Need GPS recomendations

[Lisa Truck Gypsy]

If you have a fairly modern Smartphone you could download one of the apps that works as a GPS; there are several good ones out there.

Could you give me the name of a  few of the good GPS apps. I have an android.

 

[DuneElliot]

Could you give me the name of a  few of the good GPS apps. I have an android.

I did in my second post. I have used, or friends have used, AlpineQuest, Gaia and Backcountry Navigation. These are focused on backcountry navigation, including back roads and trails...all are very reliable. I think the reliability of GPS on your phone may depend on the model too (no experience there)...I have a Galaxy S5 and it has put me accurately (within a 100ft or so) on a map, every time. I personally prefer Alpine Quest but many many people prefer Gaia...it has a phenomenal reputation.

 

[highdesertranger]

I would like to add, all backcountry maps are based on United States Geological Survey(USGS) maps. nothing beats a paper USGS map, nothing. all these companies take USGS maps and modify them for there uses. the key word here is modify. the originals are the way to go, hands down. highdesertranger

 

[DuneElliot]

I would like to add,  all backcountry maps are based on United States Geological Survey(USGS) maps.  nothing beats a paper USGS map,  nothing.  all these companies take USGS maps and modify them for there uses.  the key word here is modify.  the originals are the way to go,  hands down.  highdesertranger

Agree, although the old maps aren't necessarily accurate either...found that out the hard way one time with a road that was supposed to be there...it wasn't. Generally though, yes they are the most reliable.

 

[Lisa Truck Gypsy]

Thanks everyone. Now I just save $200+ on not having to get a GPS. Now I don't feel so bad paying so much for my RTIC cooler and my Anker Powerhouse. Slowly getting my gear ready for the big expedition out West. And have bought the Benchmark Recreation Atlases for CA, NM, AZ, UT and the ones for TX. I guess I'm just going to mark some spots I want to see on the map and take some random roads toward those areas and see where life takes me.

 

[frater secessus]

I know you can use them without cell service but from what I have seen is without cell service,  sometimes the are inaccurate by miles and the are slow.  as in slow I mean sometimes it takes a long time to get a lock.

Offline mapping apps do not use cell location at all;  it is a pure satellite solution.  

In some situations (as when GPS has not been used in a while) smartphones can use an additional service called aGPS to jump start the first lock.  That way they don't have to download the whole almanac of sat data.   If they had no cell connection they can't use it.

My instinct is dedicated GPS have faster locks because:

• they have better GPS hardware (ants and chips)
• they are used more often
• are mounted by the windshield rather sitting than in someone's lap. 

I have a few Garmins and prefer them, mainly because the map data formats have been reverse engineered so you can load your own maps onto them easily.  Need an update?  Get it free from OpenStreetMap.

 

[frater secessus]

Could you give me the name of a  few of the good GPS apps. I have an android.

OsmAnd is free and based on free (cost and liberty) OSM mapsets.   Update easily.  A bit wonky on the UI but a noble project.


I have also used CoPilot before.  It is a paid prog, maybe $10.

 

[frater secessus]

Agree, although the old maps aren't necessarily accurate either...found that out the hard way one time with a road that was supposed to be there...it wasn't. Generally though, yes they are the most reliable.

The OpenStreetMap project starts with USGS, TIGER, and others then augments it with crowdsourced edits.  Like Wikipedia but for maps.

In this case, an OSM user could mark the missing road on the map, it would be confirmed then go out in the next update.

 

[tx2sturgis]

A dedicated GPS receiver is a good idea, since the GPS functions in any normal smartphone are a compromise, and really suck down the battery to keep running. You can plug in the smartphone of course, to get constant power, but you also need good cellular data for updated maps, or you can use preloaded maps and apps.

As mentioned, most cell phones use "aGPS", and it works in some places, and less reliable in others.

You can buy a portable, handheld, GPS with topographic and trail maps, since a standard automotive GPS unit with turn-by-turn directions will normally be limited when out in the boonies.


Actually the best solution for this application is to have both: An inexpensive basic windshield type GPS for driving on the roads, then a handheld trail-type GPS that runs on normal AA batteries, has the topographic maps for the area of interest, and has very good battery life, which also means a smaller less brilliant screen. But it will have the best detailed information about the non-paved areas.