iPad GPS

[Zeta]

Anyone try it? These apps look neat:
http://www.motionx.com/
http://ihikegps.com/

Z

[TwoVans]

They look like they need to be connected to a 3G network - a real shortcoming in the backcountry or even in most of the national parks.

[Zeta]

The iHike says it uses a GPS satellite signal:

"How should I carry the iPhone on a hike to insure the best possible GPS reception while recording a track log?
If you put the iPhone in your pocket or buried in your back pack while recording a track, your body or items in your pack may partially block GPS satellite signal
reception."

And Motionx says this: "GPS requires a direct 'line-of-sight' to communicate with satellites. Your 3G iPad must have a clear view of the sky to locate at least three satellites in order to give accurate position information. If you are indoors, in a wooded area, or surrounded by buildings you may be unable to acquire an accurate signal."

Z

[TwoVans]

Interesting. The iPad has potential to be pretty cool based on its screen size. Not to mention all the other cool things it brings to the van...

[loren85022]

I'm experimenting with a few apps currently. PDF Maps is free and allows you to download topos for free. Its pretty good but lacks ability to open/close maps when you cross over. This is more of a pain than you might imagine. IHikeGPS seemingly does this but is not simple (to me) and it crashes. For grins I bought ScenicMap-West. Had I relied on it today out North of Phoenix, we'd have gotten quite lost.

[Zeta]

GPS only works with ATT 3G option. I tried Verizon 3G for vastly better coverage, but no GPS.

Z

[jage]

Originally Posted by Zeta

GPS only works with ATT 3G option. I tried Verizon 3G for vastly better coverage, but no GPS.

It's not true GPS but "assisted GPS" right? The WiFi iPad doesn't have it, and with an iPhone at least you can (according to YouTube) get the blue dot using the 3G antenna even without a SIM card.

It is sounding like if you're out of cell towers you're out of luck regardless though, and I always thought phones had a real GPS that you could just access (or not) through the phone/pad software.

Sounds like a "Lost in Death Valley" scenario for sure, but if you're a hipster riding a fixed gear in the city it's probably blip.

[Zeta]

Nope. Looks for GPS satellites, but the GPS feature is built into the ATT hardware so the Verizon I looked at didn't have it. I think.

Z

[TwoVans]

Original point worth restating for those looking for a backcountry option.

Originally Posted by jessenej

They look like they need to be connected to a 3G network - a real shortcoming in the backcountry or even in most of the national parks.

However, that being said, it is an interesting option from the perspective of a back-up entertainment device when the weather goes south and an internet option when within 3G coverage.

[CJ]

Hey! FYI, there more info for this on the Expeditionswest Portal forum.