1 Installation and registration 1.1 AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card 1.2 Installer file downloaded from the Internet 1.4 Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD 1.4.1 Start installation 1.4.2 Selection of device 1.4.3 Selection of installation location 1.4.4 Selection of program components 1.4.5 Selecting the map for installation 1.4.6 Map registration 1.4.7 Selecting map area for installation 1.4.8 Copying files 1.5 Connecting the portable device to the PC 1.6 Possible installation problems 1.7 Upgrading the program and the maps 1.8 Uninstallation 1.9 Structure of the program and map installation 1.9.1 TPC/PC 1.9.2 PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices 1.9.3 Other directories
2 Basic functions of the AutoMapa system 2.1 AutoMapa start-up 2.2 Simplified and Expert menu 2.3 Main menu and map buttons 2.3.1 Map buttons 2.3.2 Main menu 2.4 Map 2.5 Selecting a point on the map 2.7 Options menu 2.8 "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... 2.8.1 Search address 2.8.2 Search POI 2.8.3 Search by postal codes 2.8.4 Searching by geographic coordinates 2.9 Map points 2.9.2 Home/Work 2.9.3 POI (Points of Interest)
2.10 Show position 2.10.1 System layout and operation in the show position mode 2.10.2 "Your menu" pop-up menu 2.10.3 On-board computer 2.10.4 POI Warnings 2.11 Navigation 2.11.1 Mapping the route 2.11.2 System layout and operation in navigation mode 2.11.3 "Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode 2.12 Block roads 2.12.1 Temporary section blocks 2.12.2 Blocked roads and route mapping 2.13 AM'Traffic menu 2.14 Accident menu
3 Advanced features and system settings 3.1 Route menu 3.1.1 Modify 3.1.2 Blocked sections and areas 3.2 GPS menu 3.2.1 GPS tracks 3.2.2 Other GPS functions 3.3 Settings menu 3.3.1 Interface - Settings 3.3.2 Route - Settings 3.3.3 GPS - Settings 3.3.4 Voice messages - Settings 3.3.5 Buttons - settings 3.3.6 Others - Settings 3.3.7 Settings: AM'Traffic 3.4 POI menu 3.5 Miplo.pl website and POIs
4 GPS system 4.1 Introduction to GPS 4.2 Fixing GPS position 4.3 GPS receiver connection
5 Index
1 Installation and registration
The icon on the left shows installation stages specific for a portable device. Paragraphs which are not marked by this symbol concern installation on both a PC/TPC (PC Tablet) and a portable device of PocketPC/Windows Mobile/Windows CE type.
The process of AutoMapa installation and registration is subject to the type of carrier on which the program was supplied. The program can be installed from the DVD supplied with AutoMapa or installer files downloaded from www.AutoMapa.pl. The version published on the DVD may be older than the one available on the website, therefore we recommend that users download and the install the newest version of the program from website at www.AutoMapa.pl.
1.1 AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card
If your version of this software comes preinstalled on an SD/miniSD memory card, any further installation is unnecessary; just put the SD/miniSD card in the PND and start navigating!When an SD card (or its mini or micro version) is inserted in the portable device, the program and the maps are installed automatically. When the installation is complete, AutoMapa starts and the start screen is displayed.Note: the above applies only to devices with the Windows Mobile system. For devices with the CE.NET system, an additional application integrating the system with AutoMapa software has to be installed. These applications can be downloaded from our website or obtained from the hardware supplier. If you want to update the software on the card which was included with the purchased PDA, put the card in the PC card reader. Do not connect the PDA. On the computer, launch the installer downloaded from the Internet or from the DVD. In the installer, choose the option "PocketPC/WinMobile/WinCE". Note: on the card there must be a fully operational AutoMapa version along with the map.The same actions are necessary when installing on a clean memory card. It is required if the PDA cannot establish connection using ActiveSync.
1.2 Installer file downloaded from the Internet
If the installer downloaded from the AutoMapa website is a single executable file, when launched, the archive is unzipped to the TEMP directory on the PC. Note: in the first message window, the installation program indicates the free drive space required for the installation to be completed successfully. The installation program then starts automatically. If the installer comprises several archive files, they have to be first unzipped into a selected directory on your PC. Then find the program setup.exe file and run it.The rest of the installation process is identical to that performed from an installation CD/DVD.
Installation CD/DVD
The installation process for AutoMapa and the maps should start automatically when the installation disc is inserted into the PC's disc drive. If this is not the case, find the Setup.exe file on the installation disc and run it.
1.4 Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
When installing AutoMapa on a Pocket PC device, first connect the device to your PC and use the Microsoft ActiveSync connection tool (version 3.7 or later). Your PC should be connected to the Internet (at least during the registration process).Run the installer downloaded from http://www.automapa.pl/ or place the AutoMapa CD/DVD in your computer's DVD drive. The installer will start automatically. (Otherwise, double click the "My computer" icon, then select the DVD drive icon and choose Setup.exe).If the device cannot establish connection using ActiveSync, it is possible to install and register on a clean memory card. For this option, use the card reader in the PC.We recommend that the entire program is installed on an SD card in the following configuration: portable device connected to the PC with a USB cable, the SD card inserted into the card reader in the PC.
Note: Many SD card readers available on the market do not support cards with memory greater than 1 GB (in particular built-in readers, e.g. in laptops). Make sure that the card is compatible with the reader. Most cheap external USB readers support 2 and 4 GB cards.
The first installer message window allows the user to select the installation language. This choice will also determine other language components and messages, which will be suggested by the installer by default.
In the next window, choose installation and continue the process.
Read the license agreement displayed on the screen and accept the terms of the agreement.
1.4.2 Selection of device
Choose the installation method for AutoMapa (choose the device where the program will be installed).Choose the type of device where the AutoMapa program will be installed. The Memory card reader option will update the version of AutoMapa installed on the card placed in the reader.The Portable device (Windows Mobile, Windows CE) option should be selected if the system is to be installed directly
on the device synchronised with your PC. The memory card may be placed in the device (slow installation mode) or in an external card reader (installation time will be identical to that in the "Memory card reader" option).The PC/Tablet PC option should be selected if you want to install AutoMapa on the computer where the installation process has been initiated.Note: Under the license, the program may be installed on one computer only. After the maps have been registered on a PC, you will be unable to activate them again on a portable device – and vice versa.
When a portable device has been selected (depending on the system version), you may receive a warning message prompting the user to check the connection with the portable device. After pressing the "Next>" button, pay attention to any messages which require the user's acceptance (they usually inform the user of attempts to start the program).
1.4.3 Selection of installation location
In the next screen, the user is asked to select the location for installing the program and the maps. To install the program and the map on a PC/TPC platform, select the drive and the directory to which those components will be installed.
If the program is installed on a portable device, this step involves the selection of portable device memory where the program and the maps will be installed. By default, all components will be installed on the memory card. If the memory card is inserted into the card reader of a PC, it will be suggested as the location for program installation (during the installation process, the user will be asked to move the card to the portable device). If there are several cards in the reader/readers of a PC, select one by clicking on the appropriate name displayed on the installer screen.Note: In case of the portable computer setup, we recommend installation on a memory card. By placing the memory card in a card reader connected directly to a PC, you can speed up the installation process several-fold.Note: PenDrive devices and USB memory keys may be recognized as memory cards, so make sure that the right device is selected.Note: Before installing AutoMapa, it is recommended that the memory card be formatted, after first backing up any
important files it holds in a secure location. By formatting the card before the installation, you may significantly speed up the operation of the program.Note: In case of devices which are not connected to a PC via ActiveSync (e.g. Nokia 500), the memory card should NOT be formatted because it would erase the files necessary for the update and the reinstallation would require contact with the device manufacturer's service.
1.4.4 Selection of program components
On the next screen, the user can select components to be installed or updated. Additional program languages, skins and colours of program windows, message voices, additional icons and POI (Points of Interest) warning sounds can also be selected at this stage.The installer will detect a conflict between device controllers. If the user chooses too many conflicting components for installation, the program will ask the user to modify his/her choice.
The plugin on the "Today" screen installs a convenient desktop shortcut to AutoMapa.The wake-up control plugin supports the process of waking up the device from stand-by mode when AutoMapa is active. It should be installed every time.SD AutoStart installs in the memory card a special directory, which recovers the AutoMapa system after the loss of data from the device (e.g. after a hard reset). Note: the system can be recovered only if the program is installed on the memory card and only in devices operating with the Windows Mobile system.NavRoad Autostart installs the application required to start AutoMapa on NavRoad devices. Nokia330 Autostart installs the application required to start AutoMapa on Nokia 330 devices.
1.4.5 Selecting the map for installation
On the next screen, select the map for installation. The indicated map size means total size. At subsequent stages, you will have the option of installing selected fragments of the map, which will substantially reduce the memory requirement. The "Save files for future installation" option will copy the complete installation program to a directory in your PC to ensure that subsequent installations (e.g. other map sections) do not require the repeated use of installation discs. A shortcut to the installation program is also created in the Start|Programs menu of the PC. Note: to use this option, the free disk space on your PC must be minimum the size of the entire installed map and all program components.
1.4.6 Map registration
On the next screen, you can register the map. Enter the license number, which is found on the license card, your e-mail address and full name. If possible, you are advised to always use the same e-mail address, which will facilitate access to registration data in the AutoMapa licensing system. Registration data is saved on the carrier with the map after the first installation. If the map is re-installed (e.g. a larger map section) on the same carrier, you will not be asked to re-enter the same data. Note: the license card or the memory card on which AutoMapa was purchased constitutes a proof of software license. Make sure that it is stored in a safe place.
The "Assign registration to SD card" option enables the user to assign the registered maps to an SD card, and not the portable device. This means that the program installed on the card will also work on other devices (with the same operating system, unless you reinstall only the software for the second device; you may have to reinstall the skins if the second device has a screen with a different resolution).Note: if you are performing the installation on a card in the PC card reader, the installer will ask you to move the card to the portable device, and after completing the registration process you will be asked to return the card to the PC card reader.At a subsequent stage of the installation process, you may be asked to pay attention to the portable device to accept the displayed messages.
1.4.7 Selecting map area for installation
When the map registration has been completed, the user can decide to install the entire map area or only a section. With the area editor you can select a given map section and perform one of the actions below:
• Updating the selected area.If the map has already been installed, this option enables the user to install the same fragment of the map, e.g. for upgrading.
• Installing the entire selected area.This option installs the entire available map.
• Installing a previously defined map fragment.This option enables the user to read in a previously saved mask (definition of a map fragment) and use the area editor to modify the saved area.
• Selecting and installing a new map fragment.This function activates the area editor, which enables the user to select the map fragment for installation with the use of a mouse. The defined section can be saved as a mask for future use. Map sections are selected as rectangular areas on the map.
1.4.8 Copying files
After the map areas have been selected, the file copying process is initiated.
The user may be asked to pay attention to the portable device to accept the displayed messages. If the program is installed on a memory card in the PC reader, the user will be asked to move the card to the reader in the portable device.
The final screen displays a list of installed program components and maps.
1.5 Connecting the portable device to the PC
To establish a working connection between the portable device and the PC, install Microsoft ActiveSync software. This application can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. After installing ActiveSync, connect the portable device to the PC with a USB cable and make sure that the connection has been established by monitoring the ActiveSync application window.In case of devices which are not connected to a PC via ActiveSync, install AutoMapa on a clean memory card using the card reader in the PC.
1.6 Possible installation problems
If the installation process ends with an error message, first perform the following:
• check the connection between the portable device and the PC • reset the portable device • format the memory card
1.7 Upgrading the program and the maps
The upgrade process is identical to the installation process. The installer automatically detects whether older versions of AutoMapa have been installed. On the component and map selection screen, the installer will indicate the version of the installed files and, if they are older than the currently installed files, an upgrade will be suggested.
