Best GPS for off roading?

Gaia is for Apple IPhone, backcountry for Android.

 

This. Although backcountry just has a few more options. Gaia is simpler to use but once you learn backcountry it is a more powerful app. We primarily use USGS topographic maps that we download before leaving the office. Not much cell service where we work and having maps downloaded is nice. Also, if you plan out routes or pre determined way points in Google Earth at the office you can easily import them as KML files to the app.

 

Android has Gaia too...

 

I downloaded a map last night for offline and every time I try and open it it force closes the app. Not looking good for Backcountry.

 

Haters gonna hate.... that sucks. Sounds a lot like the head unit In the third gens...

 

Did you try to reload the map, or use a different source to see if it was a genuine issue or just an isolated incident?

 

Not yet. I'll give it a try

 

I like the maps from the USGS site but sometimes I get one that is corrupted during download so I have to go back and grab it again.

 

I think that is what happened. I didn't have the best of service when I downloaded it either. Seems to be working now!

 

So for the purpose of wheeling, what is the best or most used maps? Does anyone know how to obtain mapped out trails from races or other wheelers to overlay?

 

USGS topographic maps out west are always your best best. They can be downloaded for free in both Gaia and Backcountrynav. If you can have a fellow wheeler email you a file in either kml, kmz, or gpx format they are easily loadable into both apps, and you can look at the route from home on Google Earth as well.

 

Also, if you have cell service while in the field you can email people back home way points and tracks showing a coworker or a wife where you are or where you are headed. Again, emailed exports are easily usable in Google earth or even ArcGIS if you have that capability.

 

Thanks so much! There's so much more to our Toyota's than just driving on the dirt.

 

I started playing around with the Back country navigator app today. So far I'm quite impressed. It pretty much makes any handheld GPS obsolete.

I only got to run in a 5 square mile area, but preliminary reports are favorable on my end.

Been using the Promo version so far(free). $11 for the full, non add version seems like a deal. Can I expect much better performance with the paid version?

 

It has been so long ago that I had the free version I do not remember the difference. Use the free until the app proves itself then buy the paid. But I agree well worth the money.

 

One tip for using a smartphone or tablet while away from town is that in areas with spotty or no cell service turn on airplane mode, then turn on your gps. Only running the GPS in airplane mode will stretch battery life for a long long time. If your phone is constantly searching for service it will run the battery down faster than actually using the phone. Using the GPS with airplane mode on works with all android based phones but some Apple products do not allow it. This is one of many reasons I do not use apple products.

 

I was wondering about that. I turn my phone to APM to make it take a charge faster. I was gonna play around with the GPS with the phone in APM, you saved me the trouble.

Thanks

 

IM really liking this Back Country Navigator app. I've been recreating way points of places I've been, but did not have a GPS running. Basicly going off of memory, which is fine. I want to have these points saved, even if they are only roughly accurate.

This app is user friendly for creating future way points.

 

Is that water? We don't have that here...great app none the less . Glad you like it.

 

Yes, water. Only a couple miles off shore. Tampa Bay.

I don't live there, just vacation and go fishing there.