Topics

Just let know to users who have SGS2 and want to use My Maps and have problem with starting of this function ...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthr ... ?t=1075971

This is problem in Samsung firmware that cause un-ability to use AccountManager for all application. For someone helps changing phone locale to en_us. This anyway do not work for me. So we'll have to wait for update of firmware from Samsung itself!

Hi to all,
  as times goes and Locus grows, I decided to move Locus to little bit more professional way. Ehm, professional at least, that I would like to have any nice marketing promo video. So my question is simple .. is here anyone who live as "video cutter" or anyone who do some video advertisements? If so, let me know. This is not a request for free, I offer payment of course for this. If I want some simple video, I should do it by myself with for example Pinnacle studio, but i would like to have something more ... professional

[1.7.2011 - Locus 1.8.11.2]

1.7.2011 - Locus 1.8.11.2

• first version that works with new Locus API (BETA), so it's mainly version for addon developers (viewtopic.php?f=29&t=767)
• some bugfixes - crashing widget and import and some more

27.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.11.1

• new BETA of Track Recording Widget!! ... test only functionality, not a skin. I takes more then a day to make this. Main problem was valid handling of GPS, but should work now.
• did anyone from you have some issue with track merging? For me works fine, I just had some comment on market
• fixed problem with not working track recording on A1.6

27.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.11

• new Free and Pro version released on market

23.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.10.4
forum testing version

• new geocaching tools (discuss here)  - let's talk about it if  interested please ... need some feedback
• new choice for obtain location - pick from map
• some new settings - viewtopic.php?f=13&t=715

14.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.8

• new Free and Pro version released on market. Don't worry about active "Vector" tab ... it's visible only if you have any vector maps in mapsVector directory . So you can test actual maps also on Market version ...

13.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.7.5

• fixed problems with adding photos to points (anyway still not idea how to correctly add photos to exported GPX file?)
• improved functionality of custom screen SlideView object. You may try first working attempt of little bit funny geocaching skin
• added OSGB36 coordinate system support
• rewrote a little bit GPS on/off function. I personally still have sometimes issue that gps suddenly turn off even when on satellite screen is still on, and I cannot find source of troubles. So if you have similar issue, you may try this version

10.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.7.3

• radical improvements to support photos at points. I rewrote bit part of whole thing around this so it need testing ... again and again . Anyway you can now add photo from camera or gallery. Not only one but unlimited number. You can then view them from "POintEditDialog" or simply by tapping in point information window. Also photos are exporting with points!! and link to photo is relative so you should take exported file and directory with photo and place it wherever you want.
• created SlideView to CustomScreen, more on "How to" ... (anyway testing skin is in application - you can add it by "Install default" button in Custom screen. Source is attached here for download. It's really only for testing. I'm also not sure if this is best solution but seems that works!)
• many small fixes, like weird tiles when multitouch zoom, some rotation issues, I don't even know what all ...

7.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.7.1

• ehm ... VECTOR maps for testing!
• added Brazilian Portuguese translation - thanks Jorge, this was really fast
• "fixed" weird values on scale bar
• added "Time rings" feature
• added reset of A-GPS data (unfortunately new permission required)
• new right panel button - "Add map center with Photo", which launch camera and then point edit dialog with taken photo

VECTOR maps
  it was really quick. Basic support was created less then after a day and half of work. Nice. There is still many problems but maps are usable now and even a fast. For a surprise. Anyway maps use own mapsforge format that have to be prepared from binary PBF files. I have already created Czech Republic (around 250MB!!) for testing and actually I'm creating whole Germany (around 1GB - amazing). Will you be interested in creating any other country? Don't know from where are all of you . I'll upload it on Dropbox also if I'll have enough space there (anyone can give me 250MB space by registering on dropbox thanks to this link http://db.tt/0k2Hrde - thanks). If all will work fine, I'll probably create server side solution with map generating and downloading in application, but this later.
  So download map, upload it into Locus/mapsVector directory and enjoy ...

maps for download:
 - Croatia
 - Czech Republic
 - Denmark
 - Germany
 - Great Britain
 - Netherland
 - Sweden

2.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.5

• new Free and Pro version released on market

1.6.2011 - Locus 1.8.4.3
testing version ...

• you can set "Valid for" for online cache (on every map separately) which say how long will be downloaded tiles valid
• new "hidden" button that allow quick map switch and which appear when you're out of offline map or on "blank" map
• graphics improvements, new settings for tablets
• some improvements on custom screen (we're working on it with malesmurf)
• matthias k., please try this version. This is best what I can do with separating tracks. Little bit better then before but still not perfect

30.5.2011 - Locus 1.8.4.1
testing version ...

