What Android version is recommended for LocusMap Pro?

Just to clarify better.

I'm worry about the Android version because the choice of Android Tablet equipped with a real GPS receiver is limited.

By examining the specs carefully, one can discover that the majority of the Android tablets on the market have a A-GPS (Assisted-GPS), not a real GPS receiver. The A-GPS needs a phone network coverage in order to work and it is less precise in positioning.

Here an article explaining the differences between GPS and A-GPS: http://www.diffen.com/difference/A-GPS_vs_GPS

At the moment my personal list includes this models (I'm interested in 7" devices only):

• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (GPS / GLONASS receiver) - Android: 4.4.2
• Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (A-GPS / GPS / GLONASS receiver) - Android (across the years): 4.4.4 / 5.0 / 6.01

There are a lot of other candidates, but it's hard to decrypt real tech features. Most of the times the detailed datasheet just say something lile "GPS: yes".

Hi Giulio

> with what Android version Locus Map works the best?

locus works generally for now with android version 4.0.3 or higher, as you can read on google play store.

some minor things are only available with android 6 or 7 so e.g. "3D skyplot mode"

> I plan to use the map offline (i.e. without internet connection), so I have to buy a tablet embedding a realGPS receiver, I'm right?

yes you need GPS and/or Glonass receivers for offline use, this can be solved also by an external BT receiver

Note: at first start of locus pro you have to connect (WIFI) minimum once your device to internet for registration !

I don´t own a tablet, so i can´t give you any answer to this questions, sorry

Wolfgang

Hi Wolfgang. Thank you a lot for the info!

What about the recommended memory requirements? There is no info about that on the Google store :( :(

As I know, an Android tablet/smartphone use three type of memory:

• RAM - the memory where programs and necessary data are loaded when an application starts.
• ROM (called "internal storage") - where data are stored permanently even if the device is switched off. This memory contains the Android operating system.
• microSD cards (called "external storage") - where large data files can be stored

I think that the RAM is the most critical feature. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 with 1,5 Gb of RAM will have a decent speed when viewing/scrolling a map?

Hi Giulio,

RAM - 1,5 GB is sufficient for smooth running of Locus

ROM - it is recommended to have Locus installed there and also its data stored there. Storage volume depends on how many maps and how big is your tracks/points database - it can increase to gigabytes.

external SD card - can be used for storing maps, backups and SRTM data (since Android 5). More info: http://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:faq:use_sdcard_on_kitkat

Thanks Michal!

As I see on the linked page, there is a way for storing maps and SRTM data on the external SD card also with Android 4.4.2-kitkat... or I'm wrong? I'm missing something?

Hi Giulio,

yes there is but we don't recommend it for reasons stated: http://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:faq:use_sdcard_on_kitkat#locus_and_all_its_data_on_sd_card

Got it, thanks Michal.

But what about adding later some downloaded maps on the SD card without copying them to the internal directory? (see http://docs.locusmap.eu/doku.php?id=manual:user_guide:maps_external)

Take the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (7.0) for example, it's cheap but it has "only" 8Gb of internal storage (ROM). After subtracting the space for Android 4.4.2 itself and some little apps, the space remaining for LocusMap Pro (and maps) is not so big...

Then you have the only one option - move Locus directory to the dedicated folder on your SD card. But be aware, if you uninstall Locus, whole directory is deleted by the system, including all your data - tracks, points, maps. So if you need to uninstall/reinstall for some reason, do a backup of all your data first.

Uh!

I'm lost...

so I cannot install LocusMap on the internal storage and after add (eventually) some external maps stored on the SD card, like documented in the link I posted above?

Of course you can :) But Locus always downloads mapy to the internal memory in Android 4.4.2. It can't do otherwise unless you move it to sdcard/Android/data/menion.android.locus/files - which has drawbacks.

So if you have enough space in your internal memory for Locus downloading, leave Locus in your internal memory and move downloaded maps to the external SD.

Ah!

Ok, now it's clear.

Thanks a lot!