Application: dwMap - Route Maps for Vivoactive and other watches

I have just published a route map app, dwApp, which I hope will fill a hole in the Connect IQ ecosystem.
Download from App Store

The primary goal was to offer a route map display and follow capability on the Vivoactive. The app however works on all Connect IQ devices and should be an very convenient way to send a route to the watch after creating it in MapMyRun, Ride with GPS, etc. It also offers an activity recording capability while you are using the routing feature.

I look forward to your requests, feedback, questions and bug reports, in this thread!

Features
- Uses a link code mechanism to link your watch to your account on http://dynamic.watch
- Your dynamic.watch account can be linked to Ride with GPS and Under Armour (MapMyRun/MapMyRide) to import routes automatically from those accounts, or you can import GPX and Garmin Connect routes
- Indicate which route is your current route, and you watch will automatically download it next time you start the app
- App displays a map view or a dashboard (data fields) view
- Map view has three zoom levels, and shows you current position and direction
- Dashboard view shows speed, distance, HR and other common activity stats
- App uses the normal built-in recording capability of the watch, and when you stop and save the activity it is sync'ed with Garmin Connect in the usual way
- App works without a data/phone connection, using the most recently downloaded route when offline

jzacks over 9 years ago

Thanks!

This is great! Thanks so much for developing. Simple route missing is the one feature I was hankering for from my old 310XT.

One question about the zoom levels: How does the app choose them. Is there any way to tweak that from the web site?

mappicus over 9 years ago

One question about the zoom levels: How does the app choose them. Is there any way to tweak that from the web site?

Excellent, glad you're finding it useful. Right now the zoom levels start with the full map and then are x4 and x16. I chose these from trial and error, primarily cycling. But, per your suggestion, since I have the link between the website and the watch I can potentially add it as an option there. Another feature that would be good to offer through the website would be being able to choose which data fields are shown in the dashboard view, for example.

LadyGresley over 9 years ago

This looks very useful, downloaded it yesterday, but not actually used it yet, I'm still playing with my new Vivoactive.
One question, should the app show on my phone or is access just the webpage? I can see it on my Vivoactive, so I know it has downloaded.

mappicus over 9 years ago

One question, should the app show on my phone or is access just the webpage? I can see it on my Vivoactive, so I know it has downloaded.

You just use the webpage to send routes to the watch, no app goes onto the phone. You'll need the normal Garmin Connect app on your phone, but you probably have already installed that.

Damian.Holt over 9 years ago

I used this earlier today. Worked as intended thanks. Planned route in MapMyFitness, bookmarked it and it appeared on your Dynamc watch site. Sent it to the watch and there was the map.

I don't suppose though the app has the ability to rotate the map so the direction you require is always ahead if you know what I mean. Like it would on google maps etc. was a little off putting looking at the display and traveling in a different direction.

mappicus over 9 years ago

I used this earlier today. Worked as intended thanks. Planned route in MapMyFitness, bookmarked it and it appeared on your Dynamc watch site. Sent it to the watch and there was the map.

I don't suppose though the app has the ability to rotate the map so the direction you require is always ahead if you know what I mean. Like it would on google maps etc. was a little off putting looking at the display and traveling in a different direction.

Excellent, glad it worked smoothly for you and I've noted your request. I've worked with digital maps for quite a few years and I have noticed that many people (myself included) choose "North Up" while many choose "Track Up" as you do.

hlazar over 9 years ago

I'd like to be able to locate a place in Google maps and download the route to the watch.

mappicus over 9 years ago

I'd like to be able to locate a place in Google maps and download the route to the watch.

Thanks, request noted.

jim_m_58 over 9 years ago

Am I missing something here? Is this an app where you download a map, and then record the activity as a run/walk/hike/ride that not only updates your current location on the map, but give you info on your activity (with other screens) and creates a .FIT file? (pace/speed/etc), or is only the map of a course outside of a recorded activity?

Is this only showing a map for the course when you fire up a native recording app?

mappicus over 9 years ago

Am I missing something here? Is this an app where you download a map, and then record the activity as a run/walk/hike/ride that not only updates your current location on the map, but give you info on your activity (with other screens) and creates a .FIT file? (pace/speed/etc), or is only the map of a course outside of a recorded activity?

Is this only showing a map for the course when you fire up a native recording app?

That is what our app does, yes. Specifically: it downloads a route that you have chosen, shows it on the screen as a simple map, records your activity using the built-in recording system (so it appears in History, and syncs via Garmin Connect Mobile to Garmin Connect), and shows your position on the route as you go. You use it instead of the native recording apps, but it puts its recording into the same place.

Does that answer your question?

Thanks for your interest,