v2.0x "Map Material" discussion

Discussion for Sports Tracker

23-03-2009 16:43

SportsTracker v2.05 now includes map functionality.

To activate it, go to General> Map material and choose:

a) Empty background. (no map)

b) Phone. "Select Phone, if available, to use maps stored in the device memory."

c) Phone and network. "Select Phone and network to fetch maps both from the device memory and the internet."

I'd like the developers to define the differences between the last two options as it relates specifically to the map sources. Does all map material used in v2.05 come from a single source or do some phones have an option to use maps such as those downloaded for Nokia Maps?

This link shows how to edit the settings: http://europe.nokia.com/get-support-and-software/download-software/sport...

When "Phone and network" is chosen, map material is apparently acquired from servers as needed throughout the route of your workout. This data appears to be cached somwhere within the NST app and can be manually cleared by using the option "Clear media cache" from within the General settings page.

Each workout's map view apparently shows the size of the map material in the lower lefthand corner.

Furthermore, some new map viewing options of v2.05 allow you to hide/show lap markers and fix quality (GPS data).

What are your experiences and impressions of the new map functionality and what questions have you for the developers?

-David

Comments

Submitted by leonardchen on 23-03-2009 20:26.

Hi David,
How do we get Nokia Map data in SportsTracker? I selected Phone Memory but the maps on my Mass Memory device (n95 8GB) did not display, I had to choose both "phone and network", please advise. Keep up the great work. Thanks.

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 23-03-2009 21:24.

Presently, you have to choose the "Phone and network" option, using your mobile provider for an access point. You could use WiFi but that option wont offer a practical solution when running away from your access point. Map data covering only the areas along your workout route will then be retrieved from Nokia's map servers and stored in the SportsTracker's media cache.

Be aware that this option will might incur costs depending on the data plan agreement you have with your mobile provider.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by leonardchen on 24-03-2009 02:27.

Thank you David for the clarification. Will the application be able to access Nokia Maps directly in the next release? I'd vote for that feature, ie. so it'll minimize data usage & be a really good GeoTagging, Geo-Trekking/ Explorer's Device. Currently I've another N95 that I'm using in Offiine mode which would benefit from this feature (ie. Camera, Mp3, Maps and Sports tracking all in one device).

NST Team, please include on-device map support in the next release. Thanks.

Peace.

Submitted by IMAGINARY.FRIEND on 25-03-2009 20:06.

This a workaround for downloading ST maps through WLAN.

I found that Sprtstracker maps once downloaded will remain in the phone.

To DL the maps I need, I took an hour to sit at home, connected sportstracker throug WLAN and clicked to start a workout.

Then I moved to map view, pressed the center button so I can scan the map, and simply scrolled to every part of town where I am likely to use sportstracker, and watched as the maps were downloaded. It works! Now I have all the maps I need, and it didn't cost me a penny in connection fees. (Do not zoom in or out while you are loading the maps, as you will want the default zoom factor that you use when you are out)

I just would like to know where they are stored in my handset. I'd like to back them up so I won't need to do it again since I I thinking I might reset and make a clean install of all applications on my e71 sometime soon.

Thanks djh for guiding me to this thread.
Leonard, tu t'trouves toujours sur Plateau Mont-royal?

PS.. I, too, would like to see that the redundant dl of the same map I already have in Nokia maps would be eliminated.

Submitted by leonardchen on 25-03-2009 20:36.

Imaginary, that's an effective workaround but would be great if NST used the resources already saved on the phone (ie. no need for the app to re-download map data). Hopefully the next release.

Je n'ai jamais habite sur le plateau Mont-royal.

If you're visiting Canada though, there are many great places to trek, ski and run. Mount Tremblanc in Quebec and Whistler in BC. Peace.

Submitted by mbrett on 25-03-2009 21:06.

You don't need to start a new workout. Just browse and old one and do the same thing.

mbrett
N95 8Gb (Product Code: 0558787 (UK)) FW 31.0.018

Submitted by davegohlke on 26-03-2009 02:12.

Third-ing (or even higher number) the wish for compatibility with Nokia Maps data in a future update.

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 26-03-2009 10:32.

The inclusion of maps is the single best feature addition of this new release, IMHO.

I am smack in the middle of a 20 week marathon program and all my workout distances are pre-scheduled ( http://runningdigital.com/my_training ). I have some standard routes but for the healthiest mix of variety I often set out and simply run. On a few rare occasions on my night runs I have gotten a little "lost", needing Nokia Maps for a bit of help. However, running both apps on my e61 can tax my RAM to the point of an automatic shutdown of NST.

Now that NST includes maps I'm all set.

I figured out how to load up the map material, now at 3MB, cache yesterday while on the train. But I cannot see where this cache exists.

So, the hunt for this Easter Egg is on!

Whoever finds the map cache "Easter Egg" first, please show it off in this thread.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by mbrett on 26-03-2009 12:21.

Check the following two locations

Mass Memory / System / Data / Maps /Street (Nokia Maps would not need to download street maps so I assume these may well be the NST street maps)

Otherwise

Mass Memory / System / Data / Sports Tracker / Mediaitems (Files beginning wirh "m" not in the workout specific folders)

I'm pulling towards the first location

mbrett
N95 8Gb (Product Code: 0558787 (UK)) FW 31.0.018

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 26-03-2009 17:27.