• rewrote important part of track record ... please test. By my own testing, recording for cca 4 hours (around 10k points) and no problem
• added CH1903 coo system
• some other improvements ...

24.5.2011 - Locus 1.8.3

• new Free and Pro version released on market

23.5.2011 - Locus 1.8.2.1

• new tags for custom screen (TextView now support lines, ellipsize, shadows)
• fixed - disabling GPS when hiding app, missing waypoint icons on track
• added - possibility to select language in application, possibility to limit visible track during track recording

19.5.2011 - Locus 1.8.0

• new Free and Pro version released on market

[SAMPLE PACK FROM LOCUS VERSION 1.8.2]

SAMPLE PACK FROM LOCUS VERSION 1.8.2 - download here

So, simple and short description.

Recommended way ho to create this. This is very short explanation, sorry for that. Better will come later. Also this is mainly for people familiar with Android developing. If you're not, better is to use already created skins and look at them. To edit, use just simple NotePad! Much easier!!

1. download and install whole eclipse and Android SDK tools from here http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
2. after all works, create new android project. This will create base data structure. You'll not need anything program
3. project contains res/layout/main.xml file, that's our target. Learn with Eclipse GUI builder and edit this file
4. put resources (best to use 9-patch images) into res folders (supported, drawable, drawable-hdpi, drawable-mdpi, drawable-ldpi)
5. after compilation, take mail.xml file and image resources from compiled source (this is because of 9-patch images. If you want to use basic png files, you can add them directly into result. 9-patch have to be precompiled!).

You do not have to do previous steps. You can edit xml file directly in any editor. Previous steps are just recommended way for easy "Drag and drop" creating and also only way to support 9-patch images

And how to get actually all this works?
Locus/data/customScreen/   (root directory)

create ZIP file that containt this structure

MY ZIP

• /assets/ - for custom fonts
• /drawable/ - (9-patch, or universal)
• /drawable-hdpi/
• /drawable-ldpi/
• /drawable-mdpi/
• /layout/ - for layout specification (for landscape and portrait or ... below ... for separate by orientation)
• /layout-land/
• /layout-port/
• /values/ (supported colors.xml, styles.xml)

Place your main layout file into layout directory (or two files, one to layout-land, second to layout-port) and rename it to main.xml. That is important, because main.xml file is gate to whole layout, it have to be included!

also in root of you ZIP file, you can place these files (optional)

• icon.png - small (48x48px) logo of your skin
• info.html - HTML page that will contain description of you skin (some links, donate button or similar is possible)

Finally, place this zip file, into root directory described above!

Active Views, you can use (warning, only limited functionality on almost all items - still in develop) and Actions you can apply are described in topics below

I added to locus list of recommended WMS maps. If you have nice tips, which are by you "must have" for users, share links here and I'll add them to Locus!

Hmm, looks that this application bring me more troubles that I can handle ...

- read here. It's forum where is discuss about overloading of OSM servers during few last days (weeks). Looks that this is cause by Locus since all other map providers were removed. Some stupid users do not read and do not take some respect for OSM providers, and download more them 1 million tiles per day. So I have to stop this, and set in Locus some reduction on it.

So what you suggest?

I though about adding some daily limitation for downloading - around 10 000 tiles per day?

So what you think guys? I'm really tired thanks to all this troubles last weeks ...

[Locus API]

Method is deprecated, use Locus API


This is useful function that allow you to add shortcut into point submenu in Locus, and call your application with point coordinates.

Simple example:
  when you hold finger on screen, you then see address. Click on address and you get new point on place you tap (or when you click on red center cross, you get exactly map center). Now in last bottom submenu, is few items like Street view and more. And this tool add new item on top of this list. Nice

How to do this

• register intent-filter for your activity
  
  Code Select Expand
  <intent-filter>
<action android:name="menion.android.locus.ON_POINT_ACTION" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
</intent-filter>

• now register intent receiver in your application.
  
  Code Select Expand
  if (getIntent().getAction().equals("menion.android.locus.ON_POINT_ACTION")) {
double lat = getIntent().getDoubleExtra("latitude", 0.0);
double lon = getIntent().getDoubleExtra("longitude", 0.0);
double alt = getIntent().getDoubleExtra("altitude", 0.0);
double acc = getIntent().getDoubleExtra("accuracy", 0.0);

// do what you want with this ...
}


and that's all.

Actual application that use this feature
...

