Question about so called GPS apps

[tpcollins]

On another forum some people are claiming they have downloaded a GPS app onto their iPhone that works great, able to download maps, etc. But to use it as a functioning GPS unit, doesn't it require to have cell service as well?

There are some hunters planning on going out west to hunt and pan to just use a GPS app instead of getting an actual functioning GPS unit. I would think they're going to be in for a surprise if they get somewhere in the mountains with no cell service.

Am I correct in thinking this or not? Thanks.

 

[bradbomb]

On another forum some people are claiming they have downloaded a GPS app onto their iPhone that works great, able to download maps, etc. But to use it as a functioning GPS unit, doesn't it require to have cell service as well?

There are some hunters planning on going out west to hunt and pan to just use a GPS app instead of getting an actual functioning GPS unit. I would think they're going to be in for a surprise if they get somewhere in the mountains with no cell service.

Am I correct in thinking this or not? Thanks.

If the maps are downloaded to the device, no they do not need active cell service. The GPS works. Cell Service would be needed for something like live updating of maps, traffic, sending your location to someone else.

 

[darksithpro]

On another forum some people are claiming they have downloaded a GPS app onto their iPhone that works great, able to download maps, etc. But to use it as a functioning GPS unit, doesn't it require to have cell service as well?

There are some hunters planning on going out west to hunt and pan to just use a GPS app instead of getting an actual functioning GPS unit. I would think they're going to be in for a surprise if they get somewhere in the mountains with no cell service.

Am I correct in thinking this or not? Thanks.

Not necessarily. There is one app I have that you can download maps before you go on your trails without the need for a cellular connection later on. Check out https://www.gaiagps.com/

"Tap into the Wild
Gaia GPS helps people with the wildest adventures on Earth. World-class Everest guides, wildland firefighters, and record-breaking thru-hikers use Gaia GPS for work and play.

Gaia GPS integrates the best topo maps, offline navigation tools, and planning features, seamlessly across phones, tablets, and gaiagps.com."


So, yea, you can turn your smartphone into a fully fledged Garmin like device with a software app.

 

[tpcollins]

I have a Garmin Etrex GPS unit that after acquiring satellites overhead, I can mark the location where I parked my truck as a waypoint, go into the woods for the day, and later use the GPS to find my way back to my truck.

So these GPS apps for my iPhone will do the exact very same thing where there's no cell service? I'm not wanting to have follow preloaded maps - I just want to make sure that if I'm out in the boonies somewhere I can use my iPhone to follow a direction arrow to find my way back to my truck that was previously marked as a waypoint?

Also, I have a compass app on my iPhone 6s, will it work without cell or WiFi service? Thanks.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I have a Garmin Etrex GPS unit that after acquiring satellites overhead, I can mark the location where I parked my truck as a waypoint, go into the woods for the day, and later use the GPS to find my way back to my truck.

So these GPS apps for my iPhone will do the exact very same thing where there's no cell service? I'm not wanting to have follow preloaded maps - I just want to make sure that if I'm out in the boonies somewhere I can use my iPhone to follow a direction arrow to find my way back to my truck that was previously marked as a waypoint?

Also, I have a compass app on my iPhone 6s, will it work without cell or WiFi service? Thanks.

As written above, you phone only needs cellular service to download the maps. The GPS and compass will work fine with no cell service..

 

[bradbomb]

Just a site talking about it more

http://www.adventurealan.com/iphone-gps-map-backpacking/

 

[tpcollins]

I didn't realize my iPhone had a GPS chip in it. I found a link comparing Motion-X with the Gaia GPS, and even though the author had the Motion-X, he said the Gaia provides more and was much better.

The topi map that I wanted was going to cost me $14 shipped, and the Gaia GPS app was $20 so I bought it. It has a ton of topo maps and I've even learned how to download maps, set a waypoint, and follow my position on the screen. I'm good!

 

[sparksd]

I didn't realize my iPhone had a GPS chip in it. I found a link comparing Motion-X with the Gaia GPS, and even though the author had the Motion-X, he said the Gaia provides more and was much better.

The topi map that I wanted was going to cost me $14 shipped, and the Gaia GPS app was $20 so I bought it. It has a ton of topo maps and I've even learned how to download maps, set a waypoint, and follow my position on the screen. I'm good!

Agree - Gaia is a very nice app with a lot of good options for maps. I have it on my Air 2 (my phone is a Galaxy Edge 2 and I use a similar app - Backcountry Navigator on it.) I have 5 Garmin devices, going back to the 12XL, and these iOS and Android options are comparable; arguably, access to CalTopo maps make them a better value.

 

[splifingate]

Bringing this back from the dead, I believe

Currently planning a trek through Mojave this next month . . .sp. LV -> Kelso -> Cadiz -> Joshua -> San Diego

I was turned-on the CalTopo via the Wonder of teh Interwebs, and may give it a shot.

One reviewer gave it higher marks than Gaia, but he was very interested in printing (which I am not).

A lot changes in seven years . . . any thoughts on software currency in today's, er, climate

 

[sparksd]

Bringing this back from the dead, I believe

Currently planning a trek through Mojave this next month . . .sp. LV -> Kelso -> Cadiz -> Joshua -> San Diego

I was turned-on the CalTopo via the Wonder of teh Interwebs, and may give it a shot.

One reviewer gave it higher marks than Gaia, but he was very interested in printing (which I am not).

A lot changes in seven years . . . any thoughts on software currency in today's, er, climate

Seven years since my post above yours - I'm still using Gaia, a good app, on my iPhone. But my primary outdoors GPS is a Garmin 66ST - more rugged, better battery life. The iPhone (14 Pro Max) is nice to have along with its large screen. But I'm into my eighth decade now and don't see as much time in the outdoors as my body ain't what it used to be (and I'm the last-man-standing in my group of fellow climbers).

 

[splifingate]

Seven years since my post above yours - I'm still using Gaia, a good app, on my iPhone. But my primary outdoors GPS is a Garmin 66ST - more rugged, better battery life. The iPhone (14 Pro Max) is nice to have along with its large screen. But I'm into my eighth decade now and don't see as much time in the outdoors as my body ain't what it used to be (and I'm the last-man-standing in my group of fellow climbers).

Thanks for the response, and thoughts!

I'll just be using my iPhone, with pre-dl maps . . . I will look further into Gaia

 

[jedimasterkyle]

I've been using Gaia GPS for a number of years and it's my go-to for offline adventures. It's not the perfect app for it as there is a bit of a learning curve for it's quirks, but, it's ability to download entire regions offline has been immensely helpful when I go camping or hiking.