How to: Use the Nokia N95 GPS/A-GPS
August 16, 2007 by Dario Soltani
So you’re disappointed with the GPS functions on the Nokia N95? Is it slow? Can’t get lock ons or loosing your position frequently? No problem, this post will describe everything you need to know to use your built in GPS to the fullest.
- Make sure you have the latest version of Nokia Map Loader.
Why? Because it’s much faster than the first version. At the time of writing the latest version was numbered v1.1. The new Maploader software now comes with voice commands in 24 languages and the download speeds (both for maps and voices) are MUCH better (we’re talking max 10 minutes for a country, instead of the ~6 hours it took before). You can download and install Nokia Map Loader from Nokia’s website:
http://www.nokia.com/A4353385 - Make sure you have the latest firmware version on your Nokia N95
This enables the new A-GPS feature making GPS positioning/locks much faster and more stable. At the time of writing the latest firmware version was numbered v12.0.013. You can find the complete changelog here. You can check your current firmware version by typing *#0000# when in idle screen. If you need to update your firmware, I’ve written an extensive article on how to upgrade your do this here:
How to: Upgrade your Nokia N95 firmware - Download the maps you need
Run the Nokia Maps software in your phone once, with the micro sd card inserted. Now connect your N95 to the PC in Mass Storage mode (with the USB cable) or insert your micro sd card into a compatible reader and download the maps you require with the Nokia Map Loader application. - Access points
If you have an unlimited data plan you should always use your GPRS or HSDPA connection (because it won’t cost you anything). You change these settings inside the maps program on your N95. The connection will be used for: - Downloading maps that you haven’t already downloaded via the Nokia Map Loader application.
- Accessing (many) extra points of interests that do not come with the default maps.
- Resolving 7-digit postcodes like in England, otherwise you’ll only get a maximum of 5 digits. Or is it 4?
- Downloading navigational voices (you can do this in the new map loader program, however).
- Resolving address searches for which you do not have map data for (e.g. other country)
-
Enable the Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
To use the A-GPS you will need to use a 3G/EDGE/GPRS connection as WiFi is not supported. You’ll find the configuration settings under- Make sure you have a tick next to ‘Assisted GPS’ under
Tools > Settings > General > Positioning > Positioning Methods
- Choose the connection you wish to use with A-GPS under
Tools > Settings > General > Positioning > Positioning Server.
Each A-GPS server request is approximately 5KB of data, which is cheap even for those who pay by the Kb.
- Make sure you have a tick next to ‘Assisted GPS’ under
New http://europe.nokia.com/A4509291
The mapping program and the maps are free. Nokia make money by charging you for navigation. You can of course have it map you out a route from A to B, and ‘track’ you all the way there. It won’t alter the orientation of the screen, that’s one of things that you pay for with navigation, and also the you pay to get vocal turn-by-turn directions.
There are no ‘default maps’. All maps are downloaded via the Map Loader application or over-the-air. You probably want to update your maps regularly, as map information is added regularly. This is even more important when using paid navigation (voice navigation) as navigational routing information is stored in the map data itself. If you have navigational problems and the turn-by-turn information isn’t working satisfactory this can be a solution as new updates will correct errors in the routing information.
Source: Saladak2
Does anyone know what port A-GPS server is is using on N95? With the recent cripple of T-Zones in Chicago area I am not sure if the positioning data goes through as it takes quite longer than it did originally after I upgraded to v12 firmware. Maciekwww.symbiosis60.com
So now the only open question is how to remove maps for countries from the microSD card. The other day I travelled to Sweden, downloaded the map in advance and now I don’t need it any longer. Currently, the only way to remove it is by deleting the private (=maps) folder and reinstalling the maps via Map Loader. Or?
I wonder if GPS locks on where I’m living; Egypt. I still didn’t get the chance to try it.
Maciek, 7275 is the port number
great post
positioning server is: supl.nokia.com To delete maps from your card, just go into the maploader program and there is a button to clear the maps from your memory card. If you are using maploader 1.1, it is near the bottom right under the list of added maps. This function will clear all maps, not just the one you want…I’m in Canada so we don’t have unlimited data… actually, it is the opposite. The cellphone companies here have direct access to our wallets and charge us an arm and a leg for each kilobyte used (in the order of 15-25 cents per kilobyte). But that didn’t stop me from trying out A-GPS and I’m glad to say it works. Before, it took about 2-3 minutes to get a lock, with A-GPS, it was around 30 seconds. It used about 8k of data. So now I know that if I need a quick lock I just need to turn on AGPS and leave it off when I have time to wait.I have an N95 with the latest firmware and using maploader 1.1It would be nice to have unlimited data - ROGERS are you listening?
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JKE: About deleting maps I’m afraid you are correct. At the moment, we have no easy way of deleting maps except for those methods you suggested.
Chris: Great and very informative reply
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Hi XChris I am halifax. Could you please give meyour conatc#. I m new and would like to use gps. I have not figured out yet how to use it and which is the cheap method as well.
Vishal:
You can read a guide on how to activate the a-gps function by reading this.
Hello, i have a question regarding A-GPS. If under settings-> positioning methods the checkmark is there for AGPS and integrated GPS, but in the Nokia Map program i NEVER allow network useage, would the phone still use AGPS and connect through my network provider? I would only like to switch AGPS on/off when i really need to lock on quickly, otherwise i don’t mind the 3 minute wait. Or would i have to uncheck AGPS as well as never allow network useage to ensure i don’t get charged? thanks
In Nokia N 95 how do I remove an e-mail account that I no longer use?
Joe: Are you using the built-in email client?
Steven: I think not. But you can make sure if you check the number of bytes you transfer before and after.
Hi there,
when i start nokia maps it says “network usage disabled. you can enable it from application settings”
what is this fault and how can i fix it ?
i can get routes and everything but it keeps saying “waiting for GPS” why is this ?
Help me please
Regards
Tabzie
i get about 5 satelites, but everytime i click route to or route from, i get no gps position. its the biggest piece of crap ever.
What is the problem?
hi, is there any software out there to make the n95 gps work for marine apps as i cant find anything anywhere
Peter King: I really dont know anything about marine apps. Sorry…
is it possible to connect the gps on a e90 to an external pda or pc thru blue tooth??
well…i got my N95 but i dosen`t know how to use the Nokia Maps..please tell me by the method how to use it..thx
Hey, i wonder how to connect with the sattelites, it always say found 4 or 3 but still i cant zoom it to were i want? any idea how?
mg: not that I know off, but I see no reason why not. You need a custom made application to do that (talking as a software developer).