GPS with multiple stop and route optimization

[GregoryK]

I may have asked this before, but I am badly in need of a good GPS receiver for my car. I seek one that I can input multiple stops, and it will map the most efficient route for me. I am generally appraising properties in numerous cities, large and small. Currently I use a mapping optimization software application to find the most efficient raoute, then use the Iphone 5 to direct me to those locations. However, this is extremely inefficient and often takes twice the projected time shown by the mapping software. The I-phone algorithm uses major roadways and interstates instead of the shorted direction between two point. In one case, it took 30 minutes between stops in waht could have been a dozen blocks.

 

[BigAppraisal]

Hey! I've been using the Copilot app on my Android (I'm pretty sure they have versions for iTHings too). It's the best ever in terms of optimizing my route, and negotiating my day. It's not perfect - its warnings sometimes cause short stops - but I'm a fan nonetheless.

 

[TRESinc]

my old garmin 780 had auto-routing and i loved it. now i use the mapquest app on my iphone.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I've always just used an old laptop with Delorme Streets USA and a GPS dongle. Program the stops sitting at my desk, it figures the route, and the large screen is easy to see sitting on the seat.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Curious what good app for android or 8.1 windows would be accurate. Is the "GPS" in the phone all that accurate? I mean isn't it based off land cell towers and not geostationary satellites? Seems you would need a real GPS to improve accuracy.

 

[Meandering]

The I phone takes me through the woods the majority of the time.

I'm a fan.
.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

Smart phones have GPS and cell tower triangulation.

 

[GregoryK]

Well for instance, I had an appraisal in SW Chicago suburb of C-store, had land sales in two counties, and Competitors within a two-mile radius, then the improved sales scattered throughout the Chicago Metro market. I think total I had 21 stops. I spent a small fortune going up and down toll roads, when the stops often were a mile or two as a bird flies apart. There has to be a more efficient way. Also, if I have the blue tooth on - I don't get voice directions from my Iphone. Since I spend wo or three days a week behind the windshield, I use the hands free option religiously while driving. That is why I want a dedicated GPS unit. Probably something like truck drivers, or delivery companies use that will hand many stops. The other limitation I run into is ten stops

 

[Tom Woolford]

The set-up I suggested has voice prompts, and you can select to exclude certain types of streets / roads. It will also handle as many stops as you need - no limit.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

GPS

Global Positioning System is satellites. Does your phone actually use a satellite (which are designed as surveying instruments) whereas the cell tower triangulation seems much less accurate. My phone often shows my location about 2 miles away, on a good cell signal day, it might be within 300 yd of my house.