Useful Local Navigation 3.3.2

Thanks to the support from our users, the Useful Local Navigation series has reached an impressive milestone of over 500,000 downloads across both iOS and Android devices.

Useful Local Navigation – Point & Search! allows for swift and efficient discovery of stores, facilities, and locations in your vicinity. By simply pointing your smartphone in any direction, users can instantly view nearby options.

Due to modifications in Google API usage fees, the app now limits Google searches to 150 daily requests. After reaching this limit, HERE API and Yahoo! JAPAN search will be utilized.

New Feature (v3.0.0): Offline Maps!

This version allows users to download maps directly to their devices in advance, thereby ensuring reliable navigation even when internet connectivity is unavailable. This feature is complemented by offline KML import for spot information and access to saved favorite locations, providing a seamless experience during offline navigation.

Key Features:

• Quickly search for nearby stores and facilities using keywords, including restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, hospitals, banks, stations, and more.
• GPS tracking (“footprints”) assists in preventing disorientation.
• The AR View along with an electronic compass delivers clear and intuitive directional guidance.
• Easily save search terms or favorite locations for convenient future access.
• Quickly re-center the map with “@location” search commands.
• C detailed distance displays to nearby spots.
• Integrated with Google Maps for precise route navigation.
• Seamlessly switch between Google Maps and offline maps within the app.
• Supports the import of offline KML/KMZ files for additional local spot information.
• Share your location or destination via email with links to Useful Local Navigation or Google Maps, accessible to friends using basic phones.

Usage Tips:

• Whenever possible, connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Ensure your device is equipped with an electronic compass to utilize AR features.
• If GPS signals are weak, consider utilizing GPS-enhancing apps or restarting your device to expedite GPS acquisition.
• For downloading large offline maps (over 8GB), format your microSD card as exFAT.

In case of poor GPS signal:

If the app experiences difficulty acquiring your current location (indicated by the persistence of “Acquiring”), experimenting with a dedicated app that enhances GPS capture may improve performance. Pre-acquiring GPS data with such an app can help "warm up" the GPS in Useful Local Navigation. Additionally, consider moving to an area with better GPS reception or checking if an eco mode activated by low battery is disabling GPS functionality.

In emergencies, to conserve battery life:

You can reduce battery consumption by disabling the camera view in settings. Should the app close unexpectedly, registering a favorite destination (by long-pressing in the menu) will allow for rapid access by selecting that favorite.

Offline Map Download:

Offline maps are available for download through settings. When saving an 8GB (or larger) map file on an external SD card, remember to format your microSD card to exFAT instead of FAT32.

Offline Map Providers:
© Geospatial Information Authority of Japan
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Compatibility:
- Android OS 5.0 or later
- OpenGL ES version 2 or higher

The Useful Local Navigation app is designed to enhance your navigation experience and transform your smartphone or tablet into a powerful navigation tool.