This navigation system is designed specifically for UNIX systems and helps users navigate while driving. It provides real-time updates on traffic and route options.
RoadMap is a powerful, open-source (GPL) car navigation software that is available for Linux and UNIX systems. The primary function of RoadMap is to provide a map of the streets and track the vehicle's location using a NMEA-compliant GPS receiver. The software identifies the street matching the GPS position and announces the name of the crossing street at the next intersection. The software also features a rudimentary trip feature that displays basic navigation information such as the distance to the destination, direction, and speed.
One of the most exciting features of RoadMap is its ability to generate voice messages that duplicate the information displayed on the screen. This minimizes the need for users to take their eyes off the road, making navigation safer and more convenient. Users can also display a specific area by providing a (complete or incomplete) postal address, the intersection of two streets, or an exact position (longitude/latitude).
RoadMap uses map files generated from the TIGER files provided by the US Census Bureau, making it a fantastic tool for navigating across the USA. However, it is important to note that these maps are only available in binary format, and are sensitive to the endianness of the processor. The maps available on the RoadMap website cover all the USA, and have been generated for a little-endian processor, such as the Intel Pentium and StrongARM processors.
RoadMap has been designed to run on desktop or laptop PCs, as well as on PDAs such as the iPAQ from HP (formerly from COMPAQ). It supports three graphic libraries for its user interface, which are the Gtk 1.2, Gtk 2.0, and QT graphic libraries. The Qt interface supports Sharp's Zaurus PDA, and all machines that use these libraries share the same endianness and can use the maps provided on the RoadMap website.
At this time, RoadMap is at an early stage of development, and there are no routing features implemented yet. The plan for the future is to implement navigation features similar to those found in commercial street navigation systems. The lack of navigation information in the US Census Bureau database (for example, one-way streets are not indicated) is the main limit for implementing routing. However, future versions may include this feature.
RoadMap uses gpsd for the GPS link and flite (festival lite) for the voice messages. The software comes with its GPS status screen, which provides an overview of the satellites received and highlights those with a fix on the GPS. Users can optimize the GPS device's satellite reception by using this status screen, even if it means making the device's screen not accessible.
The software uses binary files to represent the maps, which is compact enough to allow the storage of many maps on a Compact Flash or MultiMedia card. Additionally, the software comes with a set of tools to convert the US Census Bureau data (both the 2000 and 2002 versions) into its own map format. As new versions of the data are released, the software will support them.
When RoadMap starts, it displays a map that shows the same area that was displayed in the latest session. Clicking on the map screen triggers a "sign" that displays the name of the street, road, or freeway (if any) that is closest to the mouse pointer.
In conclusion, RoadMap is a fantastic tool for anyone in need of car navigation software that is both free and powerful. It is still
One of the most exciting features of RoadMap is its ability to generate voice messages that duplicate the information displayed on the screen. This minimizes the need for users to take their eyes off the road, making navigation safer and more convenient. Users can also display a specific area by providing a (complete or incomplete) postal address, the intersection of two streets, or an exact position (longitude/latitude).
RoadMap uses map files generated from the TIGER files provided by the US Census Bureau, making it a fantastic tool for navigating across the USA. However, it is important to note that these maps are only available in binary format, and are sensitive to the endianness of the processor. The maps available on the RoadMap website cover all the USA, and have been generated for a little-endian processor, such as the Intel Pentium and StrongARM processors.
RoadMap has been designed to run on desktop or laptop PCs, as well as on PDAs such as the iPAQ from HP (formerly from COMPAQ). It supports three graphic libraries for its user interface, which are the Gtk 1.2, Gtk 2.0, and QT graphic libraries. The Qt interface supports Sharp's Zaurus PDA, and all machines that use these libraries share the same endianness and can use the maps provided on the RoadMap website.
At this time, RoadMap is at an early stage of development, and there are no routing features implemented yet. The plan for the future is to implement navigation features similar to those found in commercial street navigation systems. The lack of navigation information in the US Census Bureau database (for example, one-way streets are not indicated) is the main limit for implementing routing. However, future versions may include this feature.
RoadMap uses gpsd for the GPS link and flite (festival lite) for the voice messages. The software comes with its GPS status screen, which provides an overview of the satellites received and highlights those with a fix on the GPS. Users can optimize the GPS device's satellite reception by using this status screen, even if it means making the device's screen not accessible.
The software uses binary files to represent the maps, which is compact enough to allow the storage of many maps on a Compact Flash or MultiMedia card. Additionally, the software comes with a set of tools to convert the US Census Bureau data (both the 2000 and 2002 versions) into its own map format. As new versions of the data are released, the software will support them.
When RoadMap starts, it displays a map that shows the same area that was displayed in the latest session. Clicking on the map screen triggers a "sign" that displays the name of the street, road, or freeway (if any) that is closest to the mouse pointer.
In conclusion, RoadMap is a fantastic tool for anyone in need of car navigation software that is both free and powerful. It is still
What's New
Version 1.2.1: N/A