1.8 Uninstallation
You can remove the AutoMapa installation from your computer by selecting the appropriate option on the second installer screen. You will be asked to select the components and maps to be removed.
1.9 Structure of the program and map installation
1.9.1 TPC/PC
On computers with Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating system, AutoMapa is installed by default in the C:ProgramFilesAutoMapa EU directory, and maps are installed in the C:ProgramFilesAutoMapa EUMaps directory. The installer creates a shortcut to the program in the "AutoMapa EU" group, which can be accessed by choosing Start|All Programs.
1.9.2 PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices
On portable devices (with Windows Mobile 2003/Windows Mobile 5/Windows CE.NET 5.0 operating system), AutoMapa is installed by default in the [Memory card]AutoMapa EU directory, and maps are installed in the [Memory card]AutoMapa EUMaps directory.
The installation directory always contains two EXE files: AutoMapa EU.exe (responsible for preparing AutoMapa for start) and the actual executable program file (its name is subject to the selected platform type). To optimise program operation, the executable program file is copied from the card to the main memory of the portable device, where it is saved in the "AutoMapa EU" directory (only if the program is installed on the memory card). The program which supports the process of waking up the device from stand-by mode and the components of shortcuts on the Today screen are installed in the Windows directory (only for PPC/WM5 platforms). The program shortcut is also installed in the Start|Programs menu. If the "Save files for future installation" option has been selected, a shortcut to the installation program will be created in the "AutoMapa EU" group in the Start|All programs menu of a PC.
Recovering the installation after a hard reset of the device
If AutoMapa has been installed on the memory card (refer to the point below), and the device was reset to factory default settings, the user will lose only the shortcut for activating the program in the "Start" menu, the shortcut on the Today screen and the program which supports the process of waking up the device with active AutoMapa. To recover the above components, run the installation program and reinstall those components. You do not need to reinstall the program or the maps. Note: The "SD AutoStart" component safeguards the user against the above loss, but only if the program has been installed on a memory card.
Locating the program and the maps
The system prefers full program and map installation on a memory card. Alternatively, the program can be installed in device memory, and maps – on the memory card. If the map fragment selected for installation is sufficiently small, and the portable device memory is sufficiently large, the map can also be installed directly in device memory. The following guidelines should be observed:
• In devices with Windows Mobile 2003 operating system, device memory is reset after a hard reset and when the battery is completely discharged (a highly unpractical solution). If the program is installed in device memory, the user will lose all system settings, including favourite points, POI, etc., after a reset (even though such files can be moved manually from the memory card by copying the "Data Files" directory to the card and by reading in the respective files to screens which describe the settings). Nevertheless, device memory is a much faster memory carrier than memory cards.
• In devices with Windows Mobile 5 operating system, the device memory is a built-in flash card. The memory is not formatted after battery discharge, but it is formatted after a hard reset. In some devices, built-in memory may have lower read-out parameters than fast SD cards.
• In devices with Windows CE.NET operating system, device memory may be formatted after the device is disconnected from the supply source. For this reason, the installer prevents AutoMapa from being installed in the main memory of such a device.
• The only situation which justifies the installation of the program in the main memory of the device is the installation of map fragments on many memory cards (if the user does not have a single card capable of accommodating the given map set or fragment).
1.9.3 Other directories
After the first start of the program, "Data Files" and "Settings Files" folders containing, respectively, user data (location of Home and Work points, POI, favourites, last visited, POI categories with warning messages, assigning system functions to keys, etc.) and system settings (GPS, interface, route settings, etc.) will be created in the installation directory. "Icons" and "Voices" folders, which contain files whose names correspond to POI categories, can also be created in the installation directory (if not created by the installer):
• .BMP bitmaps (16x16 pixels with 8-bit colour palette) used as icons for the given POI category (on the map and in selection lists)
• .WAV files (preferably 22 kHz/8-bit/mono) used as warning messages for the given POI category.
The user can also change the default design of the GPS marker by creating a subfolder named Images (similar to Icons and Voices folders) and copying there the respective bitmaps with the following names:
for 2D mode -> car2D.bmpfor 3D mode -> car3D.bmp
Additionally, the user can select separate versions for night mode skins:
car2D_night.bmpcar3D_night.bmpThe optimal format is 256 colors without RLE compression. The bitmap size is arbitrary, and the file is displayed in the
original size, without any scaling.White pixels (RGB - 255,255,255) are not displayed and remain transparent. This default "transparent" color setting can be changed by creating in the Images folder the following file(s):
car2D.bmp.settingscar3D.bmp.settings
with entry: crTrans=R G B
where R, G, B means color codes, from '0 0 0', i.e. black, to '255 255 255', i.e. white.
The bitmap location on the map can be adjusted vertically by the following entry:
iAltGPSMarkerBottomMargin=X (in the same file),
where X means the vertical shift of the bitmap center in respect of the bottom margin (0 - on the margin).Default shift value (no entry) is 24 pixels.
2 Basic functions of the AutoMapa system
This section describes the basic functions of the AutoMapa system and provides information on how to start using and efficiently navigating the main program options.
2.1 AutoMapa start-up
Following successful installation and registration of the program and the maps, AutoMapa is ready to use. Its start-up method depends on the type of the navigation device. On a typical PocketPC portable device, you can run AutoMapa by selecting the program from the "Start" menu or directly from the start screen. If the map has not been registered, AutoMapa will display the relevant request upon start. After the first start-up, a window will be displayed asking the user to choose a profile. Profiles store settings and they enable the user to quickly switch between groups of settings (e.g. for driving a company truck and a private car). When the "Use as default profile" option is selected, the settings from the chosen profile will be loaded automatically every time the program starts, and the user will not be prompted to select a profile.After the first start-up, the display will show a language selection screen for AutoMapa interface (the screen is displayed only if more languages have been installed).
The "AutoMapa - Warning" screen
Then the "AutoMapa - Warning" screen will be displayed, containing information and instructions regarding safety of use when driving. After reading its contents, tap the OK button located at the bottom right corner of the screen to continue. To disable the display of the message at the next start-up, check the "Do not show this again" box at the bottom corner of the screen.
Welcome screens
The display will show a welcome screen with fast access to selected AutoMapa options, allowing the user to start navigation, start map browsing or specify the connection parameters of a GPS receiver.Go to - opens a destination selection menu that allows you to immediately start navigation (upon correct configuration of GPS device). Usually, the device is detected automatically. If that is not the case, manually configure the relevant parameters (port number and baud rate) and, for an external GPS device, make the relevant connections (applies also to Bluetooth connection). The method and the correct parameters of the connection should be described in the device's documentation. Map – map browsing mode. This option offers the best introduction to the application, and as such is recommended for new users. To disable the display of the welcome screen at each start-up, check the "Do not show this again" box.
Configuring AutoMapa Traffic
The AutoMapa Traffic system enables users to avoid traffic jams by processing real data on the anticipated driving speeds on the roads. The system relies on both statistical information (collected over longer periods of time) and online data, which are collected and sent regularly.
The basic parameters of AM'Traffic can be configured in the configuration window displayed upon the first start-up.
When the SmartRoutes (tm) option is selected, the traffic jam avoidance mechanism is activated, and routes are mapped by relying on traffic and jams statistics.
By choosing the LiveDrive! (tm) option, the user activates a mechanism that avoids traffic jams by mapping routes based on online data (3G/HSDPA). The LiveDrive! (tm) option may imply additional data transmission charges quoted by the telecommunications operator.
In devices without the Internet access, SmartRoutes (tm) data can be synchronised with the use of the Amcenter 1.0 application, which can be downloaded at http://www.AutoMapa.pl/, the "Support" - "Current release" section, and http://www.miplo.pl/.
Detailed information can be accessed by tapping the "Details" button.
2.2 Simplified and Expert menu
By default, AutoMapa runs in simplified interface mode with access only to the most important system options. To enable/disable simplified mode, select "Simplified menu" from the main menu of the application. The differences between the two modes consist in the number of options available in the route menu, POI menu and "Go to" menu.
2.3 Main menu and map buttons
2.3.1 Map buttons
The screen shows 4 buttons at the bottom of the displayed map, of which two main buttons are:
in the bottom left corner of the screen, which opens the main menu.
in the bottom right corner of the screen, which opens the context menu of the selected point on the map and is equivalent to tapping the pen on the screen.Moreover, the map features also the following buttons:
Telephone support option (for select devices only).
Sound enable/disable. Hold the button to display the volume slider instead of the scale slide rule.
Sequential switch between the following modes: 2D, 3D and 3D with building outlines.
On-screen button switch – Enables/disables semi-transparent on-screen buttons. Hold it to hide/show the panels covering the map.
Fast change of scale in the navigation mode. Available option: town (zoom-in), outside town (zoom-out), overview (region).
Enabling of disabled navigation mode, e.g. by map scrolling or GPS shut-down.
Information on the current position (in accordance with the GPS localization), or description of the point selected on the map.
Opens the AM'Traffic system statistics window. No data to send.
Opens the AM'Traffic system statistics window. Communicating with the server- sending or receiving data.
Opens the AM'Traffic system statistics window. The system is active, data are collected for the next transfer session.
Opens the AM'Traffic system statistics window. The previous attempt to receive or send data failed.
Information on current position
The information panel indicates the location and the current position (GPS-based) or describes a point selected on the map.
By tapping on the panel, the user opens a window where the type of displayed information can be selected (by clicking on a button representing a given type of data).
The button representing a given type of data is deselected by clicking on the "Clear" button.
AutoMapa enables the user to save three defined sets of data displayed in the panel (the user can navigate between the sets by clicking on the number of the set).
2.3.2 Main menu
The main menu features the key options for operating the AutoMapa system. Some options are marked by a small rectangle on the left, which resembles a diode light. When greyed out, the rectangle indicates that the given option is not active at the moment. When the rectangle is lit blue, the given option is active. The menu features two screens – you can move between them with the use of < and > buttons on the bar at the bottom of the screen. Press the X button to exit the menu. Other main menu options:
Options – enables/disables the onboard computer, night mode, sounds, pilot and screen pivot.
Disable GPS – enables/disables GPS (in Expert mode, this menu is replaced with "GPS" option, which opens the GPS menu).
POI – opens the POI menu with configuration of POI warnings, parameters of POI display or POI management.
Settings - opens the settings menu. Refer to the "Settings" chapter.
Opens the "Go to/Search" menu, as discussed in the "»Go to« menu and searching destinations - searching for addresses and points' section.
Opens the "Route" menu, where the user can perform operations on the mapped route, change the route type and set up roadblocks.
Simplified menu – enables/disables the simplified menu.
AM'Traffic - Opens the AM'Traffic menu.
Accident - Opens the Accident menu.
Full content of help and program operating instructions, as well as information about program version and manufacturers, license agreement text, information about the loaded map, system license owner's data.
Context menu is available on most of the screens by clicking the icon.
Minimize – hides the program. The application will operate in the background; to re-open the program on portable devices, select the AutoMapa shortcut on the screen or in the "Start" menu. This function can be assigned to a hardware button (refer to "Settings: Buttons").
End – closes the program. This function can be assigned to a hardware button (refer to "Settings: Buttons").
2.4 Map
AutoMapa can be operated in three modes:
• the map view mode – with the GPS receiver off, • the show position/tracking mode – with the GPS receiver on but without a mapped route, • the navigation mode – with the GPS receiver on and a mapped route.
Map view
This is the simplest way of working with AutoMapa and it does not require a connection with the GPS receiver. In this mode, the user can view the map, find address points or POI. The user can also map a route between selected points and view the route on the map.When the user taps on any point on the map or an icon of an object displayed on the map, a "balloon" with a description of the given location will be displayed: the name of the street and town, building address, description of POI or a favourite point. The description is also displayed on the bar located at the bottom of the screen.
