Hi,

I've noticed that a lot of people have been asking about how much data the mapping programs use, which could be relevant if you are not on an unlimited data plan.

I did a quick test to see how different their data use is.

I mapped my parent's house (a location not in the cache of either program), and then mapped directions to a restaurant several miles away (El Burrito, 80521, its delicious). Then I zoomed in to a useful distance, and followed the route, allowing the program to load the maps fully at each step.

BBMaps used 29kb of data.

Google Maps used 128kb of data. After using satellite mode to get a closer look at the building, data usage was up to 220kb.

BBMaps is clearly the winner, when it comes to data usage. However, the quality of maps looked better with Google Maps, and the interface was easier to use. And perhaps best of all, with Google Maps, I didn't even need to know the address of the restaurant, just the name and city. About 5k of Google's usage involved the look-up of the address.

Anyway, hope this quick test helps people decide which to use. I much prefer Google Maps, but if I were on a non-unlimited data plan, the fact that BBMaps uses about 1/4 the data that Google Maps does would be an appealing feature.

Peace,
Sam

Nice and thanks.

Can you do the same evaluation using Telenav, Wayfinder and MapQuest Mobile?

~MrKyoo

The reason is scalable vector maps as explained at my GPS tips page. It really will use less for those on a diet after the holidays.

Unfortunately I can't try Telenav or Mapquest Mobile since they don't offer free trials. I tried installing the Wayfinder trial, but the app won't accept the trial activation code they texted me! I've tried a few times, and it just doesn't take it... Oh well.

If anyone would like to try it, the directions I tested are from:

1404 Beech Ct.
Fort Collins, CO 80521

to

El Burrito
402 Linden
Fort Collins, CO 80521

I created the route, zoomed in enough to see all the surrounding roads, then followed the route.

Feel free to try the same test route, and report the data usage.

peace,
sam

It's kind of given that the BB Maps will use less data because when you use the BB Maps with your Bluetooth GPS, it always have to update the map where you are at. So you need to do it quickly because you might be moving. That's why BB Maps use less data.

Scalable vector maps

sorry its hard to follow your logic.........since its moving it has to use less? they designed it to use less because they knew they would be using gps.

MAJOR advantage of Google maps is the traffic. i have both installed on my verizon 7130e. hope they unlock the GPS soon.

If and when they do, the other companies will suffer for sure. If they improve the interface, then watch out.

ok.. im new to all this.. and i been reading SO FAR! Above the dude wrote the moST easy to understand for a NOOBIe like me to knoe. but i still have a question. I have a Single plan. No data plan Just voice =] the 40 dollar one. no msg either.. and i was wondering if i just buy the gps holox 240.. does it just work wid the gps program on my phone? without me havign to pay extra for anything

Do your parents know you posted their address on the net?

I'm pretty new here myself, and I could be wrong. However I don't think so. You have to have a data plan to get the current map location for Goggle Maps or BBMaps. The maps are kept on the Internet and not on your Blackberry.

Yes you need a data plan - no way around it. See my GPS tips page.

Heh, the address I gave for people to try the experiment themselves is actually one right nearby my parent's house. ;)

However, even I gave my actual parent's address, I would ask the question, "What would anyone do with it?" everyone's address is public, and you can't do anything with it unless you have lots of other crucial information, which you don't have. If you had malicious intent, you'd get more info by pointing to a random page in the White Pages than you would from my post. People are often very concerned about how the internet affects their privacy, but as many ID theft cases are showing, the "old fashioned" methods still work quite well.

peace,
sam

Mapquest Mobile does too offer free trials. I’m currently using it now.

~MrKyoo

And so does Telenav as they give you 30 days free.

Would you mind letting me know where I can get the demo versions of Mapquest Mobile and Telenav? Telenav's website presents me with no option beyond purchasing a subscription (as far as I can tell), and Mapquest Mobile's website instructs me to go through T-zones to download it, but T-zones' wap page claims my phone is not compatible.

I'd be happy to try either application out and do a data usage comparison, but I'm not able to get either onto my phone. Tmobile US, Blackberry 8100.

Peace,
Sam

EDIT: OK, lied to Mapquest, and told them my phone was a Nextel 7100. We'll see if that works. ;) Downloading now (big file though, over 2megs)

EDIT: Mmmm, and I see the telenav free trial offer. You have to sign up, give them your credit card, etc. Then they waive the first month, and then start charging you as normal after 30 days if you don't call them to cancel. Thats too rich for my blood, I'm not in the mood to get drug into a 'are you SUUUUREEE you want to cancel? are you REALLY SURE you want to cancel?' argument with a CSR. ;)

Any Telmap Users?

~MrKyoo

How do you download google maps to the bb?

On the browser on you bb, go to www google com / gmm

It will detect your bberry model and prompt you to download the app.