Review: Tracklogs

Tracklogs, now in Version 3, has been around since the early days of digital mapping applications although it’s never been as well known as Memory Map or Anquet.

Specs & info
Price: £9.95 (per National Park)
OS: Windows XP, Vista,
Processor: 1GHz
Memory: 512MB
Hard Disc Space: 1GB (PC)

Tracklogs has a clean and functional look on the surface, but look underneath and you’ll find the same standard feature set covering routes, tracks, waypoints and custom labelling. As with the competition you get 3D and aerial mapping and a choice of scales including the popular 1:25,000 and 1:50,000.

Many of the features pioneered by Tracklogs, particularly the custom path colours and fonts, have now been replicated by the bigger players, but as with as with Memory Map and Anquet familiarity has bred loyalty.

Although Tracklogs uses its own route file format its latest version has a good import and export system for transferring routes between systems. In particular Tracklogs works well with Garmin handheld GPS receivers, and supports their personal fitness course data as well as route transfer.

Tracklogs also makes use of its own advanced waypoint management system to filter the points down to a more manageable level whilst retaining the accuracy of your stored track. It’s important to remember though, that while routes can be transferred to a GPS or a PDA the application itself doesn’t run on a mobile platform.

It may appear strange for a mapping application not to have a mobile version, but in real life people only look at their GPS occasionally to check where they are; they don’t continuously follow their progress on-screen. A

s with the other applications in this test you get the option to print maps, and for many this in combination with a standard GPS is sufficient without needing to carry an additional piece of hardware.

Summary

Interface: At its most basic the interface is simple and easy to get to grips with, but once you start accessing advanced features it can soon feel crowded.

Features: A complex set of features despite appearances. One of the most customisable applications for route planning and marking.

Import/Export: A good quality import/export facility supporting most major formats. Tracklogs is also compatible with several heart and fitness monitors.

Shared route databases: Tracklogs has one of the most loyal user bases.

Verdict: 8/10

Review originally appeared in Smartphone & PDA Essentials magazine. Words by Dave Mycroft.

Popularity: 1% [?]