Finding Your Way With Mobile Maps

GPS systems are great when you're driving but what happens when you get lost on foot? The new generation of cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) makes it easier than ever to navigate new destinations, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot.
 

Accessing Maps Through Your Mobile Phone

PDAs are great for organizing your life, but all you really need to get started using mobile maps is a Web-enabled cell phone. While most mapping services are free to download to your mobile phone or PDA, keep in mind that you will have to pay to use Internet features on your device.
 
Prices vary depending on your cell phone provider, so do your research before using the Internet or map features. For occasional use, it may be more beneficial to just pay per use. Power users and frequent business travelers are better off signing up for a monthly data plan, since pay-per-use charges can add up to big dollars at the end of the month.

Choosing the Best Phone For the Job

If you're purchasing a new cell phone, you can narrow down your choices by thinking about what you need or want your phone to do, aside from simply making calls. Choose a phone and service plan that fits your lifestyle, especially since upgrades or changes are expensive after the usual 14-day trial period expires. Make sure you know which areas your provider's mobile coverage map includes. Again, if you intend to use your phone locally or for an occasional mobile map inquiry, then you probably don't need a PDA.
 
PDAs are the best choice for anyone who needs to be connected to the Internet at all times. Besides organizing your life, your PDA will also help you find your way around any city (and many countries) in no time at all. Popular PDAs and "smart phones" include Apple's iPhone, Palm's Centro and Blackberry. Some phones are only compatible with particular providers, so be sure to check all the carriers available in your area.

Mobile Map Services

Once you narrow down your phone and service plan options, it's time to choose a mobile map service. Some notable options include:
  • Google Maps: Mobile users of most any brand and carrier can take advantage of the Google Maps mobile application. This free program download lets you map out your destination and find the closest attractions, including restaurants, rest stops and gas stations.

    Unlike Nokia's GPS feature that users can purchase, Google offers a GPS-like feature for free, eliminating the need for a fixed, expensive navigational system in your car. With this feature, you can see real-time traffic before you're in the thick of it and plan an alternate route.
  • Nokia: Nokia provides its users with a free mobile map service. The program includes free maps for more than 150 countries and comes loaded with over 15 million places of interest. You can also purchase an upgrade to the program that provides you with a GPS system.
  • Windows Mobile: Mobile devices loaded with Windows have the added option of using Microsoft's Live Search for Windows Mobile. Features include maps, driving directions, GPS integration and live traffic updates every two minutes.
The service is available for those who use Windows Mobile 5.0 and higher and is compatible with touch screen and non-touch screen phones.
 
Resources
 
Apple.com (n.d.). iPhone Maps. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from Apple Web site.
 
McEwan, Andy (2008). Google Maps now native on more phones: Do you UIQ? Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the Google Mobile Blog Web site.
 
Microsoft (n.d.). Travel the World with Windows Mobile. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from Microsoft Web site.
 
Nokia (n.d.). Nokia Maps. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from the Nokia Web site.
 
Ross, Suzanne (2008). Install, Find and Remove Your Apps. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from Microsoft Web site.
 
Ross, Suzanne (2008). Turn Right. Go Three Blocks. Now Left. Retrieved March 24, 2008, from Microsoft Web site.