I have not been that much of a fan of mapquest, bbut I have used
maps.google.com, whcih si the google version of mapquest. This site is
wonderful for getting directions to a destination or finding what is around
an area.
With the BrailleNote GPS, yes there is the ability to create a document with
the route details ahead of time, but you are also able to follow a route
that you created, whether that is a vehicle route or a pedestrian route.
What you can do with any of the GPS systems when you are at the end of one
route and you have another destination, just set your destination and create
a route. Because I am sure once you get to one place, you will be stopping
there for at least a few minutes and be indoors. So, you will turn off your
GPS device in the first place to conserve battery life. Then when you are
ready to go, you will need to turn it back on and be outdoors to get a
satellite connection.
It is true that the driver must give up their navigating skills or their
mental map of the area and just drive and take directions. But, I am found
with be a navigator for many people, that there are actually more people
that you would expect to give up their navigating skills and their mental
map of the area and listen to directions. And, most people are interested in
the GPS, they find it cool and neat. I will agree wthat it is tricky getting
information using the GPS, but with time and practice, things will be smooth
and efficient.
It is true that you are able to get information as your heading, speed, and
the location of your destination, but I find this to be just the tip of the
iceberg as to what the GPS can do. It will also provide location literacy,
it will give the city/state, nearby businesses, street names, and so much
more, these are all things that sighted people take for granite.
Kevin
----- Original Message -----
From: "kathleen shelton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Braillenote List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 10:41 AM
Subject: [Braillenote] text based directions on bn
Has anyone had success with using a site such as mapquest to get driving
directions in text on the bn? I am learning that often, if I have
directions written down, so I can cue the driver, things flow more
smoothly. One of the things you can't do with trekker or bngps is to
create a document ahead of time that lists the turns. Some information or
directory assistance lines now will also provide a numbered list of turns
to take from point a to b. Of course, you have to stay on the phone and
write each line on the bn. What I'd really love is a system where you
could provide a bunch of destinations and have a travel loop created for
you. I may have to see several people in a day who live in a town
unfamiliar to me or my driver. Using the gps in automobile mode requires
a special kind of driver. The person has to be willing to give up control
and follow the gps. If the driver makes a turn off the rout you have to
recalibrate which takes time. It is always tricky to get the needed piece
of information out of the system while the car is moving and things are
changing. What a gps or trekker is great for on the road is giving
headings and miles per our. You can tell if your going north, and also
which direction your destination is in. You can tell where a taxi is
going and how fast. I used to wonder, as our paratransit vehicle wound
its way around the city, "where are we?" Now I can know where we are.
Have others had experience being the navigator?
Thanks for any information you can share!
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