Map view 2
AutoMapa enables the user to find the searched location in several ways. One of them involves the use of pen/fingers for scrolling the map and the use of tools for changing the scale in which the map is displayed. This is a good viewing method if the user knows in which area of the map the searched point is located, and place names do not have to be entered in the search window. Another useful function is the option of magnifying a rectangular section of the map, which can be assigned to hardware buttons. (Refer to: Advanced features and system settings/ Settings menu/Settings: Buttons.
Map scrolling and zooming
Map scrolling allows the user to change the currently displayed section of the map. Each movement of the pen/finger on the screen moves the map in the indicated direction. The scale in which the map is displayed is not changed.
If the user wants to see an interesting map section in greater detail, he/she can grab a rectangular area to zoom in.
By default, the Switch to map scrolling/zooming function is assigned to the screen button, which hides the screen buttons and slider. To toggle between the enlarging and map zooming mode, press and hold this button. The mode and button icon will change.
During map zooming it is possible to change the scale of the map to suit the user's individual requirements. The scale can also be changed with the scale slider.
Scale Slide Rule
The scale Slide Rule is found on the right of the AutoMapa screen. It is used to smoothly zoom in and out on the screen.If the Slide Rule is moved down, the map will be enlarged to a more detailed view. When the Slide Rule is moved up, it produces the opposite effect – the user zooms out and details disappear.On the Slide Rule there is a scale, referring to the map width visible on the screen.The Slide Rule zooms in or out on the map in reference to the navigation point/position cursor, which is marked on the map with the "view finder" symbol. The location of the navigation point/position cursor can be changed by tapping on a selected point on the map. Note: the 3D mode is automatically deactivated at higher scale values.A semi-transparent Scale Slide Rule can be hidden/displayed with the on-screen button switch, located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Compass
The compass is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen as an arrow with the letter "N", pointing to the north. By tapping on the compass, you will align the top of the map to the north.By default, this option is turned off.
Directional arrow to route point
The arrow is displayed in the top right corner of the screen and it shows the direction to the next point on the route (this feature is hidden by default).The above feature can be hidden/displayed in the interface settings in the Settings menu.
2.5 Selecting a point on the map
A point on the map can be selected in a number of ways:
• by holding your finger or the pan tool down on a selected map point, • by tapping on the "map cursor" icon on the tool bar under the map (unless a different function has
been assigned to this option; refer to "Settings: Buttons"), • by tapping on the "Map point" option in the "Go to" menu, • by pressing the respective hardware key – if this function has previously been assigned to the key
(refer to "Settings: Buttons").
By selecting a point on the map, you will open the context menu. You can assign a function to the selected point. The same menu opens up when an object is selected in the options for searching the address, POI, etc. in the "Go to" menu.
Context menu
The context menu may cover several pages and the user can move between the pages with the use of arrows located at the bottom of the screen. Its content varies subject to the context, i.e. the type of object for which the context menu opens. The first page contains route mapping options. The user can activate navigation to a given point and map the route between the user's present GPS position and the selected point ("Go to" option) or can define a given location as one of the route points (start point – "START", end point – "FINISH", or a route point – "STOP”). If the "Go to" option is selected when the GPS receiver is off, the GPS receiver will be activated and it will make an attempt to determine the user's present position.
Context menu 2
The second page of the context menu enables the user to define a selected location as Home, POI or Favourite Point. For detailed information, refer to the "Map points" chapter.The "Show co-ordinates" option will display in detail the GPS co-ordinates of the selected point on the map, and the "Centre on screen" option places the selected point in the centre of the screen.
Context menu 3
If a road section is selected on the map, the "Block section" option will ban traffic along that route, and that section will be avoided when the route is mapped. If the section was already blocked, it can be unblocked.
Similarly to the section blocking procedure, select the "Block area" option from the context menu. The system will go into map display mode. By marking a rectangular area on the map, the user chooses the blocked area where all sections will be blocked (in line with the principle of blocking sections from junction to junction). A blocked area may be unblocked by choosing the "Unblock area" option from the context menu.
For more information, refer to the "Road blocks" chapter.
Context menu 4
If a favourite point or a POI defined by the user is selected, the point can be moved on the map, deleted or copied with the use of "Copy/Cut/Delete/Paste" options.
2.7 Options menu
The menu is available from the main menu. It features the following items:
Profiles: opens the profile manager menu. Profiles enable the user to save device settings. The profile manager helps the user to quickly switch between the saved setting groups.
Night mode: select this mode to change the colours of the map to colours more suitable to night-time navigation that do not wear out the eyes and do not dazzle when the car interior is dark. By default, the night mode is activated automatically with enabled GPS navigation, in accordance with the time, time of the year and position on the map.
On-board computer: opens the on-board computer panel on the screen, presenting information on speed, distance covered, length of stops and drive, etc. For more information, refer to section "Showing position".
Rotate screen: enables the screen to pivot from vertical orientation to horizontal. Option available only on devices with Windows Mobile 2003SE and Windows Mobile 5 operating systems. This function can be assigned to hardware button (refer to "Hardware Buttons") and can be used instead of system functions.
Pilot: enables and disables the pilot panel (turn and route information) during the navigation. By default, it is enabled automatically when the navigation mode is on, and is disabled in the same way after completing the navigation. Refer to section "Navigation".
Sounds: enables and disables all the sounds generated by AutoMapa, including tapping sounds, navigational messages, etc. Always on upon application start. For message settings, refer to section "Settings".
Profiles...
Profiles enable the user to save device settings. The profile manager helps the user to quickly switch between the saved setting groups.
There are three default profiles: truck, passenger, 4WD. The fourth profile with the user's settings is displayed in the profile manager when the program is upgraded to AutoMapa v. 6.6.
The profile creator menu is opened by clicking on the "New" button. After entering the name, selecting the template and the icon to represent the given profile, and eventually clicking the "OK" button, the profile will be created.
The decision menu is activated by clicking on the "Ask" button. In this menu, the user decides whether to display or block the display of the profile creator when AutoMapa starts.
By pressing on a button representing a given profile, the user opens a menu, in which the profile can be activated ("Use profile" button), deleted ("Delete profile" button), edited ("Edit profile" button), renamed or assigned a different icon.
2.8 "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
The quickest way of finding a given object on the map (e.g. street, restaurant) is by entering its name in the corresponding search window.
The search window can be opened by selecting "Go to/Search" from the welcome screen or the main menu.
You can search for town, street and addresses ("Addresses" option), points of interest ("POI" option), favourites (specified by the user), last visited ("History"), addresses in the address book of the portable device ("Contacts"), as well as towns and cities by entering the postal code. AutoMapa also enables the user to search for selected points on the map based on GPS coordinates.
"Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... 2
When entering the name of the searched object, it is enough to enter only its short fragment. Do not use capitals or diacritics. To end particular search stages, tap the relevant object with a finger or pen. Previously selected countries, cities or POI categories are remembered and proposed first in the event of subsequent search.
"Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... 3
After selecting an object of interest you can decide what to use it for. By choosing "Go to", you start navigation and AutoMapa calculates and navigates you on a route to a selected destination. The selected object can also be displayed on the map, added to the Favourites list or stored as "Home" or "Work". The above-mentioned options are selected Favourites with their own positions in the "Go to" menu. Their selection allows for immediate route selection and the start of the navigation.
If you select "Go to/Search", AutoMapa, after specifying your GPS position, will automatically enter the navigation mode and will automatically switch and rotate the map in accordance with the direction of the route.
2.8.1 Search address
By default, the search takes place in the country of the user's present position (GPS position or cursor position on the map). In unclear situations (e.g. when the cursor was placed outside the territory of any country), the program will ask the user to select the country first, provided that maps of several countries have been installed in the device. The search process begins with the screen containing information about the recently selected address - "Country", "City or code", "Street", "Number" or "Junctions".When the user clicks the chosen field (e.g. "City"), the system displays the screen for searching the particular location.
Search address 2
The search process begins with entering the name of the town/city. The user has to enter the first letters of the town/city name in the "City:" field at the top of the screen. The code of the country where the address is searched is displayed in the top right corner of the screen. To change the country, use the "Country" option on the bar at the bottom of the screen. AutoMapa allows searching exact point addresses, among others in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Russia.
When the user taps on one of the locations found by AutoMapa, the program will display the street search window in the given town/city.
Searching and automatic suggesting of the list of found cities and streets begins after the second character is entered. There is also an additional delay, enabling the user to quickly enter several characters. The list of found streets can be additionally sorted. First, the results for the given city will be shown. By selecting "(!)Nearby", redundant streets will be shown, which were found in cities neighbouring the selected city. They have been marked with the exclamation mark in addition.
In addition, after the first few characters have been entered, redundant keyboard keys will be disabled to prevent accidental use. If the search results fit a single screen, the keyboard will be automatically collapsed to facilitate the address selection.
Search address 3
Note: the program memorises the previously selected locations, which will be suggested during subsequent search inquires. In this situation, the keyboard does not open automatically. To find an address in a new location, open the keyboard with the icon in the bottom right corner of the screen or tap on the field where the place name is entered.
After finding the location, the user can select it as an object of interest (by tapping on its name again) or – to find a given street – enter the first letters of the street name in the "Street" field.
After selecting the street, the user can: select the street in its entirety ("Entire street" option), find the address assigned to the street (by entering the address in the "Address:" field or by scrolling the list), or select a junction with other streets ("Show junctions" option).
If the streets have no house numbers, or if there are no streets in the place, the address searching will finish at the earlier stage.
By tapping on a selected address point (or junction, the "Entire street" option, or the name of the town/city on the previous screen), the user will open the context menu window where the given location can be set as the destination point, a route point, "Home", "Work", POI, favourite point, or can be displayed on the map.
2.8.2 Search POI
On the "Search for POI" screen one can quickly select the place where to search POIs. Functions available on the screen:
• Change the search radius (options: "„In close vicinity” and "In further vicinity"). The search radius is determined by the number of POI found in the area. The more POI the system finds in the area, the more restricted the search radius.
• "In locality" - searches POIs after selecting a locality. • If a route has been mapped, the search can be limited to points in the
„route vicinity" – with options "On the route (nearest)" and "On the route (whole)". Icons which appear by such points indicate the
distance: up to 50 m, 100 m, 150 m from the route. The grey
dark icon signifies a point on the side of the road opposite to the travelled direction (i.e. on the left side in Continental Europe and on the right in Great Britain). An additional option "In the destination vicinity" searches POIs at the route end point.
• Filter the list of the found points so that only built-in points or user-defined points are displayed (all points are displayed by default).
Search POI 2
POIs are searched by typing in a string of characters in the "Name" field.
The number of found categories and POIs containing the entered string of characters is displayed. The listed results will be displayed when one result is selected.
The objects found in the given category are displayed in the search window. The results are listed in the order of the nearest to the most distant objects. After tapping on the description or the icon of the object in the results list, the user will have access to the context menu where the given point can be viewed on the map and can be added to, for example, the list of favourite points.
To find a POI in another place on the map, go back to "Search for POI" screen and change the search location or go back to the map and move it to the place where you want to start searching (by placing the cursor on the map).To find a more distant POI, select using the "More" option on the bar at the bottom of the screen.
2.8.3 Search by postal codes
AutoMapa supports the search of an address with the use of a postal code. Select the "Postal codes" option from the "Go to/Search" menu (this option is not available in the simplified menu mode). Enter the postal code and a list of corresponding locations will be displayed.
The town, district or street can be selected from the list of results displayed for the entered postal code in the field on the right hand side.
The user can select the location (by tapping on its name) or, to find a specific street, enter a fragment of its name in the "Street" field.
By tapping on a selected address point, the user will open the shortcut menu window where the given location can be marked as the destination, a route point, "Home", "Work", POI or favourite. The location can also be displayed on the map.
