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Background
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Background
Background
I created MilGPS v1.0.0 in December 2010 after an army training exercise. I was frustrated by the GPS units available at the time, not because they didn’t work or lacked specific features, but rather because they tried to do too much. I already knew how to navigate and most of it was done via map-to-ground with the occasional compass bearing. What I needed was an easy way to get a grid to confirm my current location or to report over the radio.
The commercial GPS units and other apps I had used had the following shortcomings:
- low quality screens with small writing that made them hard to read when bouncing around in a vehicle
- slow, laggy user interfaces
- difficult user input via buttons or touch screen
- poor/no support for MGRS (most support MGRS but how many allow customising the number of grid figures displayed etc)
You have probably noticed that the app addresses each of these points directly:
- the main screens (location/navigate) are designed to display only essential information, in as large a font as possible with good contrast
- the UI is consistent, intuitive and responsive
- easy user input
- MGRS mode is the primary and preferred mode for the app, with many customisation options. Maps within the app have a custom smooth scrolling MGRS/UTM overlay with grid labels.
Design Objectives
MilGPS is designed with the following principles in mind:
- Accuracy. MilGPS is designed to be as accurate as possible, keeping in mind the limited accuracy of the GPS receiver in your device.
- Simplicity. New features need to be easy to use, and advanced features shouldn’t get in the way of someone using the app for more basic purposes
- Stability. I fix bugs as soon as possible, let me know via email if you find one.
- Doing it right. I believe that not adding a feature is better than adding a substandard one. This sometimes slows down development and means that MilGPS isn’t as feature rich as some competitors, but hopefully leads to an app that is better to use in the long run.
- Honesty. I try to be as honest as possible about what the app can/can’t do, and I don’t get carried away with marketing.