Well, I was wrong. Turns out that it *is* possible to install the boydsmaps app on your computer. I was unaware of this before and incorrectly said that it couldn't be done. The caveat is that it can't be installed with Safari on the Mac. However you can install it in Chrome or Edge on the Mac. Very simple to install, and basically the same as a phone. Just go to
mobile.boydsmaps.com, a window should appear asking if you want to install. If you don't see that, click the symbol in the address bar.
This is Chrome on the Mac. Did not try Chrome on Windows, but assume it is the same
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This is Microsoft Edge on Windows, I also tried the Mac version and it is the same.
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Of course, the question is, what's the advantage of installing the app vs. using the website in a browser? I suppose the main thing is that it runs independently, so you can close Chome or Edge and the app will continue working in its own window. The other advantage is that web apps can use "persistent storage". In other words, data that you store in the app will not be automatically deleted. In a web browser, if you don't access the site for a period of weeks, stored data is automatically erased. At this point, I am not storing any data with the app, but will be in future versions.
Disadvantage is that you can't save bookmarks or open multiple tabs. So, it's up to you. The app was designed for a phone with smaller screen and built-in GPS, and that doesn't change when you install it.