2.8.4 Searching by geographic coordinates
AutoMapa supports the search for locations using GPS geographic coordinates. Select the "GPS point" option from the Go to/Search menu (this option is not available in the simplified menu). Enter the geographic coordinates of the searched point and click on the "Go to" button to activate the route mapping manager, and map the route from the present point to
the entered point.
The entered point is regarded as an ordinary map point, for which a variety of options are available (the menu can be accessed by clicking on the "Other options" button); it can be added to the POI database, the favourite points list, it can be displayed on the map, set as the "start" or "end" point.
The format of coordinates can be changed using the "Options" button on the bottom bar of the screen.
2.9 Map points
Favourite points
Favourite points are a reference set of user-defined points. They can be used to register the addresses of family members, favourite restaurants or any other frequently visited locations.
The program automatically creates a "Car" favourite point, which remembers the last GPS position upon the shut-down of external power supply or program exit (helping you find a car at a parking lot, etc.).Favourite points are set on the map by opening the context menu in any location on the map or found object (address, POI, etc.) and by choosing the "Add to favourites" option. The function of adding a favourite point can also be assigned to a hardware key (refer to the section "Settings: Buttons").
Favourite points are displayed on the map by a flag icon: Favourite points can be moved on the map, deleted or copied with the use of "Copy/Cut/Delete/Paste" options from the context menu.The favourite points editing screen is found in the POI menu.
2.9.2 Home/Work
Home/Work are special favourite points, which are assigned own options in the "Go to" menu. When the "Home" or "Work" option is selected, navigation is activated directly – you do not have to go through the context menu.Similarly to favourite points, "Home" and "Work" points can be defined by opening the context menu in any location on the map or found object (address, POI, etc.) and by choosing the "Mark as Home" or "Mark as Work" option.
The points have their own icons on the map: and The points are displayed on the list of favourite points ("Go to|Favourite points").
2.9.3 POI (Points of Interest)
The map contains a built-in POI base for every country. The POI base includes
objects such as pharmacies, restaurants, ATMs, hotels, etc. They are marked on the map with icons corresponding to the given category.The POI categories are grouped in a hierarchical tree synchronised with the AutoMapa users' service http://www.miplo.pl. If under the given category there is the icon, it means it is a master category - it contains POIs or other categories. If the user wants to browse the master category contents, they must click the icon. To close an open category, the icon must be clicked.
POIs display on the map
The category of points to be viewed by the user on the map is defined with the use of the "Display" option in the POI menu. Interesting POI categories are selected with a square to the left of their names. The square means that POIs in a given category, both the ones built into the map and the user-defined ones, are shown.An important display parameter is the scale, below which the points are displayed on the map. The scale is set with the use of the "Scale" button on the tool bar at the bottom of the screen. The scale threshold and the number of displayed categories should be selected carefully to make sure that POI icons do not obstruct the map view.
POI categories can be selected and deselected with the use of the "Options" button to display or remove them from the map. The "Add category" option enables the user to define a new category with a customised name
(when icon density is high at higher map scale values, the system automatically filters the icons and does not display all of them). By selecting "Display all", the user can choose to display only categories on the pre-filtered list. The "Organise context menu" option enables the user to change the sequence in which the selected context menu categories are displayed.
The "View" button enables the user to restrict the list of categories to point categories, which are displayed on the map or hidden.
When a fragment of the POI name is entered in the "Name" field, the system will find POIs and categories that fulfill search criteria regardless of whether and which category is displayed during the search.
POI display on the map 2
When the POIs are displayed on the map, the user can obtain additional information on the selected POI, e.g. a tourist destination, restaurant or pharmacy, and see photos related to the given POI thanks to the MiploPics function. After tapping the pen on the selected point, a balloon with short information will be displayed above the POI. To obtain more detailed information, click the balloon or open the context menu and select the Info option. The program will display a screen containing the most important information regarding the POI, such as the name, short description or telephone number.If the description of the POI features the telephone number, then you can directly call that number. To do so, select Call button, which is located at the bottom of the displayed window, then confirm your decision by pressing the displayed small window with the telephone number.
POI display on the map 3
If there are photos related to the given POI, after clicking the button with the camera symbol the user can launch the photo browsing screen.
The user can zoom in/out the photo by clicking the "+/-" button. If there are more photos, the "Left" and "Right" buttons are used for navigation.
Members of the AutoMapa users' portal Members of the AutoMapa users' portal www.miplo.pl can download photos for particular POI using MiploSync.
The "Options" button located on the information screen offers options identical to those available from the context menu.
Organise pop-up menu
This function changes the sequence in which pop-up menu categories are displayed in display, warning and POI search windows. The arrows move the selected category up or down accordingly.
POI are set on the map by opening the context menu in any place on the map or found object (address, POI, etc.) and by choosing the "Add to POI" option. This function can also be assigned to a hardware key (refer to the section "Settings: Buttons").To add POI, first select the respective category and name the POI. You can also add a short description. The new POI will be identified on the map with the same icon, which is used to mark other points from the given category.
POI edit screen
The user can also edit and delete POI or import them in file format from other AutoMapa users or Internet servers (e.g. miplo.pl). This can be done with the use of the "Management" screen in the POI menu.
User icons
Points from user-defined categories are marked on the map with the following icon .To assign a user icon or modify the icons of the existing points (including built-in points), you will need a 16 x 16 pixel bitmap in BMP format with an 8-bit colour palette. The name of the file has to be identical to the name of the given point category. Copy the file to the "Icons" folder in the AutoMapa installation directory.
2.10 Show position
This program mode is activated automatically, when the GPS receiver is turned on and when the position is set by the system.
2.10.1 System layout and operation in the show position mode
When the GPS position has been set, AutoMapa automatically switches to the show GPS position mode – the present position is continuously displayed on the map as a pulsating arrow in a circle. The map revolves automatically to show the largest possible area in the travelled direction, and the user's present position is shown at the bottom of the screen. By default, the 3D map view mode is activated. After a short while, the night mode may be automatically activated if the received GPS signal indicates time past sundown. By moving a finger across the screen, the user interrupts the show position mode, and this mode will be restored automatically a few seconds after the last movement of the finger across the map.
A single tap on the screen opens the "Your menu" pop-up menu.
2.10.2 "Your menu" pop-up menu
When AutoMapa operates in the show GPS position mode, the user can open the "Your menu" pop-up by touching the screen. If no operations are performed by the user in the course of several seconds, the menu will be closed automatically to protect the screen against accidental touching.
By default, this menu offers 6 features, which can be changed or extended to max. 12 by using Menu | Settings | Buttons.
On-board computer - allows the user to open the screen of the AutoMapa on-board computer.
Night mode - Enables/disables the night mode on AutoMapa.
Add to POI – by clicking this option, you can add your current location to the list of points of interest - the GPS location or the point to its left or right.
Detour – enables a detour around a section of the route over specified
distance.
Add to Favourites – as above; adds the selected point to Favourites.
Route - opens the relevant menu screen.
2.10.3 On-board computer
The "Computer" option is found in the "Your menu" and "Options" menu. This option opens the panel of AutoMapa system's on-board computer. The panel is shown to the left, while its contents have been explained below: The meter section shows the presently selected set of meters. The meters comprise 4 independent sets of parameters displayed by the on-board computer. They can be independently reset and selected for display. Each set is located on a separate screen, which can be switched by selecting the arrow keys. To reset the meters, select "Reset", from the bar at the bottom of the screen. To start/pause the calculations performed by the "Computer", use the "Pause" option. Meter sets A, B and C, are reset every time AutoMapa is started and GPS is activated, while set D is a "permanent" meter – it continues to run until manual reset.
On-board computer 2
The speed section displays the following data on the given meter, from the left: maximum speed, average speed, and average speed including stopping time.
The distance section displays the following data, from the left: the entire distance travelled since system activation (or meter reset) and the distance from the last stop. The route progress bar is displayed above, showing the percentage of the route travelled so far (only if the route has been previously mapped).
The time section displays the following data, from the left: total driving time, total stopping time and driving time since the last stop.
2.10.4 POI Warnings
POI warnings is a function which informs the user about approaching a point of a given category. It can be used to warn the user of dangerous points or traffic radars on the route. This function also notifies the user of points of interest in the area by displaying the relevant information, e.g. restaurants or ATMs. The POI warnings function is active in the show position mode and during navigation. When the warning function is activated, the system changes the scale of the displayed map to ensure the maximum visibility of the given POI.The "Warnings" window in the POI menu can be used to select POI categories and set the nature of the "warning" message.
POI Warnings 2
A number of POI warning categories from "Traffic Information" are active by default.Interesting POI categories are selected with a square to the left of their names. The square enables POI warnings for a given category, both for the POIs built into the map and the user-defined ones.The "Options" and "View" buttons have identical functions to those on the "POI Display" screen.
The "File" button enables the user to perform basic operations in the file where the settings for POI warning categories are stored (.war file). The functions are described in the POI Menu: Management 2.
The number of POI warnings categories should be selected carefully to ensure that the main system functions are not disrupted during navigation.
POI Warnings 3
After selecting point categories, warning parameters can be modified separately for every category. Tap on the category name to open the parameters screen.In the first screen, the user can define the speed above which the warnings will be displayed. The "Repeat" option defines the minimal interval between subsequent warnings for the same POI.The options below enable the user to select effects related to the warning, displayed on the map screen:
• Voice message – the warning message will be accompanied by a sound. For POI warning, the distance is provided only if it is big enough.
• Inform about distance to point - specifies the distance on the map from the displayed POI icon, and generates a voice message about the distance to POI.
• Display info – a "balloon" is displayed above the point with the following information: name and description.
• Show until passed – the warning message for the given point category will continue to be displayed until the user passes the point.
• Do not warn of POI on the left on two-way roads - if this option is selected, the system will warn only of POI located on the right side of two-way road.
POI Warnings 4
In the second screen of warning settings you can specify whether AutoMapa will warn of POI located near the route (specifying the maximum distance in which POIs are detected by the route), whether they are located in the direction of driving (specifying the angle and radius of POI detection in the direction of driving, where the bigger the angle and radius, the more POIs will activate the warning system).
POI Warnings 5
In the last screen of warning settings you can select warning effects on the map display:
• Voice message – the warning message will be accompanied by a sound. For POI warning, the distance is provided only if it is big enough.
• Inform about distance to point - specifies the distance on the map from the displayed POI icon, and generates a voice message about the distance to POI.
• Show warning frame – a red frame is drawn around the point icon on the map.
• Display info – a "balloon" is displayed above the point with the following information: name and description.
• Show until passed – the warning message for the given point category will continue to be displayed until the user passes the point.
• Do not warn of POI on the left on two-way roads - if this option is selected, the system will warn only of POI located on the right side of two-way road.
After the user modifies the warning parameters and closes the respective window, the system will inquire whether the used parameters should be saved as default. When the user chooses "Yes", every point category selected in the future will have identical warning message parameters.
piotrb
Stamp
piotrb
Stamp
Sample selection of warning message parameters
Warning about speed cameras on the road: Warn about POIs:
When exceeding: 40km/h
Repeat warning every: Once
Sound message: Yes
Inform about distance to point:
Yes
Show information: No
Show untill passed No
Do not warn about POI on the left side of two-directional roads: No
Located along the route: Yes
Max. to the left: 20 m
Max. to the right: 30 m
Forward up to: 500 mInform about restaurants in the vicinity: Warn about POIs:
When exceeding: 30km/h
Repeat wraning every: 8sec
Sound message: Yes
Inform about distance to point: No
Show information: Yes
Show untill passed No
Do not warn about POI on the left side of two-directional roads:No
Located in the driving direction: Yes
Searching angle: 60 o
Radius: 500 mThe screen shows a sample effect of warning about a POI belonging to the category "Radar, speed measurement" and "Restaurant" during the drive. The system generates a sound message, shows the distance to the first point. The points have a bold frame around, and the map zoom changes in order to display them clearly.
