Use Nokia GPS

Nokia has brought GPS with a big bang by integrating the GPS function into its top of the line mobiles. But I have seen a lot of guys being unable to make full use of the service due to limited knowledge about it.

I will post all the steps in order that will enable you to use GPS to its full potential.

Step 1: Install the latest firmware of your mobile

Having the latest firmware on your mobile never hurts and is always recommended. It also improves the GPS/A-GPS performance on your mobile as in new firmware bugs get ironed out which improve performance and reliability of the applications and the phone in general.

Download and install the latest firmware of your phone using the Nokia Software Updater(NSU) which will hardly take 10-15 minutes depending on your broadband connection speed.

Step 2: Download latest version of Nokia Maps Loader

Download the latest version of Nokia Maps loader from Nokia Maps.

The latest version will have new features and will be faster and less buggier than the previous version, so its highly recommended to install the latest version.

Currently the latest version of Nokia Maps Loader is v1.3 but new versions are released from time to time by Nokia which bring in changes that boost the capability of the application. So even after installing you should periodically check for new versions.

Step 3: Download the Maps you need

In order to use the GPS functionality, you need to have the maps of the location you want to view. After installing the Nokia Maps application on your phone, run the application once. This will create a folder in which you can put the maps which you can download on your PC and put into the memory card by using the data cable.

Step 4: Configure Nokia Maps application

You need to configure the Nokia Maps application for it to work properly. You have to firstly define an access point that the application will use to connect. If you have access to unlimited GPRS/HSPDA plan then select that in access point. The connection is used to download maps if required, extra information on maps, voice navigation,address searches etc. You can also set some various

Step 5: Enable Assisted GPS (A-GPS)

A-GPS helps you in navigating through maps but requires 3G/EDGE/GPRS connection to operate. You have to tick the option in settings to enable Assisted GPS. With A-GPS you can navigate even in those places that have weak GPS signals and get detailing in maps. Also you get voice navigation that assists you while driving by telling you when and where to take turns.

GPS on mobile phones is all set to take off in a big way and the major deterrent seems to be that very few detailed maps are available that makes GPS useless for many people. But nevertheless they are increasing day by day and hence expanding the database of GPS users.