What GPS to get?

I have a Magellan 5 inch (5635T-LM) mounted here. I keep it plugged in all the time.

 

What about android auto? Also, does gaia do live directions? or just is a map?

 

oh darn! So to use this, I would need an iphone. Welp, there goes that idea!

 

IIRC, there is an update in the works for Android as well.

 

You can download offline maps on Google Maps. Download the region you’re traveling into, then you never have to worry about losing reception again.

 

Do you want a “take me there” map app with subscriptions or a offroad trails map that shows where you are on free official USGS topographic quads? If the quads, I use Topo Map and a Garmin Glo 2 for my non-GPS iPad, but it also runs on a iPhone and doesnt need GPS with those (even if off grid because your phone has one). The Garmin Glo 2 will also let a non-GPS tablet operate with subscription map apps like Gaia too.

This is a screenshot of Topo Map on iPhone version in low resolute mode (I have all of California, Nevada and Arizona quads downloaded on my iPad with these- on my iPhone I have all the desert regions - no subscription and free US wide topographic map downloads. The free high resolution mode is awesome, but these work fine for me:

 

The only issue with cellphone GPS is that it needs cell towers to locate initiate contact for the GPS. Basically, If I turn location off when I am in an area that has no service to save battery, I wont be able to get my location services working again until I am back in reception. It happens all the time when I am traveling because I don't like leaving my location services on more than I need to.

I didnt realize that they sold a GPS only device. I could definitely see this being a good work around. I guess I am looking for the best of both worklds tho, I want to be able to find a point on the map and have it take me there. Like set a way point and then have it give me turn by turn without the worry of being like... "Crap, I just passed mile marker 72 and I was supposed to turn at 67."

 

No, cellphone GPS use Satellite GPS. They use towers to do phonecalls and data. I use my iPhone with this program out of service areas (like the one shown on my map) all the time.

 

We use Gaia on a tablet/phone, 100% recommend. Download the areas you plan on going beforehand. Make sure your phone/tablet uses GPS and not AGPS. AGPS needs cell service to track you, GPS does not.

 

also my vote for Gaia and get the paid service (its really not that much).
I love to use it to mark good spots i come accross (camping/shooting etc.) -- also to your point just being able to access offline maps (satellite, forest service etc.). Plus i love that it tracks your route so that when you are trying to go home you won't get lost and can back track.

Also just the ability to load other people's gpx tracks or trail maps is a huge plus.

Edit: - also my vote to grab a garmin inreach mini as well for off the grid communication

 

I am not saying that it doesnt use satellite, but it does require cell coverage to be able to connect to the satellite, there has been countless times that I have lost signal to my phone GPS when I loose cell coverage or not be able to connect the gps location service when I have no cell services. Maybe I am the only one? Lol. Maybe this is a setting on location services for android though? I will have to look into this more.

-C

 

Its not just you. Its called assisted GPS and it absolutely needs cell service to work. A Google search will explain it quickly. Samsung tablets use real GPS and don't need cell service, paired with GAIA, its a great setup.

 

Looks like to only use GPS settings on the phone for Android, The Google Location Accuracy settings must be set to off. This stops the use of items such as cell coverage and wifi to locate your position and only use GPS. Good to know!

 

All good points GPS satellite based, vs AGPS cell based.

An iPhone can fall back to just using GPS with good accuracy without using the assisted GPS mode, and there are lots of areas I go in the desert (like the Joshua Tree National Park wilderness) that has no cell service with it. I even turn off cellular data to extend my phone battery when using TopoMaps and it works fine. Gaia probably also. Using the Garmin Glo 2 works on my iPad (non-GPS version), and probably with non-GPS android tablets too. It provides GPS data via Bluetooth.

 

I think the incorporation of a handheld is a good idea! Its so versatile!

 

I went with the GARMIN GPSMAP 64st. The screen is not nearly as large as a dedicated auto/vehicle GPS, but when I embark on foot (which is about 50% of the time), I can just remove from mount and go.

 

I only have an iPad lol. But my phone is Samsung Note 10+. I will turn off the assisted GPS and see how that works for me. Gaia does not have a location marker of where you are on the map correct?

 

Once the assisted GPS is turned off, it should work well for you. Mine has my location marked, I have the paid service though.

 

I think this is maybe the way I will go! Seems like an overall best compromise. Specially since I really am looking for something that will help me when I am off grid or hiking for a cutty fishing spot

 

So i signed up for the paid service last night. havent tried to put it in my car yet tho. Do you have an iphone or android?