User warning sounds
The user can customise warning sounds for the given POI category. To do this, copy your .WAV file (preferably 22 kHz/8 bit/mono) with a name identical to the name of the POI category to the "Voices" folder in the AutoMapa installation directory.
2.11 Navigation
Navigation is an AutoMapa operating mode, in which the system indicates the user's position on the map (if GPS is on) and the mapped route. In the navigation mode, AutoMapa guides the user to the point of destination by displaying the mapped route and the vehicle's position on the map, and displays the pilot panel, which notifies the user about the upcoming manoeuvres, accompanied by voice messages.There are two ways of starting navigation:
• by selecting the point of destination with the use of the "Go to/Search" option: the system maps the route, displays the entire route on the screen, generates a voice message on the length of the route and the time required to reach the destination, and activates navigation after a few seconds, or
• by mapping the route with START and END points, activating GPS or navigation (if GPS is already on) in the "GPS" menu.
2.11.1 Mapping the route
To map the route, the user has to define at least two points – the beginning and the end of the route. They can be set on the map or with the use of the "Go to/Search" menu option, by selecting the START or END option in the context menu. The system will ask the user whether the route should be mapped and will do it after receiving an affirmative answer.
If the user chooses the "Go to" option in the context menu for any point on the map or another object, the route is mapped between the user's present position and the selected point, and navigation is activated automatically.
Mapping the route 2
The course of the mapped route can be modified with the use of "THROUGH" points (which can also be set in the context menu). "THROUGH" points force the route to intersect a given location. The type of the THROUGH point can be selected:
• THROUGH area - an Intelligent THROUGH Point is created. The location of this point is not detailed upon route mapping, but only adjusted to the course of the route. The point is used for specifying the initial course of the route which is then adjusted to obtain a set, optimal distance to that point (depending on the size of the city/town where the point is located).
• THROUGH point - forces the route to pass exactly through the indicated point. If a city/town is selected without specifying the street, the route will run through the centre.
Before the route to the new destination is confirmed, the system may ask whether to remove the unnumbered THROUGH points from the previous route.
Mapping the route 3
The sequence of points on the route can be modified in the "Route" menu, by selecting the "Information" option in the "Route points" window. The option contains valuable information on the mapped route: a list of manoeuvres, a comparison of travelling distance and time along various road categories, etc.
The route start time can be set by clicking the "start date" button. The system will select the route using data from the AM'Traffic system, taking into account the time limits and road throughput at the moment when the route reaches it. The return route - to the START point - can be mapped with the use of the "Reverse" option in the "Route" menu.
The route type can be changed when this option is selected in the first screen of the "Route" menu. The system supports the following route types:
Fast
The route will be mapped along roads with the shortest time to drive.
Short
The system will map the shortest possible route, avoiding roads of the lowest category (e.g. dirt roads).
Best
The route will account for the parameters of the Fast and the Short route, i.e. both the throughput of the travelled roads and total route length. The "Settings/Route" option in the main menu can be used to define which route parameter (Distance/Speed) has priority.
Off-road
The system will map the shortest possible route without taking into account the road category. The shortest possible route could lead through sections of lower category roads, including dirt roads.This route type is not available in "simplified mode".
Walking
The route will not account for the direction of traffic, Do Not Enter signs or road categories. This is a useful option for users travelling on foot or by bike. The route is not mapped along international roads or motorways.
Cross-country
This route leads directly to the destination, along a straight line, disregarding the lay of the land. Such a route does not utilize the road network. (This option is not available in the "simplified mode").
2.11.2 System layout and operation in navigation mode
If your GPS receiver has been connected and correctly configured, and the route has been mapped, AutoMapa will automatically switch to navigation mode. In this mode, map operation is identical to that in the Show GPS Position mode. During navigation, depending on the time given by the GPS system and the season of the year, AutoMapa may dim the colours of the map and other screen features displayed, making sure that light screen is not too dazzling at night.In addition, the route (the travelled distance is shown in a different colour), the chainage poles (showing the subsequent road kilometres) and the arrows of the upcoming manoeuvres are displayed on the map.The pilot panel, notifying the user about the upcoming manoeuvre (moreover, each such maneouvre will be preceded by a voice message including similar information) and the name of the street where the manoeuvre will take place is displayed on the screen. The street name is additionally preceded by the road number and mileage, i.e. the successive kilometre travelled on the route. The pilot panel information displayed on the right side of the screen should be read as follows: after 20 metres the user must turn left into Zwierzyniecka street, there is 329 km to the destination, which will take 4 hours and 4 minutes. Current speed is 28 km/h. Inside each map (for a large number of Polish cities), there are embedded data on REAL speed limits for each road section. The system compares the current vehicle speed with the speed limit valid for the section the vehicle is on at the moment, and when the limit is exceeded, the warning sign is displayed with the information on the maximum allowed speed. The current speed is highlighted with the red colour of the "Speed" section. Click the sign to turn off displaying the speed exceeding warning.
The following icon will be displayed when driving through a
built-up area: .
The following icon will be displayed when driving through a built-up area: Tapping the individual panel sections enables sequential switching between the following values: current time (GPS), remaining time to destination, estimated time of arrival, current speed, distance to destination, the following manoeuvre (after the upcoming manoeuvre). After clicking the distance to the next manoeuvre, its symbol or name of the street for that manoeuvre, first the route fragment is shown from a distance, and then the whole route. The third tap returns to the position display.If you need to leave the route calculated by AutoMapa, just keep on driving and do not worry: the program will automatically map an alternative route in view of the situation on the road.The route auto-correction function supports automatic navigation when the GPS receiver signals that the user is off the route. There can be many reasons for going off the route: traffic jam, road works, accident, driver's error, map error, inaccurate GPS reading, etc. In practice, this happens quite often. Thanks to auto-correction, the driver does not have to make independent attempts to return to the mapped route or manually set a new route from the present position – this will be done by AutoMapa. When the driver goes off the mapped route, AutoMapa will wait for a few seconds (to make sure that it is not a planned manoeuvre, e.g. an attempt to bypass a road obstruction) and will automatically map a new route in line with the previously set points, beginning from the user's current position.
Traffic Lane Assistant
The Traffic Lane Assistant helps the driver to cross complex road junctions. AutoMapa indicates which lanes should be chosen to smoothly drive through European junctions.
The Traffic Lane Assistance system was first introduced for European countries. The Traffic Lane Assistant for Poland will be introduced when the user downloads a map upgrade.
2.11.3 "Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode
Similarly to the show position mode, by touching the screen during navigation, the user will open the "Your menu" pop-up window. It differs from the main menu in the following respects:
• Add to POI – by clicking this option, you can add your current location to the list of points of interest - the GPS location or the point to its left or right.
• Add to Favourites – as above; adds the selected point to Favourites.
• Night mode - Enables/disables the night mode on AutoMapa.
• On-board computer - allows the user to open the screen of the AutoMapa on-board computer.
• Detour – enables a detour around a section of the route over specified distance.
2.12 Block roads
Road sections on the map can be freely blocked and they will be omitted in the route mapping algorithm. The selected sections will be regarded as impassable and will be avoided. Road sections can be blocked over a specific period of time by indicating the beginning and end dates.Road sections with a traffic ban can also be unblocked for the route: the unblocked road section will be used in navigation. The sections which the user unblocked are shown on the map in a different colour.To block a segment (option unavailable in the simplified mode), open the context menu in the given road segment (refer to the section "Context menu") and select the "Block section" option. The system will ask whether an expiry date should be assigned to the blocked section. If the answer is "yes", indicate the date. Follow the same steps to unblock a road section which is marked as impassable on the map by using the "Unblock section" option. Then the user can enter the beginning and/or ending date of the blocks.The section is usually blocked between the two closest crossroads. Of course, there is the possibility of blocking only one traffic direction in case of a multilane road.A section is usually blocked between two nearest junctions. The user can obviously block a one-way traffic lane in a multi-lane road.
AutoMapa also enables the user to block entire areas. Similarly to the section blocking procedure, select the "Block area" option from the context menu. The system will go into map display mode. By marking a rectangular area on the map, the user chooses the blocked area where all sections will be blocked (in line with the principle of blocking sections from junction to junction). A blocked area may be unblocked by choosing the "Unblock area" option from the context menu.Follow the same steps (without being inquired about the expiry date) to unblock a previously blocked section ("Unblock section"). The expiry date can also be modified ("Section block parameters").
Block roads 2
Blocked sections can also be handled with the use of the "Blocked sections" option in the "Route" menu. The list of all blocked sections is displayed: blocked sections are marked with a red circle (traffic ban), and unblocked sections – with a grey circle. This option enables the user to: view the blocked section on the map, unblock the section or modify its beginning and/or expiry date, remove all blocked sections. Blocked sections can be saved to file, read in, added from a file or imported from previous system versions.The same procedure can be used to view blocked areas. A list of blocked areas will be displayed by tapping on the "Areas" button.Blocked areas are shown in the screens above.
2.12.1 Temporary section blocks
The "Detour" option has a similar function but it applies to a section of the route with a preset length. This is a useful function when, for example, the driver sees a traffic jam ahead with the estimated length of 500 m. When the user taps on "Detour" and then "Next 500 m", the system will block all sections from the nearest junction along the distance of 500 m on the preset route. Detour blocks can be removed with the use of the "Detour|Remove detours" option.Detour blocks are automatically deleted when the user exits the program.
2.12.2 Blocked roads and route mapping
The system can use a blocked section to map the route in the following situations:
• when a route point is situated in a blocked road section, • if the detour enforced by the road block is too long in comparison with the route leading through the blocked
section, • during route mapping, when a route point is set at home/work/car.
2.13 AM'Traffic menu
The AM'Traffic menu enables the user to view system statistics by selecting the "AM'Traffic statistics" button, and to view the system - by tapping on the "View AM'Traffic" button. The "AM'Traffic events" - downloads the current traffic events for the whole country.
AM'Traffic events
This function enables downloading and displaying traffic events for the whole country. They are presented on the map as icons for POIs and can affect route calculation.
The downloading is performed in the AM'Traffic Events window with the "Download" or "Get" button (a function for a hardware key is available). The downloaded events are displayed in relation to the distance from the current point on the map. They can be additionally filtered with "Show only current" and "Show only on the route" options.
List of traffic events:
Beginning - event - End:
- Block -
- Other obstructions -
- Catastrophe -
- Road works -
- Accident -
2.14 Accident menu
The "Accident" function enables fast access to emergency information.
An emergency text message can be forwarded to the ICE number by tapping on the "SMS for help" button. The driver's current position can be determined directly by tapping on the "Where am I" button, list of contact phones to the most popular insurance companies - "Reporting damages". By selecting the "Driver's must-have" option, developed in shared effort with Gazeta Wyborcza, the driver will have access to first aid instructions, procedures to be observed in a road emergency, a list of traffic fines, the rights and obligations of the driver and the police officer.
Go for help
The "Go for help" function provides the driver with fast access to information about the nearest hospitals, doctor's offices, police stations and pharmacies. The system will map a walking or a driving route to the requested location.
When a given emergency service button is tapped, AutoMapa will display a list of outlets closest to the driver's current location.
When the driver taps on a given emergency service button, AutoMapa will automatically map the route from the driver's current location to the requested service outlet.
By tapping on the "Back" and "Forward" buttons, the driver can scroll to other screens containing a list of the nearest emergency service outlets.
3 Advanced features and system settings
This section describes advanced system features omitted above, as well as all the available settings selectable in various application screens.
3.1 Route menu
Route menu includes many options useful for calculating and handling AutoMapa routes. The menu is divided into two screens, selectable by pressing arrow buttons. To exit to the main window, tap X. Most menu options are only available for route calculation.In simplified mode, the "Route" menu is composed only of key route-related options. The section below describes the full version of the menu screen.
