Overland Navigator is field friendly mapping software for Windows that has been specifically designed for easy operation in harsh conditions. The high contrast user interface is easy to see under bright sunlight. Large touchscreen friendly buttons are easy to use even with gloves on. Complete keyboard control makes it a breeze to use on traditional laptops / netbooks without using any mouse input at all. Features are designed so that tasks can be completed with the least number of operations. Menus automatically hide for maximum map visibility. Maps are installed to disk so you never need an Internet connection. Everything about Overland Navigator is designed to be simple and easy to use in the field.
Keep reading for a complete description of Overland Navigator's features and functions.
Hardware
Our customers run Overland Navigator on a wide variety of hardware. Traditional laptops, Tablet computers, Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPC), Net-books, Carputers, Auto PCs, ruggedized hardware, touchscreen capable, pen capable, sunlight visible screens, etc. Overland Navigator takes advantage of the unique characteristics of each of these devices and works well on all of them.
Check out the Testimonials page for examples that vary from the ordinary to completely integrated.
Map Packs
Overland Navigator USGS Topographic Map-Packs and Satellite Imagery Map-Packs are available for a variety of states and regions. Additional Map-Packs are being added all the time.
The Map-Packs are pre-packaged to work perfectly with Overland Navigator. The maps/imagery have been compressed to occupy 5-600% less space than traditional scans of USGS Topographic Maps (DRGs). They have been indexed, so that Overland Navigator can present them as one seamless map without collars (white margin around map w/ legend). They include a Windows installer that makes installation and configuration a snap.
You never have to manually load a map. Overland Navigator automatically tiles maps and imagery so they appear as one seamless map or image. As you zoom in, the software automatically loads maps with more detail. As you zoom out, the software automatically switches to maps with less detail and eventually switches to satellite imagery.
** Map-Packs are sold separately from the Overland Navigator Software. This insures that you only have to buy what you need, and that additional regions can be added without having to buy the software again.
Features
“GPS Mode” automatically centers the map at the location being reported by the GPS receiver.
While in "GPS Mode" the buttons will automatically hide so the entire screen can be seen.
Manual panning can be performed so you can quickly look around your current location.
When in "Pan Mode" the map is centered by the user instead of automatically positioning it using the GPS. The map is positioned by touching/clicking with a mouse, pen, or finger or using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
The map scale can be zoomed in or out via the Map Level toolbar. The maps will automatically switch to the maps most appropriate for the current scale. For example, a typical user with a USGS Topographic State Map Pack installed and the Satellite imagery installed will see the maps change through 1:24k, 1:100k, and 1:250k USGS Topographic maps and then change to the Satellite imagery as they zoom further and further out.
GPS receiver location, altitude, and fix quality information are all shown.
When the position and heading are accurately known, a triangle will be displayed at the current GPS position. The triangle will point in the direction the GPS indicates it is traveling.
The location and altitude as reported by the GPS are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
The “Record Waypoint” button allows you to mark your current GPS location with a symbol. This is a useful way to mark a point of interest (POI). For example, if you are traveling around and notice an interesting hiking trail you can record a “Hiker” symbol. Later, when you return to the area you’ll be able to quickly find your way back to the trail.
The symbol picker scrolls through the symbols by flicking your finger anywhere in the window. This motion can be done with gloves on and is much easier than trying to use a traditional windows scrollbar as you bounce down a gravel road.
The “Record Track” button allows you to record the path that the GPS is traveling. Press Record to begin recording the track and the button will change to a “Pause” button. Press the “Pause” button to stop recording the track.
When recording a track, it will be displayed as a semi-transparent grey line.
If, while Overland Navigator is running, you insert a thumb drive, media card, CDROM, DVD, or other removable media any GPX tracks will automatically be displayed. This "zero-click" functionality makes loading GPX tracks in the field extremely easy.
Overland Navigator can display the contents of multiple GPS eXchange (GPX) track log files at the same time. These files can be located in your “Track Directory” or on a removable media device.
The files can be from any source including but not limited to those recorded with Overland Navigator, recorded with another GPS, created with a mouse in desktop mapping software, obtained from a friend via email, or downloaded from the Internet.
Everything in Overland Navigator can be controlled with a keyboard. This makes Overland Navigator a snap to use with a laptop or netbook that doesn't have a touchscreen.
The keybindings are setup by the user, so you can set it up anyway you want. For example, F1 could record a campsite waypoint, PAGE UP could zoom in, and the arrow keys could pan the map. You can set it up in anyway that works for you, but it comes pre-configured with a reasonable set of defaults.
API
Windows Message and Automation API - Can be used to completely control Overland Navigator with 3rd party input devices or your software.
Coupled with Girder you can control Overland Navigator with other software, infrared remotes, or other input devices such as the Space Navigator or a Powermate.
