Warn user if no future alert is possible when POI Alert is started
Recently I wanted to set a POI alert for an upcoming walking track intersection but it had been quite a long time since I last used the facility. The alert never occurred because I didn't properly configure all the interrelated settings, of which there are quite a few. I hadn't enabled the folder containing my new point (or maybe the name had changed?).
My suggestion is to warn the user with a brief helpful message (maybe similar to changing presets) when the START button is tapped if no future alert is possible because of any of the conditions:
- no folders are checked
- or no points are defined in the checked folder(s)
- or the Notify checkbox is unchecked
- or all possible points are a long distance from GPS position, say 100km
Note all conditions above must be valid otherwise the alert will never occur.
I acknowledge the user may create a point in the appropriate folder after starting the alert system, but this seems a less common case, and the brief message is still of benefit.
I like this idea 
Hi Andrew,
when no folders are checked, there is still an option, that there are temporary points on the map (add-ons, gpx/kml files, ...), etc.
As I see POI alert screen, I'm thinking if "Notify when..." checkbox has any practical usage. Notification without a sound is usable? Seems not.
Warning that all points are too far ... what if you first enable POI alert and then display points for your trip.
Jiří M. aka Menion
Hi Andrew,
when no folders are checked, there is still an option, that there are temporary points on the map (add-ons, gpx/kml files, ...), etc.
As I see POI alert screen, I'm thinking if "Notify when..." checkbox has any practical usage. Notification without a sound is usable? Seems not.
Warning that all points are too far ... what if you first enable POI alert and then display points for your trip.
Jiří M. aka Menion
This proposal does not hinder me.
The only thing is a limit of 100km. Normally I have activated folders where the points on the route are also 1000km. Point spacing sometimes more than 100km. Typically in these situations, I use a POI alert so I do not have to manually check the display for 150km. So the limit is not.
Another thing is, as if this check (suggested) worked in setting the alert for live map points.
While maintaining my existing functionality, I will not be bothered by any changes.
This proposal does not hinder me.
The only thing is a limit of 100km. Normally I have activated folders where the points on the route are also 1000km. Point spacing sometimes more than 100km. Typically in these situations, I use a POI alert so I do not have to manually check the display for 150km. So the limit is not.
Another thing is, as if this check (suggested) worked in setting the alert for live map points.
While maintaining my existing functionality, I will not be bothered by any changes.
Hi Menion & Condor
Menion I agree the other situations you provide are valid - I said so in the last sentence of my suggestion.
And Condor I also agree the suggested distance is always going to be contentious. It was just an idea.
Guys, my main point is that setting up a successful ad-hoc POI alert requires quite a lot of settings in a few unrelated places. Not just the POI Alert screen but also adding the actual point into the correct point folder. In the heat of the moment, or first time user, or too long since facility previously used, it may not work, or not clear whether it will work until point is past and then too late, so any help/ hint/ warning from Locus like "hey stupid user you think you're going to get a nice alert in a little while but sorry I can see you haven't set up things properly" - OK not quite useful, but you maybe get my sentiment.
Hi Menion & Condor
Menion I agree the other situations you provide are valid - I said so in the last sentence of my suggestion.
And Condor I also agree the suggested distance is always going to be contentious. It was just an idea.
Guys, my main point is that setting up a successful ad-hoc POI alert requires quite a lot of settings in a few unrelated places. Not just the POI Alert screen but also adding the actual point into the correct point folder. In the heat of the moment, or first time user, or too long since facility previously used, it may not work, or not clear whether it will work until point is past and then too late, so any help/ hint/ warning from Locus like "hey stupid user you think you're going to get a nice alert in a little while but sorry I can see you haven't set up things properly" - OK not quite useful, but you maybe get my sentiment.
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