Demo
Select Demo to show a demonstration of the calculated route. The operation is identical to the playback of the stored GPS track. After reaching the destination, the demonstration starts once again.
Show all
The application scales the map to fit the complete route on the screen.
Reverse
Reverses the order of route points to create a return route that connects the same points, but in the order reverse to the previously calculated one.
Info
Multi-screen dialog box featuring information related to the calculated route, such as a list of manoeuvres, a list of undesirable route sections which had to be mapped, ETA (separated into road grades).This item also includes a POI reordering option (using arrow buttons by the name of route point) and a simple optimization of THROUGH points that consists in finding the THROUGH point closest (as crow flies) to the START point. Then the second closest point is found, etc., until all the VIA points have been reordered.
Delete
Deletes the route points set on the map.
Route type
Option for selecting one of six route types (not all available in simplified mode). The available route types are described in Chapter 2/Navigation/Route mapping.
Fast
Calculates a fast route. If route points have been set, it recalculates the current route in accordance with the fast route algorithm, and if no points have been set, it changes the type of route to be calculated. For more information on routes, see section "Route calculation".
Best
Calculates the best route, i.e. the average between the fast route (where throughput is the priority) and the short one. You can change the relation between the two types in the settings.
Short
Calculates a short route.
Off-road
Calculates an off-road route.
Walking
Calculates a walking route.
Cross-country
Calculates a cross-country route.
3.1.1 Modify
This item offers the following options:
Load
Loads route points saved in an atm file. The file's location should be selected on the device.
Save
Saves route points to an atm file. The file can be saved in any location on the device.
Original
Calculates the original route.
Alternative
Other from START, END and VIA points, this option attempts to use alternative roads throughout the entire course of this route.
Delete detours
Deletes temporary detour roadblocks created with the "Detour" function available from the Show position pop-up menu in the navigation mode.
Recalculate
Recalculates the determined route; function available only after specifying the route points and refusal to calculate it. In navigation mode, it is replaced with option "Calculate from the current position".
3.1.2 Blocked sections and areas
The list of all blocked sections is displayed: blocked sections are displayed first, and they are marked with a red circle (traffic ban), while unblocked sections - with a grey circle. In the list of blocked areas (accessible by tapping on the "Areas" button), blocked areas are marked with a red circle (traffic ban), and unblocked areas - with a grey circle. This option enables the user to: view the blocked section or area on the map, unblock the section or area, modify its beginning and/or expiry date, remove all blocked sections or areas. Blocked sections or areas can be saved to a file, loaded, added from a file or imported from previous system versions.
3.2 GPS menu
GPS menu groups functions required for GPS device operation in the AutoMapa navigation system.
3.2.1 GPS tracks
A GPS track is information stored on the PC, obtained from the GPS antenna, which can be saved to AutoMapa when the GPS receiver is enabled. The track is saved to two files with user-defined names and the following extensions: .gps and gps.bin.
Show track
Shows the saved track as a green line on the map. The map is scaled to fit the complete track on the screen. The display can also show several tracks simultaneously.
Hide track(s)
Hide track(s) displayed on the map.
Track playback
Shows the GPS position based on a previously saved track. The operation is similar to driving with the GPS receiver enabled, also the navigation feature is available.
During track playback, the top of the screen shows keys that speed down, stop or speed up track playback. The number to the right of the keys shows the playback speed as a multiple of the driving speed.
Enable track storage
After you provide the file name and location, the information from the GPS receiver will be saved. This is symbolized by a red square in the top left corner of the screen.
Save route as a track
Converts the route calculated on the map and saves it as a GPS track. The resulting file may be used as a standard GPS track from live recording.Using the "Convert track" button, the user can convert the route to the KML format, so that the GPS track can be viewed with Google Earth.
Convert track
By default, the route track is saved in ".gps" format. AutoMapa enables conversion of the route track from ".gps" to ".kml" format. KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, it is the language for saving geographical data, thanks to which the route track saved by AutoMapa can be read by travel route visualisation applications, like Google Earth.
Click the "Convert track" button to open the route track format converter screen.
The "GPS track details" option, when selected, allows storing all data related to the route track in the ".kml" format - it is checked by default.
To convert the track format, first select the ".gps" file in the device memory: click the "GPS track (.gps)" field and select the target location for the ".kml" track file. By default, for the ".kml" file, the ".gps" location and file name will be selected. Click the "Google Earth track (.kml)" field to change the location and the file name.
Start the conversion by clicking the "Convert" button. You can stop the process at any time by clicking the "Stop" button.
3.2.2 Other GPS functions
Info
This dialog box shows 3 screens of information on the current GPS signal:
• satellite signal level – green bars show the relative strength of the GPS signal of satellites used by the antenna, yellow bars - of other detected satellites,
• your current position, speed, altitude, and direction, • current raw GPS data dump in text form.
Enable/Disable/Detect
Depending on the current operation, this option will enable or disable GPS. If the GPS port has not been detected automatically, the operation can be repeated when this option is called "Detect."
3.3 Settings menu
In the settings menu (select "Settings" from the main menu) you can change many useful parameters of AutoMapa to fit your preferences and requirements of your device.
3.3.1 Interface - Settings
With interface settings you can change the appearance of the screen in accordance with your preferences.
Map
In this box you can change the way the map is displayed on the device screen.
Show route outlines – disables outlines of road sections on the map, speeding up AutoMapa operation.Horizontal street labels in 3D - offers the possibility to display street names horizontally in navigation mode.Thickness of route lines, etc. – specifies the relative line weight of road sections on the map.Small / large label fonts on the map - specifies the size of fonts displayed on the map.Hide local roads at the distance - specifies the scale for hiding lower grade roads.
View
With these options you can adjust the colours of the map to reflect your preferences, and change the manner of its display in 3D mode. Map colours in day mode – specifies the map colour set, selected separately for day mode.Map colours in night mode – specifies the map colour set, selected separately for night mode.Horizon (in 3D view) - specifies the method for displaying the horizon in 3D mode.Inclination (in 3D view) - specifies the method for displaying the map slope, depending on the scale ("Auto") or at a set value.
Preferences
In this screen you can enable/disable the following options used during navigation:
Show on the map in addition – in this section, you can select additional display of GPS position and altitude, the compass indicating the direction of travel and the direction to the next route point (displays an additional arrow on the map screen, indicating the direction to the next route point), as well as the route progress bar. Automatically run - Enables/disables automatic running of the following options:
• switching to 3D mode – the map will be automatically switched to the 3D mode
• switching to night mode - if this option is activated, AutoMapa will automatically (based on the GPS reading, including the position, time of day and year) switch to night mode, i.e. it will change the colours of the map and of other components of the screen to a setting more suited to night-time navigation, which does not tire the eyesight and does not dazzle during the drive, when the car interior is dark.
• turning the map in the driving direction – in showing position and navigation mode, the map is rotated in the direction of user rotation. If disabled, the map will always be oriented to the north, and the cursor of GPS position will be located at the middle of the screen. Note: this option does not apply to map rotation in 3D mode, i.e. map auto-rotation may be disabled only in 2D display mode.
Scale
The two first screens enable the users to adjust the scale used automatically with the following modes: city scale in 2D mode, city scale in 3D mode, intermediary scale 2D, intermediary scale 3D, overview scale 2D, overview scale 3D.On the last screen you can enable/disable automatic zooming in/out of the map upon turning or POI warnings: the application will change the scale at the turn or in the proximity of the POI, to ensure their improved visibility on the screen. AutoMapa also offers the adjustment of the scale for map zooming in/out.
3.3.2 Route - Settings
In this dialog box you can specify additional parameters for the AutoMapa route calculation function.
Car details
In this box you can include the speed profile when calculating the route and set the average speeds for particular road grades, and the related estimated fuel consumption.The above data influence the estimated time of arrival (ETA), including the values displayed in the route info ("Route|Info" menu), and the traffic speed during route demonstration ("Route|Demo" menu).
Car details 2
On this screen the user can choose to include the restrictions for truck vehicles. Select the Truck vehicle option to determine the vehicle's total weight, axle load and dimensions. Additional options are displayed after the above parameters have been specified:
"Privileged" transit. The user can disregard regulatory or periodic "tonnage" limits.
Non-standard heights. The user can choose whether the displayed restrictions account for traffic sign information or the actual dimensions (for non-standard vehicles that require a transit permit).
Preferences
In this screen, the following preferences can be set:Route mapping:
• automatic during Start and End – if this option is selected, the route will be calculated after START and END points have been determined; when this option is not activated, the system will remember route points, but the route will not be mapped. The "Calculate route" option in the Route menu, "Modify" option, can be selected to map the route based on the above points.
• ask for parameters before mapping – when this option is chosen, the driver will be able to set selected route parameters before the route is mapped.
The user can also set preferences regarding toll roads, ferry crossings and highways. The driver may be prompted to select a given option, the program may accept the chosen options unconditionally ("OK") or skip them.
Calculation
Skip roads of class (and worse) – skips road sections of class equal or worse than specified. This option does not apply to off-road or walking routes....detour no more than - sets the maximum detouring distance when the driver chooses to skip roads selected in the Skip roads of class (and worse) option.Avoid U-turns when detouring - sets the maximum distance after which the mechanism disabling U-turns will be activated for calculating the route.Do not cross borders when detouring - sets the maximum distance after which the mechanism preventing border crossing will be activated for calculating the route.
Other
Automatic route correction - enables/disables automatic route correction. If disabled, AutoMapa wil not recalculate the route after driving off it.Delete route after reaching destination - deletes the route after reaching the END point.After mapping - chooses which view is to be displayed directly after the route is mapped. This option may display the entire route, route information or the first manoeuvre on the given route (with the pilot panel), alternatively, the map view may remain unmodified.Route calculation speed - optimizes the heuristics parameters of the route mapping algorithm based on the following correlation: low speed = higher algorithm accuracy.Optimal route - parameterises the optimal route mapping algorithm to ensure that the mapping process relies more on road throughput (fast route) or road length (short route).
ETA
In the last window the user can determine the length and frequency of planned stops on the route, as well as the ETA parameter, which stands for "estimated time of arrival".In this window you can specify the method of estimating the time required for arriving at the destination. The estimation can be based on the declared average speeds (vehicle data settings screen), the AutoMapa Traffic system and/or the current average speed. By default, the estimate is based on the first two parameters. The value in km/h, displayed at the top of the screen, is the current average speed calculated by AutoMapa.
3.3.3 GPS - Settings
General
In this window you can select the general settings for GPS operation.Option Start GPS at program start is automatically enabled by default.Synchronize clock with GPS time - the computer's system time is synchronised with the time of the GPS signal.GPS connected to port and Reading speed from port - selection of GPS port and its speed is made automatically in the COM1-9 range for speeds 4800 and 9600 bps. If the GPS device uses a different COM port or different port speed, manually select the correct parameters in accordance with the data provided by the manufacturer.
Advanced
Advanced GPS settings are available on two subsequent screens, that is:Use Bluetooth GPS receiver - allows to activate the BT module in the computer if it is off. It also helps if there occur problems with the renewal of the BT connection with the GPS device after leaving the sleep mode.Hide Bluetooth Browser - on older devices with Windows Mobile, it helps to hide the BT device selection window.Compensate signal delay - adjusts the position forecasting "strength".Ignore GPS Deviations - specifies the value of deviation of your GPS position from the road network on the map to be ignored, with the position still drawn at a section of the closest road.
Advanced 2
For options Open port only when in use and Read COM port in separate thread it is not recommended to change the default settings, unless you are experiencing problems with the connection to the GPS device. The default settings are specified by AutoMapa.Reading frequency of GPS port - enables the setting of time delay between subsequent readings of the GPS port. The higher the frequency, the better the accuracy (but, potentially, lower efficiency).Save track automatically - enables the user to save the GPS track during every journey while reducing the size of the saved file to that selected in the "to files with max. total size:" option.
