#2010418 - 07/28/10 09:58 PM
Google Maps and Crackberry
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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Well, I finally broke down and traded in the old flipper on a new crackberry. I have to admit that I really wasn't prepared for how cool some of the features are.
Downloaded the google map application and now I can get a fairly hi res aerial photo of my current location complete with a little dot that shows exactly where I am (assuming I have cell coverage). I can even mark that location and add a description and it will be there when I log into google maps on my home computer.
I was out scouting the other day and used my phone and a compass to plot a course to a location that I wanted to check. Just lined up the direction of travel arrow on my compass between my location and where I wanted to go on the screen, lined up the north arrow with the edge of the screen and went right to it.
GPS receiver in phone seems to be pretty sensitive and can even pick up my location indoors.
Just curious if others have used google maps and their crackberry for hunting and if so, how? What has been your experience with GPS reception?
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#2010453 - 07/28/10 10:25 PM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8113
Loc: Tennessee
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Cell phone navigation doesn't seem to be accurate enough for navigating to your tree stand in the dark. Its a nice feature for understanding the terrain, but I have found using a mid range Garmin and syncing with Google Earth to be much more accurate and useful. Though not as portable as viewing it from your cell phone, you will be much more accurate.
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2010471 - 07/28/10 10:47 PM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Poser]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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Agree that cell phone doesn't replace map, compass, and GPS for precision navigation, but ability to pull up an aerial photo of your surroundings is pretty cool.
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#2010509 - 07/28/10 11:44 PM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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khawk
6 Point
Registered: 08/20/08
Posts: 917
Loc: Wears Valley
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I agree 100% pursuit hunter. Though I've never used the google maps, I do heavily rely on the weather channel app. Real time doopler radar for your exact location is awesome! Another thing I'm guilty of if logging onto espn and following a football game because it updates every 15 sec. Really helps pass the time. I'm actually going to be lost this year because I don't have coverage on my new lease!! Lol
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Bowtech Destroyer Black Ops 340
Easton Axis 340
Slick Trick Magnum 125 grain
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#2010546 - 07/29/10 05:37 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: khawk]
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Bottom Hunter
16 Point
Registered: 12/29/06
Posts: 15480
Loc: Hatchie Bottoms
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now that is something that I need to look into.....
I may be up for an upgrade pretty soon and since my wife's phone is free through her work, I can maybe go hog wild and get updated...!
the GPS/Google feature sounds cool....do you get a weather map also?
I want to be able to pull up a weather map when weather is close while I'm hunting.
good luck with it.....
_________________________
There are some people who always seem angry and continuously look for conflict.
Walk away; the battle they are fighting is not with you, but with themselves.
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#2010759 - 07/29/10 09:05 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Andy S.]
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Longhunter
10 Point
Registered: 09/03/08
Posts: 3788
Loc: Brewstertown in Morgan County...
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If you need all the high tech stuff to find your treestand, then you better stay home and play hunting video games and leave the woods to those with real woodsmanship!
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#2010786 - 07/29/10 09:25 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Longhunter]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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If you need all the high tech stuff to find your treestand, then you better stay home and play hunting video games and leave the woods to those with real woodsmanship!
I don't use anything to find my treestand, except maybe a flashlight - but I guess that's too high tech for some. I do however rely on maps, compass, GPS, and now my phone applications to help me explore new areas and practice my "real woodsmanship" skills.
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#2010793 - 07/29/10 09:28 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Bottom Hunter]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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now that is something that I need to look into.....
I may be up for an upgrade pretty soon and since my wife's phone is free through her work, I can maybe go hog wild and get updated...!
the GPS/Google feature sounds cool....do you get a weather map also?
I want to be able to pull up a weather map when weather is close while I'm hunting.
good luck with it.....
Yep. I use weather.com to get nearly up to the minute doppler radar images.
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#2010881 - 07/29/10 10:53 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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Poser
14 Point
Registered: 07/28/10
Posts: 8113
Loc: Tennessee
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I maintain over 70 tree stands spread out of numerous properties in two states. Only 30-40 of them get hunted in a given season. If I didn't have them marked on my GPS, I don't think I could ever find them in the dark.
I have the GPS synced with Google Earth, where I can view all of stand locations and needed wind directions. I also include a brief description of the tree and its surrounds. Sometimes the Garmin only gets me within 20-30 feet of accuracy and, in the thick woods on a dark night trying to find a tree I haven't visited in several months can be very confusing.
