it. 

My phone is not known for having any kind of good battery life (Droid Eris).  The first time I used the Navigation app, I didn't have my phone plugged in.  My trip took less than half an hour and my phone was flashing that it needed charged.  I started out with a full charge. 

Just letting you know to watch out.  It is a great app, but just make sure you can plug in your phone while in use. 

[smashogre]

In several instances I've had people tell me that stand alone GPS's could not find their home/workplace/restaraunt when my Google Nav device directed me right to it....food for thought.

It is driven from or shares data with Google Maps. As peterpan2011 said, it can be a battery hog. I use mine with the satellite layer and street view and it will suck it down pretty quick.

[Wildman]

I agree, it is times that stand alone GPS does identify a new address when Google Maps will...  Also I have had Google Maps work around construction areas better where the stand alone gps want to send me right into a high construction area

[peterpan2011]

You have to realize.  Stand alone GPS units are only as good as the programming given to the company by outside sources and by their "road techs".  Google maps is update constantly.  GPS units are only upgraded when the user upgrades them.  And when the company puts out upgrades.

I use a Garmin in my travels and when it can't find it, I find it on my Droid and use it sometimes.  While the Nav program in the Droid is great, the voice is a little hard to understand sometimes.  At least it is for me. 

I hope one day that Motorola will put in "actual" voices and maybe a choice of voices. 

Three of the best apps that I use all the time.  Google Maps.  Nav app.  And WeatherBug app. 

I have many others, but I use those almost daily. 

[sol1109]

Thanks for all the input and advice everyone.

[Wildman]

Yes, I take the software database into consideration...  Google keeps their maps more up to date from my experience but the gps software that I prefer is IGO,

I got to use the developers version  for Android and it seemed to be very accurate but after  the testing stage  everyone using software from company had to remove it from device and uninstall it...

I attempted to buy the software but learned that the software wasn't made to be released for retail use, I was disappointed because I used it for years on my WM devices and was looking forward to have it installed on my Android devices.

Oh well that is how technology works..