3.3.4 Voice messages - Settings
Volume
AutoMapa handles volume – device volume is specified by the application.Note: volume adjustment is made only for the time of system playing the voice messages.Constant message volume - volume slider allows you to increase or decrease the volume of messages, which will not be adjusted in accordance with the speed of your car.Volume adjustment can also be executed automatically, based on the vehicle speed. During fast drive, the interior of the car is noisier than during slow drive. The settings shown at the right-side of the screen should be interpreted as follows: with the speed below 40 km/h, the volume remains at the level of 50% and increases on a straight-line basis once the speed exceeds 40 km/h, only to achieve the maximum setting of 90% if the speed reaches 120 km/h. At speeds greater than 120 km/h, volume remains at the level of 90%.
Preferences
In this window you can select the language of voice instructions and voice messages. The "Test" button can be used to check the current language and voice selection.Notify about searching GPS signal - the message is "Searching for GPS signal". You can change the frequency of the message or turn it off.Inform about distance to destination - regards voice message with information on the distance to destination and estimated time of arrival; this message can sound after route calculation and every specified number of minutes.
Options
Specifies which message groups are turned on, and which are off (navigational, warning about POI, about turning off the route, welcome message). Selecting the option Alternative form of messages means changed reversed order of messages. Instead of "In 600 metres, right", the message will be "Right, in 600 metres".
Frequency
This window groups navigation mode settings (driving along the set route, with a GPS receiver enabled). You can specify when the next voice message for the subsequent manoeuvre will sound, where the distance to the manoeuvre does not depend on the physical distance the car has to travel but on the estimated time of covering the distance.The first message will be played well before the manoeuvre to give you time to prepare (e.g. change the lane before a turn). The manoeuvre warning will be played at the set number of seconds before the manoeuvre, provided that the vehicle's speed exceeds the amount specified in option "Above".The second message will be played at the set number of seconds before the manoeuvre.AutoMapa also offers the option of playing an additional message at a defined time before the manoeuvre, but only in a situation where the car travels with speed higher than specified in option only above.
Turns/straight
Inform about turns - Disables the option of informing about turns.
Show "Straight" when - defines the distance to a manoeuvre, above which AutoMapa shows "straight".
Signal "Straight" manoeuvres - limits the "straight" messages displayed on the route to the minimum.
Speed
If you want to receive warnings about exceeding the safe speed limit, you can specify its value and enable a relevant warning. The safe speed is the limits and multiplication of 10 km/h. The limits are speeds for the given road grade, determined in the map. (If there is no limit in the map, the speed profile specified at the Settings | Route | Car details screen is taken into account).
3.3.5 Buttons - settings
AutoMapa enables assigning of many of its functions to hardware buttons of the user's device.To assign/change function assignation, select menu "Settings" from the main menu, then select "Buttons". Tap on one of the options listed to open a hardkey selection window. Select a button from the list to assign it to a chosen function. The application will try to detect the device's buttons, but sometimes it is unable to recognize the function buttons. If you want to assign a function to a button that is not listed, exit the list. The selected function will be highlighted in blue. Then press a hardkey to assign it to the chosen function. Follow the instructions above to assign functions e.g. to palmphone context buttons.The same applies to system operation on a PC: select a keyboard button/button combination to assign it to a selected function.Abbreviation NQ before function name means "No question", e.g. "(NQ) Start/stop track storage" means that you can start track recording without being asked to enter a file name, while "(NQ) Add the current position to POI" will create a POI with the category of the most recently created point (default: "Other") and a name taken from the POI's description on the map.
Error reporting
"Report error" is an important feature that is available only by assigning it to buttons. This function helps you to send map errors to the AutoMapa support centre. By default, the function is assigned to the Enter/OK device button. It generates the following files in the map installation folder (default: "Memory card/AutoMapa EU/Maps/map name/Errors/YYYY-MM-DD")
• print screen (bitmap in .bmp format) • GPS track (.gps and .gps.bin files) • current route (.atm file) • program settings at "error reporting"
The file names have the following structure:[subsequent number].[file format]The function will add a POI (category: "AM errors") on the map, at the place of its use. Examples of use:
• you notice that the route calculated by AutoMapa is not the best one: run the "Error reporting" option, use the form available on AutoMapa website to describe the problem and attach the print screen and the route file.
• when driving, you notice that AutoMapa has played an incorrect manoeuvre voice message: run the "Error reporting" option, use the form available on AutoMapa website to describe the problem and attach the print screen, GPS track and the route file.
3.3.6 Others - Settings
Options
Interface language – change of the interface language selected upon the first start of the program.
Distance units - selection of units of speed and distance to be used in the program. Available options: kilometres and miles.
Keyboard layout - selection of keyboard type appearing at, e.g., municipality search; available options are: ABC – comfortable when tap-writing, QWERTY – standard PC keyboard, AZERTY – francophone keyboard layout, and Mobile – designed after mobile keyboards, enabling tap-writing even on devices with very small screens.
For devices with a built-in or a connected external keyboard, it is recommended that the Automatically show keyboard option is disabled.
Preferences
Interface layout("skin") – changing the interface layout by selecting one of the available skins: AutoMapa or AutoMapa Panorama. Delete last selected - deletes last selected points (points from the list in the "History" option of the "Go to" menu"), as well as addresses (cities / towns and streets selected in the "Address" option of the "Go to" menu). AutoMapa also offers the Restore default settings option, which resets all of the user's settings.NOTE: The option also restores default profiles, in case of their removal from the "Delete profile" function.
System
Manage screen and power - prevents AutoMapa from blanking the screen or entering the sleep mode when in navigation or tracking mode. If the battery runs low, the program will exit automatically (with the user's consent).The memory options allow users to change the settings related to default device memory to be utilized by AutoMapa for its maps and user POIs. IMPORTANT! AutoMapa settings may only be changed when the car is stopped, and NEVER when driving!
Load map
Load map – loads additional maps into the AutoMapa system.
3.3.7 Settings: AM'Traffic
The AM'Traffic service can be activated in this screen. The program can be set to collect anonymous traffic information which speeds up map upgrades and enables the driver to skip problem areas.
AM'Traffic relies on two mechanisms: SmartRoutes (tm) and LiveDrive! (tm).
By activating the "Use SmartRoutes (tm)" option, the user initiates a mechanism for bypassing traffic jams - the route is mapped based on statistical traffic data.
By activating the "Send LiveDrive! (tm) data" option, the user initiates a mechanism which forwards anonymous traffic data at regular time intervals.
By activating the "Download and use LiveDrive! (tm) data" option, the user initiates a mechanism which receives traffic data for a given area at regular time intervals as well as a mechanism for bypassing traffic jams - the route is mapped based on the received data (3G/HSDPA). The LiveDrive! (tm) option may imply additional data transmission charges quoted by the telecommunications operator.
Parameters
Disconnect after sending data - the connection is terminated after every data transfer.
Disconnect on program exit - the connection is terminated only after the program has been closed.
Only exchange data via a PC - the device will exchange data during synchronisation with the PC when the user's device has access to a GPS signal. Use the AMCENTER application for exchanging data without a GPS signal. The application downloads the latest data and transmits it to devices or memory cards connected to a PC.
To ensure data for SmartRoutes technology are always up-to-date in devices without the Internet access, we recommend using the AM'Center application. Using this program, devices with AutoMapa 6.5 and its future versions can be fed with current statistical data about road traffic density.
3.4 POI menu
In the POI menu ("POI" option in the main menu), you can change all the settings related to points of interest (POI). The menu includes the following options:
Display
In this option you can specify the categories of POIs displayed on the map; refer to section "POI on the map". For more
details, refer to section "Displaying POIs on the map".
Favourites
Displays and edits the user's favourite POIs.
Pop-up category
Pop-up - in this category, groups of frequently used POIs can be created for easy access.
Last used
Last used - this category contains the most recently used POIs.
Notebook category
This special POI "Notebook" category, coupled with the "(BP) Add to POI" function in the MENU | Settings| Buttons, enables the user to save a new POI with a single tap of a hardware button or a screen button.
Management
In this option, you can manage the POIs you have defined or added to the system.The POI are displayed in the form of a list, composed of a category icon, as well as the name and description of the POI. A map square to the left means that the POI will be displayed on the map. POI can be filtered by name (by entering part of that name or description in the "Name" field) or by category (by selecting one category of POI after tapping the option "Any").After selecting a category, you can easily delete selected POIs, as the category icon disappears, only to be replaced with a recycle bin. After clicking the icon, you can select any point to be deleted. After selecting POIs for deleting, click the Delete button and Delete selected. (You can also select all points in the chosen category, by selecting Delete, then Select All.)
Management 2
By pushing the File button, the user can conduct any basic operations on the file, where the information on POIs is stored (or actually a pair of files, with extensions .amp, .ampdata and .ampdesc).
The heading of this menu will feature information about the currently loaded file.The Load standard file option loads the default file (i.e. files default.amp, default.ampdata and default.ampdesc from the "Data Files" folder).
New – creates a new, empty POI file.
Open – loads a different, existing POI file.
Save as – creates a copy of the currently loaded file with a new name and/or in a new location.
Add from – loads POIs from a selected file to the currently loaded file.
Import – loads POIs from a file compatible with the AutoMapa 3 format (.uam), the AutoMapa 4 format (.poi and .poipts) or in the text format (.csv file). This option allows the user to load POIs from miplo.pl website (.uam format). The system will ask the user whether to create a separate file for imported POI. If you answer "No", your points are added to the current POI file; if you choose "Yes", a new POI file will be created in the same folder as the imported file.
By tapping one of the points on the list, you can open a context menu which, apart from the items described above, also features an "Edit..." button. By editing a POI, you can change its category, name or description.In this option you can edit and delete POIs or import POI files from other AutoMapa users or users of webservices (such as miplo.pl).
Warnings
The screen is used for selecting POI categories that are interesting to the user and for selecting the nature of "warning" of such a POI. For details about this option, refer to section POI Warnings.
MiploSync
Option available only in "Expert" mode. Access to this menu requires registration in the Miplo.pl service. MiploSync
allows for additional updating of a POI file that is independent of the synchronization cycle specified during the configuration of the MiploSync application.
MiploLoc
Enabling/disabling the MiploLoc service. The LED located on the left side informs whether the option is currently active.
3.5 Miplo.pl website and POIs
Miplo.pl is a website devoted to points of interest (POIs). The users can easily share their own POIs and download others’ POIs. There are tens of thousands of useful points. The most popular are the ones delivering information about the locations of speed cameras and traffic obstructions.
The users can also share their routes, application skins, icons or sounds used when navigating.
MiploSync application
MiploSync application, available on the website, is used for automatic, self-acting downloading and updating of POIs. MiploSync enables the data on new speed cameras and tens of thousands other POIs to be updated both when navigating and at home.
MiploLoc service
MiploLoc enables the AutoMapa users to register their location during the journey and presenting it along with the trace “live” on Miplo website. The vehicle location is shown on the map using a car icon, which also symbolizes the direction. When viewing the data, the following information is available: date and time of measurement and driving speed (if not reserved).
For details on the website usage, as well as MiploSync and MiploLoc applications, see http://www.miplo.pl/.
Use of downloaded POIs in AutoMapa
To use a downloaded POI in navigation, you need first to load that file to the program. It is a one-off process, and any future POI updates will be loaded automatically to AutoMapa.
When you want to use the downloaded POI file for navigating, have the application load the file. It is a one-time action. Future POI updates will be automatically loaded to AutoMapa.
To load the POI file to Automapa, choose the Settings – User’s POIs in the application. In the window that appears, select File at the bottom, and then Load file. Next, point to the file with downloaded POIs.
