Any suggestions for improving readability of maps?

[sync]

I'm finding it difficult to read the maps when I'm driving. I realize there are several factors involved in this and one of them is just getting familiar with it.

I've experimented with day and night mode. Is there anything else I can do to try and improve the legibility of the screen?

[JMckie]

First of all you need to get a screen that is at least 5 times brighter.

Just kidding. The most important thing for me is to make the road names more legible so I set "Local Road Names" to large. The next thing would be to reduce clutter on the screen. The map preferences are actually very rich in choices. (It's still missing the checkbox for 3D view but that's another story).

[stephanpls]

I generally have no problems with readability. If there is sunlight ahead it's more difficult, but still possible.
To get better readibility take the largest font for text in the map, but probably you've done that already.

[sync]

Setting "Local Road Names" to large is good. Thanks.

I think better use of colors would also be good. Whenever I seen screenshots from TomTom, I'm impressed by the graphics and colors.

[Rich36]

If I'm navigating to a waypoint I don't use the map at all. I find QueTurns much easier to read and am better able to anticipate turns by watching the distance decline as Iapproach.

[Curious Cat]

Make sure you set your display to show the information on the top. This will display the name of the road your on and the name of the next road you turn on to. This is often the only names that you actually need to read while driving.

[sync]

Originally posted by Rich36
If I'm navigating to a waypoint I don't use the map at all. I find QueTurns much easier to read and am better able to anticipate turns by watching the distance decline as Iapproach.
I've thought of doing that. Do you have Turn Preview turned off?

[sync]

Originally posted by Curious Cat
Make sure you set your display to show the information on the top. This will display the name of the road your on and the name of the next road you turn on to. This is often the only names that you actually need to read while driving.
Doesn't it just display the name of the next road? Which is fine.

I have that on but I'll have to train myself to use it.

[Curious Cat]

Originally posted by sync
Doesn't it just display the name of the next road? Which is fine.

I have that on but I'll have to train myself to use it.

My display shows something like- Main Street to Town Street. The first name being the one I’m on and the 2nd name being the next turn. This varies with the situation, such as it may simply display “keep right on Main Street”. It should give you relevant information most of the time and at least one street name.

[sync]

Originally posted by Curious Cat
My display shows something like- Main Street to Town Street. The first name being the one I’m on and the 2nd name being the next turn. This varies with the situation, such as it may simply display “keep right on Main Street”. It should give you relevant information most of the time and at least one street name.
I just got back from trying this out and I do see that.

I had a one hour trip where I used only the data readouts from the top portion of the map. It worked really well.

I've been concerned about knowing when to turn when the intersections ahead are close together. I'm amazed at how accurate the Time to Next Turn display is.

I wish there was a screen showing only the data from the top portion of the map in large numbers. It's ok the way it is, but larger numbers would be really nice.

[Curious Cat]

Originally posted by sync
I just got back from trying this out and I do see that.

I had a one hour trip where I used only the data readouts from the top portion of the map. It worked really well.

I've been concerned about knowing when to turn when the intersections ahead are close together. I'm amazed at how accurate the Time to Next Turn display is.

I wish there was a screen showing only the data from the top portion of the map in large numbers. It's ok the way it is, but larger numbers would be really nice.

Try qBuddy from Rich Smith a forum member, it will do some of that in large letters.

[Rich36]

Originally posted by sync
I've thought of doing that. Do you have Turn Preview turned off?

No, but only because I keep forgetting to turn it off! I'm going to do it right now.

[rocket666]

You must have just got your ique. When I first got mine, I couldn't keep my eyes off of it, I was so fascinated. Then after a couple of near misses in traffic, I decided it was best to not keep watching the screen. So, I trained myself to just use the audio prompts.

My favorite feature with the audio prompts, is that you can get an updated prompt at any time by pressing and holding the Q button. It will tell you the current distance as well as what to do at the next turn. I now also leave the screen set to something other than the maps so my eyes are not constantly drawn to it.

[sync]

Originally posted by rocket666
You must have just got your ique. When I first got mine, I couldn't keep my eyes off of it, I was so fascinated. Then after a couple of near misses in traffic, I decided it was best to not keep watching the screen. So, I trained myself to just use the audio prompts.

Yes, I just got it a few days ago. This morning I swerved off the highway briefly while looking at it.

If I'm in an unfamiliar area then I can't use just the audio prompts. If Betty says to turn right in 500 feet, I'm not sure which road that is if I'm in the city. I'm a terrible at judging distance. A friend riding with me said the same thing.

[rocket666]

Betty is pretty bad at these short distances. When I hear 300 feet, I think of a football field. I know she is wrong on this. But it could be a delay between when you get there and when it finally speaks.

But hey, which is worse, getting in a wreck, or hearing "Off course, rerouting". I just go for whatever I think is right, and if not, I still get a kick out Betty telling me "Make a U-turn as soon as possible":D

[JMckie]

A couple of things.

Over time you will get trained to instinctively understand Betty's distances.

And its not when she says "300 feet" that you are at that distance. It is when you hear the "ding" sound.

[sync]

Originally posted by Curious Cat
Try qBuddy from Rich Smith a forum member, it will do some of that in large letters.
From what I can see it currently only does a speedometer and compass. I look forward to when you can customize it with your own values.

[sync]

I asked Rich about adding turn info to qBuddy. He says the info is not available in the API.

[Robertp366]

Be sure to also try Birdwatch. Lots of nicee features!

Robert

[NS1007]

Originally posted by stephanpls
I generally have no problems with readability. If there is sunlight ahead it's more difficult, but still possible.
To get better readibility take the largest font for text in the map, but probably you've done that already.

I use a selffolded sunprotection. my 2cents solution that works for me very well, It looks like the brightness is 5x as good!:D

I made it myself from a A4 105grams black paper.

I just slip it on when needed and leave it if it's not needed. I've opened the patch antenne here to show that I can use the antenna and I have cut an opening for the external antenna.


NS

[NS1007]

here is the sunprotection without iQ.

NS

[Curious Cat]

Originally posted by NS1007
I use a selffolded sunprotection. my 2cents solution that works for me very well, It looks like the brightness is 5x as good!:D

I made it myself from a A4 105grams black paper.

I just slip it on when needed and leave it if it's not needed. I've opened the patch antenne here to show that I can use the antenna and I have cut an opening for the external antenna.


NS

That’s a nice look and functional too. It does appear to be exactly 5 times brighter that way. :D

[sync]

Originally posted by NS1007
I use a selffolded sunprotection. my 2cents solution that works for me very well, It looks like the brightness is 5x as good!:D

I made it myself from a A4 105grams black paper.

I just slip it on when needed and leave it if it's not needed. I've opened the patch antenne here to show that I can use the antenna and I have cut an opening for the external antenna.
NS
I just got back from a trip where the glare was most annoying. On the way I envisioned building a hood like yours.

[rocket666]

Snip, Snip, making mine now :D