Amazing Features in GPS Kit 4

While GPS Kit may still be in Beta it is moving along very rapidly to get to the app store.

I just wanted to share a few things that I like from the new, completely re-written app.

USER INTERFACE

The new yet very similar UI has been revamped for iPhone 4 retina display and cleaned up from the previous version. They have revamped the way to start and stop, and now resume and pause tracking. But like before everything is clickable and changeable so that you can display the most useful data for your adventure.

MAPS

Map types are now in more abundance. And yes that is a '+' in the corner, as you can add any map source you desire. I have a GIS buddy that found the 3.x app to be the most useful all all the the app store and when I showed him that he can add is own sources in 4.x he was eager to get his hands on it. All maps give the option to turn caching on, and as can be seen caching is done a lot easier. While still auto caching what you seen on the screen, you can also go to each maps type and manually select the tiles for download at the resolutions you want. I found the '?' in the bottom left corner to be very help in understanding the tile selection process.

DATA SETS

My most requested feature is included in the way GPS Kit 4 handles GPS data. I can now get a track from by bike shop friend and his Garmin and instead of making/editing that data file into a single track then uploading it to GPs Kit. Before GPS Kit 4 you would (and this was the same for all GPS apps in the app store) have to weed out the 'Multiple' tracks in a data set as they would all be lumped together as one track, merging the end of one to the beginning of another and creating a cobweb of tracks. The way GPS Kit 4 handles data sets you don't get the cobweb mess and instead get each track and each waypoint displayed within the data set as recorded and named, with the option to delete them individually. Which to me gives GPS Kit a whole new feature of data set management, as on my mac I have always found it somewhat difficult to simply delete the right part of a data set.

In this picture you also see a green dot or grey dot to the left of each preview icon, the green dot tells you that you have that track set as 'visible' when on the map tab. Thats 3 new features right there. Track Preview Icon, Visible maps (multiple), and Data Sets.

Forgive the lack of stats shown in the Halo Trail image, that track has been corrupted prior to downloading (Google Earth will kill a lot of data from your tracks if you let it).

TRACK SHARING

Track in your email can now be opened right into GPS Kit. All .GPX data in an email or in a file management app (GoodReader-pictured, etc) will let you 'open in' GPS Kit. I found that before iOS allowed the open in feature that getting GPS data into any App somewhat difficult, especially if you have to have the track to email it to yourself or upload it to the right place, but this is by far the best way to accomplish the task.

When you email the track to a friend you get the three options as show below, emailing stats and files is by far the best as it sends a very nice HTML email (pictured) with the option to open in GPS Kit and download each file type or view on an external map along with all the stats.

Facebook and Twitter sharing was just added in the beta version I got last night. Check my twitter feed to see how it works.

 FLASHLIGHT

Yes, that is right there is an integrated flashlight app for iPhone 4 in the app. Who doesn't use a flashlight while using a GPS at night! While out geocaching I find myself switching to the flashlight app but then not seeing where I needed to go on the screen. The flashlight stays lit even when you go back to the maps tab or any other tab.

 JUST PLAIN USEFUL

Ok so the first beta confused me with the while background tracking and such, after sending the developers a bug tip that the app did run in the background they added this screen when you double click the home button. After seeing the screen it all made sense and I truly think all apps should do something similar as I don't want my app to run in the background when I single click home. Yes I know most apps don't truly run in the background but GPS apps that do kill battery and if I want to close the app without force quitting and I don't want it running in the background then give me the option. I find GPS Kits' approach to be perfect!

 NOT NEW BUT NOTE WORTHY

The measure tool is not new but very loved and welcomed. It still has 1-4 finger support, with one finger you get distance from where you are to where you touch. Two fingers will allow you to do the same but between the two fingers. When using 3 or more fingers you will get and acre/sqft readout. Useful to get a rough area of a lot or a ball field. 

WAYPOINTS

Waypoints are now easier to make and manage as with tracks they can be moved from data set to data set. Double clicking the screen no longer displays an option box, it will simple zoom you in. If you click and hold you will drop a waypoint in the spot.

RADAR

Radar is still a sweet feature! Introduced in 3.x, radar gives you the option to be seen by others on your radar channel. There are a possible of one million channels so it's very tough to be seen by people you don't want. Essentially you can see the location and speed of people on your channel with who you can chat with all from in the app, great for keeping track of the lead or trailing person on a hike. I use it mountain biking as I can just look at the screen and see if my buddy is coming closer or stopped and possibly hurt or fixing a tire. No need to close the app to text them just send them the message in the app to 'come back with the tire pump' and they can see your location so there is no confusion there either.

GPS AND ME

If you know me you know I absolutely love all things GPS. I have tried all the GPS apps in the app store if they aren't on my iPhone it is cause I can only fit the 12 in the folder. Keeping in mind that I am not employed or persuaded by anyone or any developers, I in fact beta test for Gaia GPS also. With that said, I find GPS Kit to be the best solution for a Garmin replacement on the iPhone. While other apps are great in there own way the customizable UI and abundant features keep me coming back to GPS Kit. I do know that in the past they have had a 'crashy' app, but the developers have told me they re-wrote the whole app making it much simpler to track bugs and add features in the future.

Please ask any questions about the app and feel free to check out more screen shots.