[Electronics-talk] GPS in the Big City

Thu Apr 11 14:53:24 UTC 2013

I don't think there's a consensus on the best GPS app. I'd suggest 
giving the built in Maps app, Google Maps and MapQuest a try. They're 
all free. Navigon, which is not free, also gets mentioned quite a bit. 
It allows you to download and store maps on your phone, so if you're 
worried about data costs, this is a good option.

There are also half a dozen apps or more that give you additional 
information, such as points of interest around you, nearby cross 
streets, information on public transportation and so on. Maybe you could 
provide a better idea of what you're looking for or take a look at 
applevis.com for more information on navigation apps and reviews and 
opinions by blind users.

On 04/11/2013 09:37 AM, Osman Koroma wrote:
> Hello all,
> Whats the best GPS app to use?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Apr 11, 2013, at 10:32, Jim Barbour <jbar at barcore.com> wrote:
>
>> I don't think anybody's map information includes information such as
>> if there's a sidewalk.  This problem is compounded by a lack of
>> information about contruction zones, etc.
>>
>> Apps such as Google Maps will give you pedestrian routes to a destination.
>> It is then up to us, as it is with a sighted pedestrian, to be aware
>> of the route and any barriers pedestrians face while getting there.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 08:51:32AM -0400, Gerald Levy wrote:
>>>
>>> The problem with all these GPS apps and devices is that they are designed to
>>> simply give you directions for the shortest route between two points, not
>>> necessarily the safest route.  If these devices were truly designed with
>>> blind pedestrians in mind, their primary route  suggestion, regardless of
>>> length, should include only streets with sidewals or walkways that are
>>> isolated from traffic.    If no such route is available, then they should
>>> alert you to this fact.  When you use Google Maps to get directions between
>>> two points, the walking directions include a warning, if appropriate, that
>>> some parts of the trip may involve walking on highways or other areas that
>>> might be hazardous.  GPS devices designed for the blind should do the same.
>>> After all, when you work with an O&M instructor, he will usually recommend
>>> the safest route between two points even if it means walking out of your way
>>> to get to your destination.
>>>
>>> Gerald
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tracy Carcione" <carcione at access.net>
>>> To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances"
>>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 8:16 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] GPS in the Big City
>>>
>>>
>>>> Occasionally, I have asked Sendero GPS to create a pedestrian route,
>>>> hoping it would give me a non-highway way to get somewhere, and it has
>>>> told me to walk on the highway.  NOT!
>>>> Tracy
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kaye" <kayezimpher at comcast.net>
>>>> To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances"
>>>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 5:01 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] GPS in the Big City
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I am from Atlanta, and while that is no Manhattan, I know many blind
>>>>> people who successfully use various gps apps on their Iphones. I have
>>>>> only heard of one time that the gps advised a person to turn on to the
>>>>> highway, even though the app was in pedestrian mode. That might not have
>>>>> ended well if he had not know where he was going.
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message----- From: David Andrews
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 12:37 PM
>>>>> To: Tracy Carcione ; Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] GPS in the Big City
>>>>>
>>>>> I have used Street Talk on a Pac Mate, in the distant past, and in
>>>>> Philadelphia, I had the same problems with tall buildings.\
>>>>>
>>>>> Dave
>>>>>
>>>>> At 10:49 AM 4/10/2013, you wrote:
>>>>>> I work in midtown Manhattan.  I have Sendero GPS, running on a
>>>>>> Braillenote PK.  I find it pretty unreliable in New York City,
>>>>>> probably because of the many tall buildings.  It frequently says I'm 2
>>>>>> blocks away from where I know I am, and heading in a different
>>>>>> direction than I'm heading.  My question is, does this happen with all
>>>>>> GPS in big cities, or is it because the GPS is running on a PK, not
>>>>>> the most powerful system in the world? Would, say, IPhone GPS be more
>>>>>> reliable in the big city?
>>>>>> I am only interested in the big city aspect.  At home, in north
>>>>>> Jersey, the Sendero and PK work reasonably well.
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>> Tracy
>>>>>
>>>>>
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-- 
Christopher (CJ)
chaltain at Gmail