More Progress

Things are going well for the OpenCaching app.

I've done a lot of work with images, both icons and the compass view.  I don't know that I'm done, but I would feel "ok" with someone using what I have now.

So, things that are done:
- target coordinates are auto-saving.  Should have been doing this from day 1 with Geopher Lite, as part of the model.  That's now corrected, no overhead there outside the model.
- New compass should be more readable.  Not in love with it, but looks better than the other.
- Added the map view.  Usable, based on the map view in Geopher Lite.  It still can do odd things when you swap away and back to the map screen.
- Added in an experimental view that shows you a list of caches in a "test.loc" file.  This will be expanded later to parse and import GPX data.  This is done through iTunes file sharing and later, through accepting files that are sent to the app from places like email or safari web downloads.
- Added a no-lock feature to the compass screen so the phone/pad won't go to sleep if you're on the compass screen.
- Most recent find results are now cached and it will use that cache if you are offline.
- the Map probably doesn't work (at all) if you are offline.

Much easier to illustrate this with screenshots.  Keep in mind that the "SavedCaches" is test-stage functionality, it will look much better later.

First pictures!

More of a status update really.

I guess I haven't really told you guys that this is semi-working already have I?  It's (barely) usable to find caches now, though it has a long way to go!

The compass/arrow screen is working with basic functionality. Current and target coordinates display, the compass and arrow rotates towards north and the cache respectively. Distance from cache, bearing and accuracy are displayed.  Text, compass, and arrow need art/usability improvements.

The "Find nearest" screen functions, though it does not cache it's results. It currently displays the cache name, OX code and coordinates. I added a refresh to this list last night here, which works fine. This list needs at least a distance from your current location on it. I've also had a request to add the bearing, undecided on this.

The cache details screen shows the available information of a given cache and allows a target to be set. This needs to be designed to have a summary (simple) view and a details view.

There is also a tab that shows a web view of the opencaching.com web page. Unsure of if this will ultimately make it to the final version, but the page is currently completely usable through the iPhone. Though I haven't tried downloading GPX files, that likely doesn't work.

Things to do for the "initial" version to be completed:
- target coordinate saving (have to set it every time right now)
- search list saving for "offline" use. This will be auto-saved/detected, with a possible manual override, though the override may not make it into the initial version.
- add a simple map view with pins for current and target location. See this link for the basic idea, it will probably start out very similar.
- add the name to the target screen, clean the target screen up some.
- import of .LOC files and a list to show those. This may also get GPX support. I have this working in my iPad prototype for LOC files already, so that's where we will start. This list may turn into a "favorites" list as well.
- a settings page to allow you to do things like filter found caches or not, login to OC.com, etc.

pending further information from garmin or thought, also the following:
- log/create/edit caches on the phone.
- The ability to send pictures and email from the app to yourself or to others
- external google maps link, oc.com web link in safari, etc.
- some sort of todo list option to create a list of caches to find. Sort of a favorites, but not exactly.
- auto-caching for caching sprints.
- some kind of outdoor mode to be able to see the compass screen better in direct sunlight.
- tabs need to be renamed & given icons probably.

Tons more details and even other ideas that aren't here yet.

edit:  Had to show off my new icons...  Not yet perfect, but a good start.

I once had a dream...

...and that dream was impeded. After continuing on with that dream for a small while I realized the futility, even if I wouldn't admit it to myself immediately.

I like what groundspeak offers for the iPhone. Their geocaching app is very usable. It's got all sorts of cool stuff in it.

Largely it's for the most part not what I would want. It's overkill.

Groundspeak has a problem in that many geocachers are pretty hardcore. They want hardcore features. They are loud about what they want. And... well, I don't. I'm not.

I want to be able to go grab a cache on a whim. I want to just DO geocaching without having to have a ton of prep time or management time.

So that's what I'm shooting for with this iPhone app. No big fuss, maybe a bit more limited than some, but super simple and easy to use, but powerful enough to get the job done.

Wish me luck!

opencaching.com

With the advent of www.opencaching.com by garmin, I've decided to do what I never could do with Geopher Lite. OpenCaching.com has a 3rd party API system which can be directly accessed by an iPhone. Someone else has already stated that they will be making an android caching app as well.

The basics I have planned:
- Easy searching for nearby caches
- Offline cache support and export (initially very basic)
- Automated Cache-to-cache finding.
- Login to opencaching.com for Filtering and logging finds.
- directional compass and arrow to lead your way.

Things I am considering:
- GPX import/export, tied into the offline cache support.
- More extensive offline cache support features
- map support
- Cache placement in the field
- Editing caches in the field
- Device sharing of cache waypoints
- multi-cache support
- And others that didn't make the public list.

If you have any ideas, drop me a line.

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