Wayfinder Debuts Mobile Software for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Swedish navigation software maker Wayfinder unveiled its free Wayfinder Active software this week, which is a GPS tracking and logging application for mobile phones.
Wayfinder Active is a Java application that records detailed statistics including maximum, current and average speed; distance; calories burned; altitude info; and current location, according to the company. It also incorporates an emergency function whereby users can send a text message with their position to a preferred contact within the phone’s address book; in certain countries a text message is sent immediately to national rescue services.
Wayfinder Active also features a software-based compass, as well as a reverse route feature that lets users retrace their steps back to a starting waypoint.
The software includes street maps for Europe and North America, and a world base map. For additional cost, other maps can be downloaded from Wayfinder; users can switch between outdoor maps and street maps at any time, according to the company.
All activity is recorded in a standard GPX format. When a user finishes a route, the software sends the user an e-mail with the statistics and a map displaying their route, plus a text message to ensure that the statistics are uploaded to Wayfinder’s associated Web site, Activeoutdoor.com. The application is designed to work with a real-time connection to the Internet, but can also accommodate preloaded routes for use in areas where Internet connectivity isn’t possible, according to Wayfinder.
To use Wayfinder Active, users must have a Java- and GPRS/3G-enabled mobile phone with a data connection to the Internet enabled, as well as a built-in or connected GPS receiver.
Filed under: LBS Applications, GPS Mobile Navigation, Wayfinder Mobile GPS