[17.5.2011 - Locus 1.7.4.8 Free, 1.7.4.3 Pro]

17.5.2011 - Locus 1.7.4.8 Free, 1.7.4.3 Pro
Release candidate ... voala .. . So please check and all major problems tell me. I want to release tomorrow new version. I also created one very simple skin as example (it's attached on page with How to and also as default in application). If anyone give me any sympathic skin, I can add it to app as next default skin. So do you want to be famous?

If anyone have some crashes during custom screen start, please delete old not functional skins and use system from new one. I have to fix some problems for those who already created some skins ... sorry for that, but as I wrote, this feature is still in rapid developing ...

Also please, can anyone test Pro version? I worked a hard on improvement of some licence checking and caching, so I need to know if this works fine on other devices. Thanks to all!! (fine means you can run in without disturbing dialog - "you have to buy payed version")

• improved custom screens viewtopic.php?f=21&t=578.
  Added some new variables (3), all skin now have to be zipped. Can include some additional files (html page, icon), better skin managing and also support for some default skin bundled within app

...

2.5.2011 - Locus 1.7.0

• new Free and Pro version released on market

Hi to all developers,
  if someone would like to create addon for Locus, here will be some suggestions

• write me about it. Maybe I have something similar already prepared, maybe I should give you some tips ...
• use prefix name "Locus - addon ..." which allow people to know that this is only extension to Locus. Also by this people should find your addon directly from application (since version 1.6.1)
• use template for icons attached here. Look on already myself created addons and try to keep current style

[27.4.2011 - Locus 1.6.1.1,2,7]

27.4.2011 - Locus 1.6.1.1,2,7

EDIT:after few hours of testing probably works now. Can anyone test WMS service and let me know? Count that this is really for testing!

I'm sure you all ask, what menion do for a such long time without any testing version ... OK, here is it! (valid till 7.4.2011 as Pro)!

• added BETA support for WMS services! finally!! Some info and restrictions
  
  • new TAB on map manager screen
  • currently only works on Online maps (or use Blank map if you want to see WMS without background)
  • check right checkbox, which load WMS layer. Then you can set all layers to display
  • count that layers are available only on some zooms so when you get no error when enabling, try to zoom out/in to see WMS layer
  • currently only supported SRS is EPSG:4326!
  • layers I already tested: - http://wms.cuzk.cz/wms.asp, http://onegeo.geology.cz/geoserver/wms
  • check this: http://www.mapmatters.org/ - very nice web page
• rewrote path compute style. Try to create new track and compute path on it. Also is very nice when you move with some middle point on already computed path
• enabled My Maps (again for a while). I'm still not sure for release this, mainly because some unsolved problem on 2.1. Maybe I should release this only for 2.2? What you think 2.2 guys? Any problems on it?
• So test test, I need feeeeeedback ... my preccccious

25.4.2011 - Locus 1.6.1

• new Free and Pro version released on market

22.4.2011 - Locus 1.6.0

• new Free and Pro version released on market

[addon - Icons]

Hi to all,
  I'm offering some simple method how to integrate Locus into some custom application. Actually I do not offer any library with MapView. Maybe later, but do not count with this a much. Anyway except two already working methods here and here, I think that there is place for something more like

addon - Icons
addon that works with Icons in Locus/icons directoy. This should work with some icons database and allow downloading, deleting, uploading, rating and more. This should be pretty useful i think! Also locus allow to change icons for navigation arrows so this should work with this too. Should be very nice!

addon - Maps
simple addon that simply copy providers.xml definition with images to correct place. It's not my idea, I'm just posting some wishes

And more. Some database search that allow add point from database to Locus, some addon that allow upload and download tracks to some site, any many more. It's only on you. I have no responsibility for creating such tool, but everybody, who wants to do something, have my full support and help if needed!

Also this should be nice for some developers "beginners" who wants to try something at start! You can create addon, sell it, distribute as you want. It's up to you. What you think

[Locus API]

Method is deprecated, use Locus API



This is useful function that allow you to directly add point from you application to Locus. It's not the same as displaying points.

Simple example:
  go to Poi manager screen (screen with point in category). Tap first bottom button and you'll see list of action. What you can do to add point to this category. You can use GPS, map center and more. And in this list can appear also your application. So you can for example offer some searching on web, or in internal application storage and more ...

How to do this

• register intent-filter for your activity
  
  Code Select Expand
  <intent-filter>
<action android:name="menion.android.locus.GET_POINT" />
<category android:name="android.intent.category.DEFAULT" />
</intent-filter>

• now register intent receiver in your application.
  