The downloaded points will be available in the application as Users’ POIs. You will be able not only to easily choose and navigate to the selected points, but along with the download you will also receive a lot of additional POI data, like phone number, opening hours or range of rendered services.
AutoMapa uses the GPS navigation system to accurately determine your position and display it on the digital map.
4.1 Introduction to GPS
Automatic navigation in AutoMapa utilizes the Global Positioning System, made available for civilian use by the U.S. Department of Defense. A GPS receiver calculates its position by measuring the distance between itself and several (out of 24 operating) visible satellites of the Navstar network.The more satellites the receiver can detect, the more accurate the calculations will be. Usually, as much as 4 to 6 satellites are visible (the maximum number is 12). The minimal number of satellites required to determine the receiver's position is three.
Conditions for GPS reception
In ideal conditions, a typical GPS receiver used with AutoMapa can calculate its position exact to a few metres. However, the GPS signal may be absorbed by building walls, thick tree crowns, metal shieldings, or metalized and heated car windows. Covering the receiver with a hand or a newspaper may also, to a lesser extent, weaken the signal. The quality of GPS signal depends on the state of atmosphere, both its upper (e.g. ionosphere) and the lower layer that influences the weather conditions. Sometimes, on cloudy and humid days the GPS receiver may have problems with calculating its position. Another frequent problem related to problems with GPS reading is incorrect cabling or close proximity to electronic devices that generate interference, and in particular to devices used to monitor vehicle movement.The accuracy of calculating the GPS position is greater, if the GPS receiver antenna is not covered, preferably in the open, where the signal is not absorbed by buildings or thick foliage.
Extrapolate position
AutoMapa is adapted for city navigation and as such is equipped with solutions improving GPS reading by extrapolating the vehicle's position based on the analysis of its direction and speed. However, the map can show a position outside the route, e.g. when taking a fast turn. The "Extrapolate position" function can be turned on/off by selecting the setting you want in "GPS - Settings" in the main menu. In this option you can also manually specify the time when AutoMapa extrapolates/overtakes the GPS position obtained from the GPS receiver. This time depends on CPU speed, display rate and palmtop memory.
4.2 Fixing GPS position
If, after turning on the GPS receiver, the "Searching for GPS signal" is played, and after a dozen or so minutes the correct position is not found, that means the following:
• receiver has been detected by AutoMapa, but it relays information in non-supported protocol (other than NMEA 0183), or
• automatic COM port detection failed, or • GPS signal is interfered with resulting in a failure of the GPS receiver to calculate the current position (e.g. user
remains indoors).
It should be noted that the so-called cold start (i.e. start after long non-use) or the first start of the GPS receiver may, in case of certain models, take as much as dozen minutes or more. Before starting the troubleshooting, you should wait a while longer.After calculating the GPS position, AutoMapa automatically switches to the GPS tracking mode where the current position is always displayed on the map.The current position is indicated on the map as a pulsating circle with a direction arrow inside.
4.3 GPS receiver connection
GPS receiver - requirements
AutoMapa is supported by GPS receivers with COM interface (i.e. serial port for connecting to PCs), which relay their position in the GPS NMEA 0183 protocol.
Connection methods
GPS receiver supports many methods of palmtop connection, depending on the accessories supplied with the device and the receiver, namely: cable connection, Compact Flash interface or Bluetooth radio modem.Some receivers require no additional software and support AutoMapa immediately after connection. Otherwise, you should install the software supplied with the receiver.AutoMapa is equipped with a COM port scanner, which detects the port used by the GPS receiver to relay the positioning information.
5 Index
2 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V | Y
22D and 3D mode
Automatic off Scale Slide Rule System layout and operation in the show position mode Preferences
Scale Scale
Switch Main menu and map buttons
AActiveSync
AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD Selection of installation location Connecting the portable device to the PC
Addresses
Last search "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... Preferences
Search "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... Search address
Select a country Search address
AutoMapa program
Activate AutoMapa start-up
End Main menu
Information Main menu
Install Installation and registration
Location PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices
Minimize Main menu
Shortcut TPC/PC Selection of program components PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices
Uninstall Uninstallation
Upgrade Upgrading the program and the maps AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card Selection of device
Version
MManoeuvres
Information System layout and operation in navigation mode Route menu
Messages System layout and operation in navigation mode Voice messages - Settings Turns/straight Speed Navigation
Map
Assign to SD card Map registration
Buttons Main menu and map buttons
Change scale Scale Map scrolling and zooming Scale Slide Rule
Choose for installation Selecting map area for installation
Delete Uninstallation
Read in Main menu Selecting map area for installation
Registration Map registration Installation and registration
Restart Selection of device
Scroll Map view Map scrolling and zooming
View Map view AutoMapa start-up
Zoom box Map view Map scrolling and zooming
Map area
Area editor Selecting map area for installation
Install Selecting map area for installation
Upgrade Selecting map area for installation Upgrading the program and the maps
Block, unblock a section Main menu Context menu Block roads Blocked sections
List of blocks Blocked sections
Viewing blocks Blocked sections
Buildings, display Main menu and map buttons
CCompass
Compass Preferences
Components
Delete Uninstallation
Install Selection of program components
Installed list Copying files
Upgrade Upgrading the program and the maps
Contacts, address search "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Current position System layout and operation in the show position mode Fixing GPS position Main menu and map buttons
DDestination, setting
Main menu "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... Search address AutoMapa start-up
Detour
Delete Temporary section blocks Delete detours
Set Temporary section blocks
Search address
Map points
Add to favourites Map points
Delete, Copy, Move Context menu
Display coordinates Context menu
Display on map Search address POI display on the map "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Mark as Home or Work Context menu
Select Selecting a point on the map
Menu
Expert Simplified and Expert menu
GPS GPS menu Main menu
Main Main menu and map buttons Main menu
Options Options menu
POI POI menu Main menu
Popup "Your menu" pop-up menu "Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode
Route Route menu
Settings Settings menu
Shortcut Main menu and map buttons Context menu
Simple Simplified and Expert menu
Messages
About manoeuvres Frequency Turns/straight Speed Navigation System layout and operation in navigation mode
Options Options
Preferences Preferences
Settings Voice messages - Settings
Voice selection Selection of program components Preferences
Volume Volume
Meters
"Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode
Direction arrow to route point Selection of program components
Directories
Icons Other directories User icons
Images Other directories
Installation Other directories Error reporting
Voices Other directories User warning sounds
Driving, information
Distance travelled Options menu On-board computer
Driving time Options menu On-board computer
Stopping time Options menu On-board computer
Driving safety AutoMapa start-up POI Warnings Sample selection of warning message parameters Speed
EErrors, reports
Error reporting
ETA (estimated time of arrival) Car details ETA
FFavourite
Add "Your menu" pop-up menu "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... Context menu
Car Map points
Delete, copy, move Map points Context menu
Display POI menu
Editing screen
On-board computer
Miplo
Download POI MiploSync application Miplo.pl website and POIs Use of downloaded POIs in AutoMapa
MiploLoc MiploLoc MiploLoc service
MiploSync MiploSync MiploSync application
Share POI Miplo.pl website and POIs
Upgrade POI MiploSync MiploSync application Use of downloaded POIs in AutoMapa
Use downloaded points in AutoMapa Use of downloaded POIs in AutoMapa
NNavigation, start
Navigation
Night mode
Automatic Preferences
On/Off Options menu "Your menu" pop-up menu
OOn-board computer, display
On-board computer
PPilot, On/Off
Options menu Navigation System layout and operation in navigation mode
Plug-ins Selection of program components
POI (Points Of Interest)
Add Adding POI "Your menu" pop-up menu "Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode Management
Built-in, User Search POI POI display on the map
Map points
GGo to
"Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects... AutoMapa start-up Main menu
GPS
Change indicator Other directories
Determine position Fixing GPS position
Information Info
Menu GPS menu
On/Off Main menu Enable/Disable/Detect
Settings GPS - Settings
GPS, receiver
Detect device AutoMapa start-up
Receiver connection parameters AutoMapa start-up
Requirements GPS receiver - requirements
Signal reception Conditions for GPS reception
Types of connection Connection methods
GPS, system GPS system Introduction to GPS
HHardware keys, assigning functions
Buttons - settings
History
Delete Others - Settings
Display "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Home and Work points Context menu "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
POI Warnings Call the number in the description
POI display on the map Categories
POI display on the map POI Warnings
Delete, Move, Copy Context menu
Display POI display on the map
Icon categories User icons Management
Information POI display on the map Use of downloaded POIs in AutoMapa
In the city/town Search POI
Manage Management
Menu POI menu Main menu
Warning POI Warnings Warnings
POI categories
Add POI display on the map
Change icon User icons
Display POI display on the map
POI, Manage
Editing screen POI edit screen
Filter list Management Search POI
Import POI edit screen Management
POI warning
Parameters POI Warnings Sample selection of warning message parameters
Points on the route/in the driving direction POI Warnings
Radars, dangerous spots POI Warnings Sample selection of warning message parameters
User points/built-in POI Warnings
Warning box POI Warnings Sample selection of warning message parameters
Warning sounds User warning sounds
Program mode
Navigation
IInstall
Language Start installation
Problems Possible installation problems
Recovery Selection of program components
Recovery after a hard reset PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices
Select a device Selection of device
Uninstall Uninstallation
Installation, place
From CD/DVD Installation and registration Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
From installation files Installation and registration Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
In main memory PPC2003/WM5/WCE devices
On a blank memory card Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card
On a PC/TPC Installation and registration Selection of device Selection of installation location Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
On a portable computer Selection of installation location
On a portable device Installation and registration Selection of device Selection of installation location Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
Installer
Downloaded from the Internet Installer file downloaded from the Internet
From CD/DVD Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
Interface
Appearance Interface - Settings
Language Options
Settings Interface - Settings
Navigation System layout and operation in navigation mode
Show position Show position System layout and operation in the show position mode
View map Map view
RRoute
Automatic adjustment Other
Blocks Block roads Context menu Temporary section blocks Blocked roads and route mapping Delete detours
Change point sequence Info Reverse
Information Info
Menu Info
Modification Modify Mapping the route
Preferences Preferences
Progress bar Preferences On-board computer
Return Mapping the route Reverse
Setting Mapping the route Preferences Calculation
Settings Route - Settings
Type Mapping the route Route type
Route points (START, END, THROUGH) Context menu Mapping the route Info
Route type Mapping the route Route type
SScale
Maps Map view Map scrolling and zooming
Slider
KKeyboard
Automatic scroll Search address
Display Search address
Layout Options
LLanguage
Install Start installation
Interface AutoMapa start-up Options
Software Selection of program components
License Map registration
License agreement Start installation
Scale Slide Rule Switch
Main menu and map buttons While driving
Scale
Screen, pivot Main menu Options menu
SD card
Card reader AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card Selection of device Copying files Connecting the portable device to the PC Follow-up installation for the Installer and CD/DVD
Formatting Selection of installation location
Install AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card
Search
Address Search address "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Contact book address "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Favourite "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
POI Search POI "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Previously selected "Go to" menu and selecting destinations - searching for addresses and objects...
Settings, menu Settings menu Main menu
Skins Preferences View Selection of program components
Software
Language Selection of program components
Upgrade AutoMapa preinstalled on an SD card
Sounds
On/Off Main menu and map buttons
Volume slider Main menu and map buttons
Warning messages Selection of program components User warning sounds
Speed
Average On-board computer Car details
Information On-board computer Options menu
Settings Car details
Warning Turns/straight Speed
System
Energy management System
Settings Settings menu
TTelephone, call function
Main menu and map buttons
Traces GPS tracks
VVehicle data
Average speeds On-board computer ETA Car details
Fuel consumption Car details
Stops On-board computer Car details
Y'Your menu'
"Your menu" pop-up menu "Your menu" pop-up menu in navigation mode
