Frequently Asked Questions

What is deCarta Mobile?

deCarta Mobile consists of both a Client API and Server component used to location enable mobile devices. The Client API runs on a J2ME enabled mobile device and connects to the deCarta Mobile Server to access core spatial functionality.

What core spatial functionality is available?

Currently available spatial functionally includes: tiled draggable maps that pan and zoom, routing (driving directions and pedestrian paths), geocoding, reverse geocoding and POI Lookup.

Why is deCarta sharing the Client API Source Code and what are the limitations to its use?

deCarta provides approved developers with the Client API source code, and allows them to modify and compile the code to meet their specific application needs. Given the wide array of J2ME platforms this also allows the developers to customize the code to the devices they want to target. When the developer is ready to commercialize their product they will have to enter into a contractual arrangement with deCarta.

What happens if I modify the source code, do I have to give my changes back to deCarta?

There is no requirement for you to contribute any changes back to deCarta though we certainly would appreciate your awesome bug fixes and cool additional functionality. You can give changes back to us either through the deCarta developer forums or directly through technical support. And hey if they are good enough do you want a job?

Will sample code be available?

The Client API comes with a basic sample application illustrating many of the features that the API supports, as well as Java documentation and full source code.

What operating systems and hardware devices will the Client API run on?

The deCarta Client API is developer for MIDP 2.0 and CLDC 1.1 J2ME enabled phones. Internally, deCarta tests and runs the client software on the Nokia N95 and the Blackberry 8820. Since the developer has the source code, they can modify it to run on whichever platforms they desire.

What operating systems and hardware does the deCarta Mobile Server run on?

Windows, Red Hat, FreeBSD and Solaris

I'm developing for a phone that does not have GPS, what can I do with deCarta Mobile?

None of the spatial functionality currently available requires a GPS fix. End users can easily enter in either their current location, or any location for that matter, and perform their map display, route, local search, etc. A location fix from a GPS chip is only required in turn-by-turn navigation applications.

Once I develop my prototype (for free) on the devZone, how can I launch a commercial application?

deCarta offers 2 deployment options. Customers can either license the platform and bring the deCarta Mobile Server in-house, or leverage deCarta's hosted Mapping services (Hosted Web Services), which alleviates the need to license deCarta's software and map data from NAVTEQ or Tele Atlas and manage the server infrastructure.

Does deCarta provide an iPhone client API and can I use it with the mobile server?

deCarta does not currently have a released iPhone API, although we do have one in the early stages of development. When it is released it will work with the same server we are using with our J2ME API. Until that time iPhone developers can still write LBS applications for the iPhone using our DDS Web Services API.

What Countries are supported for application development?

Out of the box, deCarta's Hosted Web Services offers geocoding support and map data from NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas.

If you do not see a country you are interested in developing mobile applications for, there are two options:

1. Contact Hosted Web services and inquire what it would take to add that country to our services.
2. Self-host the deCarta Mobile Server and make the modifications necessary to support the language and map data for your country of interest. Our technical support and professional services can help you quickly get up and running.