  Code Select Expand
  if (getIntent().getAction().equals("menion.android.locus.GET_POINT")) {
// get some data here and finally return value back

Intent intent = new Intent();
// string value name
intent.putExtra("name", "Point name"); // optional
// rest are all DOUBLE values (to avoid problems even when for acc and alt isn't double needed)
intent.putExtra("latitude", 50.0); // required, not 0.0
intent.putExtra("longitude", 14.0); // required, not 0.0
intent.putExtra("altitude", 0.0); // optional
intent.putExtra("accuracy", 0.0); // optional
setResult(RESULT_OK, intent);
finish();
}


and that's all. You application appear now in list!

Actual application that use this feature
GPS Averaging

[declivity = delta_elevation / delta_distance;]

Hi to all,
 I received today email from Martin with question about track stats. So I want to discuss about it a little.

Main question is - are elevation values correct?

Martin wrote that all stats are cca twice as big as should be. To be true, I do not tested well this feature so everything is possible here. Anyway how I get stats about elevation etc ...

- for every added point I compute elevation gain (of course not for first point in track segment)
so when new point is added, I compute distance from previous point and elevation change. From those values I compute declivity as

declivity = delta_elevation / delta_distance;

and then I sum all values by this simple method. Whole code for my elevation handling is below. Distance and elevation values are in metres and these are delta values, so difference between actual and previous point

Code Select Expand

   protected void addElevation(double distance, double elevation) {
    double declivity = elevation / distance;
    if (declivity > 0.025) {
    elePositiveDistance += distance;
    elePositiveHeight += elevation;
    } else if (declivity < -0.025) {
    eleNegativeDistance += distance;
    eleNegativeHeight += elevation;
    } else {
    eleNeutralDistance += distance;
    eleNeutralHeight += elevation;
    }
   
    eleTotalAbsDistance += distance;
    eleTotalAbsHeight += Math.abs(elevation);
    }

So this mean that is declevity is bigger then 2.5%, I take it as "uphill" movement, opposite as "downhill" movement.

What you think? Are values as you expected? Also second question. Is there any value that you miss in track stats and this value is easy to compute?

Also Martin, may you attach some more description about this "issue" (if there is any). Thanks

Hi to all,
  since I started to sell Pro version, more troubles then I expected comes. Like taxes, validations of my account, some other economic problem in my stupid republic system and finally "Terms of use" of some maps. Do you know Mobile atlas creator? Probably yes .. if no look at homepage here

Do you see change on this page?? Similar change will now come to Locus! You can read more about it here. Bigger problem for me against Mobac is that payed users, paid for Locus, so I have to offer refunding if they'll want.

I'll write later some post on blog with some instructions and more precise information.

After that, you can still use Locus of course. You can still use maps for own usage. You'll be able to add custom maps with already working method. But all maps that violate terms of use, will not be directly in Locus.

Sorry for that!

[20.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.2.2]

20.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.2.2
Free version, behavior as Pro, valid till 1.5.2011

• improved POI alert service
• added ArcGIS maps
• added some info about map download and Terms of use (new button on map manager screen - all info clear?)
• some improvements on Track screen
• improvements for adding custom maps

18.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.2.1
Looks like the worst is over.... uff. So is here still anyone who wants to do some tests? So Free version, behavior as Pro, valid till 1.5.2011

• support for MBT maps! need test
• returned compass button on GPS screen
• new auto switch for orientation source (check settings - Sensors)
• now you can check single point on track on map (also with some stats - dist to start and end)
• during guiding, new icon in top left corner to quick handle guided object
• extended support for custom online maps (extend "type" tag)
• fixed missing geocaching filed notes values for Event, mega event and Webcam caches. Also added button back to cache on geocache waypoints
• some small improvements ...

15.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.2

• new Free and Pro version released on market

14.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.1

• new Free and Pro version released on market

13.4.2011 - Locus 1.5.0

• new Free and Pro version released on market

[11.4.2011 - Locus 1.4.3.3]

11.4.2011 - Locus 1.4.3.3
fine volunteers, lets go tune. I'm currently out of power . This version is only for hardcore testers and on own risk!

IMPORTANT

This version change TRACK DATABASE, so backup Locus/data/dbtracks.sqll file! Changed file will not be perfectly usable in older version so count with that! Also to use full features in new version, like guiding along RTE GPX tracks, import data again! All features around track need to be tested, so please do it and every, even a small problem, write me. I was working on it for around two days, but that doesn't mean that there will be no problem. True is opposite .