The map material memory cache counter displays the exact memory use as the Street folder. Bingo!

I was using the Nokia Multimedia Transfer Tool for Mac to explore the card. Using an external card reader I found the location you pointed to.

Simple file structure hierarchies house volumes of JPEG's, each for a different location and resolution level.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by mbrett on 26-03-2009 17:35.

Glad I could help.

Just need to find a way to download in bulk via PC and we're away.

mbrett
N95 8Gb (Product Code: 0558787 (UK)) FW 31.0.018

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 26-03-2009 17:50.

This remains to be seen, but copying the Street folder for backup prior to an upgrade or reinstallation of NST and replacing it afterwards seems logical to preserve the images.

External card reader is required.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by IMAGINARY.FRIEND on 26-03-2009 23:38.

Thanks for figuring this out for us, mbrett...'

If you don't have an external card reader, you can copy the files to more accessible location on SD card using X-Plore. Shareware with registration nag, google gives a million hits.

Submitted by mbrett on 27-03-2009 08:55.

The next task would be to see if people in a similar area could upload map structures onto the internet and share them.

mbrett
N95 8Gb (Product Code: 0558787 (UK)) FW 31.0.018

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 27-03-2009 11:58.

Try: http://www.openstreetmap.org/

Community edited maps.

Not only for "streets", but bike and walking trails. You can edit just about anything and they have API's for website/web service integration.

I suggested this some time ago with the idea that and organized NST front could play a major role in improving the accuracy of local routes. http://betalabs.nokia.com/forum/topic/1148

I'd love to see NST use OpenStreetMaps.

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by dpclark on 31-03-2009 00:57.

thanks for the thread but i still dont know how to download a route from the sports tracker website to my phone i have seen a route i want to do and it says in the drop down menu (save as route or download as kml file ) i have done both but still i can not get the map to show on my phone is it possible to do this
cheers darren

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 31-03-2009 09:01.

First, what SportsTracker is capable of concerning maps and routes:

Maps and routes are two different features altogether. Maps on the website and maps on the mobile app come from two different sources and only the maps on your mobile are stored locally.

"Routes" is a SportsTracker feature which allows the organization and comparisons of a single workout's track. Any of your previously performed workouts can be chosen as a new "Route". Saved routes can be uploaded from your mobile to the web service. You cannot move a route from the web service to your mobile.

When you saw the option on the website "save as route or download as kml file", unfortunately this has nothing to do with the mobile app at all. Only routes created from workouts on your mobile can be used on your mobile.

Maps on your mobile are downloaded automatically from Nokia's map servers when your mobile settings are appropriately configured to allow network access for the SportsTracker app. This "Map material" is downloaded as needed for the areas covering your workouts and is stored temporarily on your mobile.

To get the maps to show on your mobile, go into Settings>General>Map material, and choose "Phone and network". Also while in Settings>General, be sure you have selected a working access point.

Now go to your training diary and choose a workout. Using the select key, scroll up to map view and in a moment or two you should see a map in the background.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 01-04-2009 11:46.

Just noting that my SportsTracker "Map material" cache was wiped clean upon upgrading from v2.05 to v2.06.

I'll attempt to backup and restore this cache at the next version release and post my results in this thread.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by dedone on 01-04-2009 12:12.

at this point i havn't understand if it's possible to use the maps of Nokai Maps that i've just in my memory....

Submitted by djh.sthlm on 01-04-2009 12:23.

Unfortunately, the maps you can download for Nokia Maps do not work with SportsTracker.

All of the map material used in the SportsTracker mobile application is supplied by a custom Nokia Navteq map server, OTA and stored in a temp. cache on your phone.

I would love it if Nokia Maps and SportsTracker were somehow connected. Sharing of landmarks, friend's locations, different map views and even routing... all would integrate beautifully in one package.

-David

Current setup: e61 unbranded product code 0529654 Euro-B1 Silver. Firmware: 3.0633.09.04. Theme: Ovi blue. Service provider: 3 Sweden. Peripherals: Bluemax ext BT GPS module

Submitted by dlettani on 15-05-2009 15:22.

Ok, this is clear and the best way forward for me is the integration with Nokia Maps data so that both apps use the same data.
However, for Nokia Maps we have already the Map Loader enabling us to download every map we want on our pc via LAN and then transfer these to our phone which is great since no data connection from the phone is needed anymore.
As a fast solution, couldn't the same be done for the Sports Tracker app? That would be great!
I have the 6220 Classic with an 8GB SDHC card so storage space is no issue here ;-)

Submitted by Xxul on 06-07-2009 10:43.

Well it's cool to see that you all are havhmg the time of your life with sports tracker, but i am not! I'm really starting to get annoyed with it. The maps just won't download,mmc in use and phone and networt aswell, i really don't know what is wrong,the access point is valid,i downloaded new maps for google maps application and am browsing the net with it.. What say you?

Submitted by iggy23 on 23-07-2009 21:15.

Absolutely agree with a couple of the commentators here. It seems quite... stupid... to download gigabytes of maps to our phones via Map Loader, and then when running Sports-tracker having to go online (using expensive data connections) to download the same thing again! Why can't Sports-tracker just access the Ovi Maps on our phone cards? It's hardly rocket-science, I would have thought.

(I realise that ST probably renders maps in a different way to OM, but thats why the two groups of devs need to be working together, not seperately.)

Hope we get this option soon!