Sep
20
Contributing To Malsingmaps : Part 1
September 20, 2008 | 1 Comment
GPS
Global Positioning System or better known as GPS uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, that enable GPS receivers to determine their current location, time, and velocity (including direction).
It was initially thought that 3 satellites are enough for normal GPS operation but since GPS requires a very accurate clocking mechanism, at least 4 satellites are needed.
As of March 2008, there are 31 actively broadcasting satellites in the GPS constellation. Their orbits are arranged so that at least 6 satellites are always within line of sight from almost everywhere on Earth’s surface.
Atmospheric conditions can provide a significant challenge to providing GPS position accuracy. This will explain why we are getting a quicker GPS fix during a clear sky compared to during a cloudy or a stormy weather as the ionosphere could delay the speed of microwave signals from the satellites.
- excerpt from Wikipedia -
Garmin MXT and Malsingmaps 2.28 (MSM v2.30 is out! Please refer to the end of the post for upgrade instructions!)
I was very curious on how usable is the GPS feature in the HTC Touch Diamond. Within the first few days of getting the phone, I managed to install Garmin MXT and Malsingmaps 2.28 . And I’m amazed the first time I got my GPS to work! Wow, I’m here, looking at my current GPS position in my phone. In my 2 months of using the phone, the GPS feature is singled out as the best feature. With the phone, I’m able to reach places that I’ve never been to the first time round without asking for any directions! Very usable indeed!
Yes, of course. I can still depend on unlicensed softwares, I don’t even need any effort to get it from the internet but I’m a person that do not believe in taking without giving. That was the same reason that got me to write How To Hard-SPL A HTC Diamond , to contribute to the community the best I can. So here I am, writing yet another article hoping to motivate fellow HTC Diamond users and anyone who uses their GPS map to contribute towards Malsingmaps community.
Installing MapSource
As a newbie in the malsingmaps community, I will go through the learning process with you. Honestly, getting start on how to contribute was quite daunting. You will end up with plenty of links describing the same thing but using a different method. You really need to put in some effort to understand them. I believe that such complexity would drive away many potential contributors. Hence, I will try to post a “One Stop Solution” with all the instructions and files in a single site.
I will need to warn fellow HTC Diamond users that we will never be able to provide Gold Standard Tracks because our internal antenna is inferior compared to an external antenna. Do not be discouraged by this fact as we can still provide valuable contributions through tracks on unexplored map and Point Of Interests (POIs).
With that said, let us move on to install the first software you will need to manage your map, the MapSource. Installing Mapsource consists of 3 parts :-
A. Installing Training Center (download)
B. Installing Mapsource Update (download)
C. Malsingmaps Installer (v2.30) (download)
Download my full installation instructions here.
Upgrading To Malsingmaps v2.30
1. To uninstall old map, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs -> GM-Mysin v2.29 -> Remove.
2. To install new map, download the new Malsingmaps Installer. Install the MSM v2.30 installer file.
Part 2 >>
For those who are curious, Contributing to Malsingmaps Part 2 will discuss on the below issues :-
1. How to connect your HTC Touch Diamond to Mapsource.
2. Configuring your HTC TD to record tracks.
3. Contributing POI.
4. Contributing high quality tracks.
References :-
Malsingmaps Forum
http://www.malsingmaps.com/forums/
MalsingWiki
http://www.malsingmaps.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Newbie Guide Part 2
http://www.malsingmaps.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12145
Download & use Mapsource for your error reporting
http://www.malsingmaps.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=968#p968
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Comments
1 Comment so far
Mapsource can be installed without installing Training Center. The trick to install the MalsingMaps 1st. The program will check the registry key (for Garmin maps). You can give a try to confirm this.