Trip Planning using Google Maps and an Android phone.

[Artful]

So I've been digging into options on inexpensive methods of planning routes then using them with a GPS device. I finally found a 90% solution that I'm pretty happy with.

Required:

Google Chrome Get It
Android Phone 2.2
Chrome to Phone Extension Get It

Process:

1. Plan route using Google Maps in Chrome
2. Save route
3. Install Chrome to Phone on both your desktop and phone
4. Open map.
5. Click Chrome to Phone icon

The map will transfer to your phone complete with notes, waypoints, etc. I haven't found a way yet to make the directions turn by turn or use the Navigation app, but I'm still playing with it.

Only gripe that might be a deal breaker is that it's tough to operate the phone with gloves on, but my TMobile G2 does pick up inputs through my gloves, just not as sensitive. If I can get it into Navigation that won't be an issue because the buttons are bigger.

Obviously this puts your phone in the elements (Still looking at building a reliable handle mount) so it wouldn't work for rainy trips like a dedicated GPS would, but it's essentially free.

[mookieo2]

Ive used navigation and just went to layers, select " My Maps", select route, and follow the arrow. Of course you need cell signal for it to work correctly as with navigation the maps are not installed on the phone. Does your way require cell signal? I was thinking about getting this set up for my Droid.

http://www.ram-mount.com/SearchResults/tabid/38/searchBy/WizardResults/criteria/ignored/Default.aspx

[Artful]

I'm not seeing My Maps as a Layers option on my G2 under Navigation... Under Maps yes, but not Navigation. Might need to see if a Navigation update is available.

[1KDS]

My droid 2.2 shows layers in the nav.  I love the new chrome to phone, more specifically foxtophone

edit: layers does not include My Maps

[mookieo2]

Lk

My droid 2.2 shows layers in the nav.  I love the new chrome to phone, more specifically foxtophone

edit: layers does not include My Maps

On my Droid in maps its layers; more layers; my maps

[1KDS]

in maps yes, but not in nav

[herm]

android is sooooo cool!

[DucHead]

I bought the TomTom app for $70 for my iPhone.

[herm]

at this juncture, i would think TomTom and Garmin would be giving away there software, and hoping people will pay to upgrade/update.

[wantingaduc]

As far as opening a saved map from Google maps into android navigation, it doesn't work yet.
I've saved a bunch of routes in maps and spent a day searching the web for a way to open it in nav.
If you go to google and search for that task you'll find a few links to Google mobile info directly where a few people have allready spoken up to folks at Google to see if they can set this option up, but so far no go...
Cross your fingers and hope cause other then this shortcomming Andriod ROCKS...

jimi