Also I want to add back support for My Maps. Here are enabled and fully working except remaining problems on 2.1 systems and also not working export to Locus database. Issues are also welcome

• rewrite whole system for track handling. What does it mean for you? Better support for RTE and TRK tags, ability to add point into track during track record, exporting segments separated by "pause", ability to guide along RTE tracks as well as along TRK tracks. Maybe some more ...
• new color picker dialog. Hope this will be useful for you
• some new settings

8.4.2011 - Locus 1.4.3.1

• this is valid version till 15.4., install as Free, work as Pro
• added new (improved) method to add Online maps - viewtopic.php?f=21&t=45
• finally working Guide along track? (fixed some problems and added Guide on next point button
• added merging of tracks
• some map fixes

6.4.2011 - Locus 1.4.0

• new Free and Pro version released on market

[4.4.2011 - Locus 1.3.0.4]

4.4.2011 - Locus 1.3.0.4
looks that no one will write me about POI search?!

• this is valid version till 8.4., install as free, work as pro
• added POI - alert!!
• added new OSM maps - OpenTrackMap and 3-layer (base, shade, paths) Wanderreit
• rewritted part of map downloader, now works better with multilayer maps and also allow same capabilities with TAR maps if anyone use ...
• geocaching tweak for importing Final waypoints (check settings). Expect terrible one minute icon. Will be better in final, don't worry
• some track fixs

3.4.2011 - Locus 1.3.0.3
ready for next testing?

• this is valid version till 8.4., install as free, work as pro
• added online google POI search (beta)
• added trackback (reverse guide on), reverse track sorting, some tweaks

1.4.2011 - Locus 1.3.0.2
one really functional version on 1.4.

• this is valid version till 8.4., install as free, work as pro
• added automatic generating field notes description
• added second sound mode for guiding along tracks. Guys please test and also look on my English translation and suggest improvements if you feel it a little bit confusing!
• enabled My Maps. I did some small improvements with login so please try it also on 2.1 devices. If not work, may anyone send me log from aLogCat or logs directory (if contain any). Also test please if MyMaps works for you on My Tracks. Thx

31.3.2011 - Locus 1.3.0

• new Free version released on market. When there will be no problem, Pro version will be released in evening or tomorrow
• fine, Pro released also ... enjoy

http://www.the-thorns.org.uk/mapping/help/over.html

did anyone tried this? For example to convert ozfx maps directly to Mercator projection and then to sqlite map file?

[30.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0.5]

30.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0.5
testing version (valid till 2.4.2011). Only ENGLISH! Other lang will be added into tomorrow market release (if there will be no major issues)

• new skyplot (GPS) screen!
• new search dialog!
• some new settings
• fixed problems with hiding panels

29.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0.4
testing version (valid till 2.4.2011) with

• small improvements on charts
• next add point (quick method from map) improvements
• many improvements with TAR maps, guiding on point or path and more...

23.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0.1
hmm looks after three days, back online for a while. So new testing version (valid till 1.4.2011) with

• new charts for track. Ignore wrong or missing icons, graphics will be done. Important is concept and functionality
• improved adding of points from map screen, also you can change category on edit point screen
• better default icons

23.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0

• Pro version on market. Also added during today editing already started parking, searching in POI by GC code also, and in PRO is as bonus ability to download map by track stored in application . Do you like it?

22.3.2011 - Locus 1.2.0

• new Free version released on market. When there will be no problem with maps, Pro version will be released tomorrow

[21.3.2011 - Locus Free testing 1.1.1.4]

Hi guys, I have now really dark times with getting all maps back to work. Looks that problems cause mainly Bing and Yahoo maps. I have attached here regular testing version (Free). Another market update 1.1.1 cause another troubles as I tested and maps created with mobac not work here now . So please, do not create maps (Bing and Yahoo) with Locus version 1.1.0 and versions before. Test this version if all maps works correctly. If not, please write me source of map or if map is small, upload is somewhere. Thanks to all ..

And some quick answers. About restarting, berkley told me about some similar issue when he used Bluetooth GPS, was it with this also? About GPS icon permanently enabled, don't you have just started track recording or guiding? Anyway this is not possible, really. I didn't changed anything in this part of code during last weeks.

21.3.2011 - Locus Free testing 1.1.1.4

• some few improvements and fixs on online and mainly offline maps. Some info here: http://locus.asamm.cz/?p=279. So now, any problem with maps is BIG problem so please tell me!! It's important
• new guiding screen!
• added spain translation
• now display time to target during guiding, please test
• added Amudanan israel map
• reduced size off app a little ... but every byte count
• now you can import points with same name (added ignore option - is this clear how it works when you try it?)