Viewing your stand locations and hunting properties on Google Earth also gives you a good perspective on stand approaches and exits.
I use this technology to expand my hunting opportunities. Its not a crutch, its just a way to keep my mind uncluttered with the details of having to remember every stand location, wind direction and needed approach. It helps to insure accuracy and productivity on my end. That's the goal of technology, right?
_________________________
It doesn't have to be fun to be fun. Wild & crazy, can't be stopped. Only the strong will survive. Keep your knife sharp and your skillet greasy. http://www.GoCarnivore.com
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#2010971 - 07/29/10 11:59 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Poser]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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I have the GPS synced with Google Earth, where I can view all of stand locations and needed wind directions. I also include a brief description of the tree and its surrounds. Sometimes the Garmin only gets me within 20-30 feet of accuracy and, in the thick woods on a dark night trying to find a tree I haven't visited in several months can be very confusing.
You can also attach a photo to the Google Map marker (the little thing that looks like a push-pin) in addition to a written description. I don't think you can do it directly on your handheld, but I've done if from my home computer. Once you link to the photo in Google Maps you can see it on your handheld or any computer connected to the web. Might be a good way to remember details about all those stands.
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#2012706 - 07/31/10 09:18 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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BMan
14 Point
Registered: 02/06/06
Posts: 8909
Loc: Middle TN
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There are also 3rd party GPS apps available for Blackberries, from basic compass-type programs to complex ones that challenge anything Garmin or Magellan put out.
My BB Storm's GPS receiver is as accurate as my Magellan and my buddy's Garmin.
_________________________
Rules are for people who lose fights.
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#2014445 - 08/01/10 09:51 PM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: BMan]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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I spent Saturday morning scouting about 400 acres that I just got access to. My purpose in going to the property was to familiarize myself with it and to clear the main trails so that I can get around on a four wheeler.
I have been on the property before, but only briefly, and definitely not enough to know my way around. The property has about 50 acres of pasture and the remainder is woods. The owner gave me a topo map that showed the boundries and the old logging roads which haven't been maintained in probably 10 years.
Before I went, I logged in to Google Maps on my home comupter and drew in the property lines and the logging roads. When I got to the property, I fired up the handheld version of Google Maps on my Blackberry and was able to see exactly where I was on an aerial photo and to see the boundaries and trails I wad drawn in earlier.
Most of the trails were overgrown and unmarked and most of the boundaries were not marked either, other than some old fencelines. Being able to see precisely where I was in relation to the terrain features, the trails, and the boundaries was extremely helpful.
I consider myself to be pretty skilled with a map, compass, and GPS and can accomplish the same type of land navigation with them, but not nearly as quickly. I would guess that I will cut my "learning my way around" time by 75%.
I would not advocate going to the field with just a cellphone for navigation just like I would not advocate going with just a GPS. But from someone who has spent a LOT of time navigating around unfamiliar land, I will tell you that this is one of the most useful tools to come down the pike in a long time. And the best part is that if you already have a Blackberry with a data plan, it is completely free.
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#2015318 - 08/02/10 06:57 PM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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Andy S.
TnDeer Old Timer
12 Point
Registered: 07/26/99
Posts: 7182
Loc: Atoka, TN
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But from someone who has spent a LOT of time navigating around unfamiliar land, I will tell you that this is one of the most useful tools to come down the pike in a long time. And the best part is that if you already have a Blackberry with a data plan, it is completely free.
I agree 100%! I absolutely love utilizing this tool in the field, especially when exploring new and unfamiliar land.
_________________________
Andy S.
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#2025831 - 08/11/10 10:04 AM
Re: Google Maps and Crackberry
[Re: Pursuit Hunter]
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Pursuit Hunter
8 Point
Registered: 10/01/08
Posts: 2084
Loc: Way out there
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I've now gotten a little more experience using Google Maps on my Blackberry while I've been out learning a new piece of hunting property. I've got to tell you, if you need to navigate in an unfamiliar area, it is awesome! I can get around just fine with a topo map and compass, but the Blackberry/Google Maps combo is so much easier and faster that I'm definitely a big fan.
I posted an article on my blog that includes a couple photos if you're interested in seeing how it looks. http://www.pursuithunting.com/2010/08/hitting-crackberry-in-great-outdoors.html
Obviously, you need a cell signal where you hunt to use it, so it isn't for everyone, but my prediction is that smartphones with apps like Google Mas are going to make conventional GPS units obsolete.
As someone pointed out above, there are sophisticated GPS apps with more functionality that can be purchased and downloaded too.
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