Like the other solutions described in this issue, Mapopolis uses GPS technology to give Pocket PC users point-to-point routing and navigation for the entire United States, major Canadian cities, and western Europe. The Mapopolis Map Viewer program installs on the Pocket PC and lets you view Mapopolis maps, which are licensed from NavTech and other sources. The maps come on a single CD, along with the map viewer program and a desktop PC program that lets you download the maps to your Pocket PC. The map data files are in a highly compressed format and you can store the complete set of U.S. street-level maps on a 512 MB storage card! When used with a GPS receiver, Mapopolis senses when you are leaving the area of one map and will automatically open the next, providing you with uninterrupted routing throughout the U.S. Separate state highway maps are also available on the CD, but these highways are also shown on the street-level maps. If you're planning a coast-to-coast trip that will take you only on major highways, the State Highway option will save storage space.
Mapopolis will calculate turn-by-turn directions if you enter the starting and ending point of your trip. To make this easier, Mapopolis lets you select an item in your Contacts database for the starting or ending point, and if you're connected to a GPS receiver, you can tell Mapopolis to use the current location for the start point. You can also specify an entry in the optional Place Guide for the starting or ending point. The PlaceGuide ($25.00) contains point-of-interest information for the entire United States, including restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, hotels, and more.
Mapopolis give you directions along your route using visual (Screen 1) or spoken prompts. It will automatically re-route you if you miss a turn or make a wrong turn. While you're driving, your position is displayed on the Mapopolis screen along with the direction of travel, speed, altitude, latitude, and longitude. Finally, there's an option that lets you specify a maximum speed. If you go faster, you'll get an audible warning.
Screen 1: Mapopolis gives you clear directions with spoken or visual prompts.
Purchase and Support:
Mapopolis Navigator has an easy-to-use interface that takes a minimal amount of time to learn. It comes with the powerful features of world-class mapping programs. The zoom in/zoom out feature is particularly impressive, and map scrolling is fast and smooth. This is a polished application for the Pocket PC!
Mapopolis Navigator supports all currently available Pocket PC 2000 or Pocket PC 2002 devices and works with any NMEA-compatible GPS device. Mapopolis Navigator software retails for $99.95 and comes with an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee. It is also available bundled with GPS receivers with prices varying between $250.00 and $350.00. For more information or to purchase the product, visit the Mapopolis Web site (www.mapopolis.com).
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