Tube turns your Pocket PC into an electronic subway guide for New York, Washington D.C., London; other major
Washington D.C. is a congested place. Whenever I have to travel into the "District," the Metro (our subway system) is my primary means of transportation. Once on the train, I used to review the system map on the wall to anticipate which station would place me closest to my intended destination. But now I rely on my Pocket PC and Tube, from Visual IT
(www.visualit.co.uk/tube.htm).
Tube is an electronic guide to the subway systems in major metropolitan areas around the world. I reviewed the maps for New York and Washington. The map of the London Underground is also available and the Tokyo system is currently being developed. Visual IT plans to roll out more cities throughout the year in order of demand and subway information availability.
Zoom in and out on the subway map
Tube displays a clear map of the subway system and provides several features that are particularly handy for people traveling a subway line for the first time. In addition, regular travelers will find the program helpful for planning trips to unfamiliar stops.
When you open the program, Tube prompts you to load a specific map. Specify the city map you desire and Tube asks you the time of day you'll be traveling. This allows Tube to customize the map to include the active lines for that period. Tube then displays the subway system map (see Screen 1).
Screen 1: Tube displays a clear map of the subway system you have selected. A portion of Washington, D.C. near the mall is shown here.
From the main display you can view off-screen areas of the map by simply dragging your stylus across the screen in the direction you want to view. You can zoom in or out on a particular spot by pressing "up" or "down" on the navigation button or using a menu option. Zooming in on a spot does not give you any more information, but it does make it easier to see congested portions of the map.
If you hold the stylus down on a subway station for more than a second, a screen pops up revealing specific information about that station. You see which lines connect with that station, the exact location of the station, opening and closing times, when the last train departs, points of interest nearby, bus lines servicing the station, and whether parking is available.
Plan your trip
Tube's trip planning ability makes it easy to explore a subway system with increased confidence. First, enter the station you are departing from and the station you are going to. Then press the "Show" or "List" button (see top of Screen 2).
Screen 2: If you hold your stylus down on a subway station for more than a second, a screen pops up revealing specific information about that station.
If you press "Show," Tube displays an animation of your journey using the map (see Screen 3). A small circle appears at the center of your screen and the map moves through that center point, sounding a "clink" (the "menu selection" sound) at each subway station you pass. A special sound (the "critical stop" sound) indicates if the station is a transfer point to another line. A chime sounds when you are at your destination. More than a clever demonstration, this particular feature gives you a feel for what you are about to do.
Screen 3: Tube's "Show" feature displays an animation of your journey on the map. It's hard to show an animation on a captured screen, but the small circle appearing in the center of the screen indicates where you are. The map moves beneath it, sounding a "clink" (the "menu selection" sound) at each subway station you pass.
Printer-friendly version