Gaia GPS with Apple Carplay

https://blog.gaiagps.com/gaia-gps-integrates-apple-carplay/

This is a game changer. I am a huge Gaia fan for hiking, camping, bikepacking and route planning. I need to get an Apple CarPlay compatible HU in my ‘17 soon now. No more fumbling with a phone/tablet holder.

They say Android play is coming too. If your not familiar with Gaia it is an app that downloads a ton of useful layers for offline viewing. Like USGS to Nat Geo to Open Street to Weather Satellite. You have to pay for the premium membership (about $30/year) to get all the layers but it’s amazing.

Maybe I will start looking at the salvage yard for a smashed 2020 and pull it’s HU LoL

-M

 

I've never heard of this brand; How much does it cost?

 

The app is free to download and try out. They gave me a 7 day free trial too IIRC. The premium membership is about $30-40 a year unless you buy 3+ years at a time. Then it gets cheaper.

I have used it for a lot of trips and really like it. Plus they have a webportal app where you can make routes and they automatically sync to your device.

BTW I am not an ambassador, I just like their product.

-M

 

So this is essentially an app/software upgrade for the existing factory head unit?

 

Just an app on iOS that now works in carplay mode, nothing to change on the head unit.

 

No.

This is an app for your iPhone that integrates with Apple CarPlay.

Essentially you plug your phone into the USB slot and the HU with Apple CarPlay mirrors what is on your phone. AFAIK this is the only app that shows you USGS, Nat Geo, and other off roads on Apple CarPly. You have to have a HU that is ApplePlay compatible.


As for the cost it’s $35 for your first year.

https://www.gaiagps.com/

-M

 

I need to test this out this weekend.

 

Please do and report back! I have a VW with CarPlay and I plan on trying it out on Friday when I’m back home. I’m out of town for work this week.
-M

 

I am interested to see how it does as well. My curiosity is with how it will perform in a wooded or “out of town” type of scenario.

 

Gaia is a offline mapping app, don't require cell service so it will work anywhere..."wooded or “out of town” type of scenario" Depending what you select the maps can be massive, so it best to load everything at home and not over cellular. I have a 5 yer membership and been using it on my iPad for a few years. The number and types of maps can be overwhelming at first... I'm glad to see Car play support now.

 

I’ve been using Gaia for years. I understand exactly how it works. It doesn’t require cell service for offline only “saved” maps, but does require gps signal. I’m just curious if the Apple play interface is going to flow smoothly when using your iPhone. My iPad works much better in a remote area than my iPhone does, when it comes to the map tracking me smoothly.

 

I had trouble with both the phone and ipad tracking very well. it did the job, but lots of gaps. I think the gps antennas in the devices aren't top notch. I ended up getting a Bluetooth GPS/Glonass antenna to overwrite the signal and the resolution is awesome, especially for elevation.

 

Ahh just in time for my trip this weekend!

 

Thanks

 

I've never seen a difference between my iPad and iPhone. I like tech so I update my hardware a lot...Gaia tracks smooth as butter on 11 MAX and iPad Pro.

Also, If you are having tracking issues try turning on "Better Location Accuracy When Plugged In" under Gaia Power Saving Settings.

 

whats this "plugged In" ? I turned it on

 

Plugged into power.... I always have my iPad / iPhone plugged in when I using it in my truck.

 

I mean what if you don't have anything to plugged it into and i'm away from my truck?

 

Battery vault?

 

Well, At walking speeds it doesn't matter if Gaia is updating at a slower speed to save power.