Offline map/gps app for iPad
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kpd1999
New member
Thanks for your suggestions. I was looking at a few of those.
I'm wanting an app that has off-road/OHV trails/roads in the maps (if that even available), and hopefully i'm going to make it out west (moab!!) this October and want a back up map/gps in areas of no cell coverage (I'll also be taking a map book with me).
Am I asking too much?
BobsTrail
Senior Member
Maps
Maps With Me for Android is OK, GPS, no cell and I have used it for Calif trails.
See if the Apple Store has it.
I have had an occasional problem with the off-line maps not showing a change or the trail just quit on the screen.
I think it would be better to buy a trail guide for the area you want.
Maps With Me for Android is OK, GPS, no cell and I have used it for Calif trails.
See if the Apple Store has it.
I have had an occasional problem with the off-line maps not showing a change or the trail just quit on the screen.
I think it would be better to buy a trail guide for the area you want.
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phillyd2
Senior Member
First off, make sure that your iPad has a GPS chip – Wi-Fi only devices don’t have one. You can buy a separate GPS receiver such as a Garmin GLO but I’ve only had so so results. The receiver works well, the Ipad connects without issue but some maps don’t play well with them. If your Ipad does not have a GPS chip I would instead look at one of the cheaper 7” or 8 android tablets which are cheap and almost close to the cost of a receiver. In the truck we use an Ipad mini with a data plan so it has everything we need.
As for the apps, I’ve found that there is no ONE that will do everything. Maplets is nice because you download the maps to the device. Same with Gaia GPS which has great Topo Maps, as does the Topo Maps app. Motion X has lots of good features but many times you need to be connected to something to use them all. My advice is to get them all – the total cost is not all that much and if you are in one area where one app does not have the best detail then switch to another. There are also a ton a free apps that are helpful. Here, PA offers free camping and state park apps which are very helpful. I’m sure there are more than a few Moab specific apps as well.
Of course have paper maps but we did all of CO and never touched them or any of the guide books.
If traveling across the country check out iExit which shows what’s at upcoming exits. I would also have Google Maps and Google Earth. Out West I highly recommend Star Walks which allows you to point the Ipad to the sky and it will tell you what you are looking at. Really cool.
On mine I also have Navigon which is a full blown program. It’s a bit pricy but I use it in rental cars all of the time so it paid for itself in just one trip. For boaters I recommend Boating HD. It’s like Navigon for the water and works great. We just spent a week on the Gulf waters and used the app all of the time.
If you really want to geek out on GPS maps check out gpsfiledepot.com. I’m not that into it to take the time and effort to learn it all but have a few friends who are.
There are also many Travel apps (not just maps) such as AroundMe and TripAdvisor which we use all of the time. Roadside America is a fun app because it shows weird off beat stuff that is near you. If you have kids or just like watching movies look at the Airstash video somewhere in my build thread. We use it all of the time including on planes.
Other than Navigon and Boating HD you can load your device with tons of apps for free or not all that much money. MotionX GPS I think was two bucks. Gaia GPS was around $ 20. Many apps come with in a free version which you can play with and buy if you like it.
As for the apps, I’ve found that there is no ONE that will do everything. Maplets is nice because you download the maps to the device. Same with Gaia GPS which has great Topo Maps, as does the Topo Maps app. Motion X has lots of good features but many times you need to be connected to something to use them all. My advice is to get them all – the total cost is not all that much and if you are in one area where one app does not have the best detail then switch to another. There are also a ton a free apps that are helpful. Here, PA offers free camping and state park apps which are very helpful. I’m sure there are more than a few Moab specific apps as well.
Of course have paper maps but we did all of CO and never touched them or any of the guide books.
If traveling across the country check out iExit which shows what’s at upcoming exits. I would also have Google Maps and Google Earth. Out West I highly recommend Star Walks which allows you to point the Ipad to the sky and it will tell you what you are looking at. Really cool.
On mine I also have Navigon which is a full blown program. It’s a bit pricy but I use it in rental cars all of the time so it paid for itself in just one trip. For boaters I recommend Boating HD. It’s like Navigon for the water and works great. We just spent a week on the Gulf waters and used the app all of the time.
If you really want to geek out on GPS maps check out gpsfiledepot.com. I’m not that into it to take the time and effort to learn it all but have a few friends who are.
There are also many Travel apps (not just maps) such as AroundMe and TripAdvisor which we use all of the time. Roadside America is a fun app because it shows weird off beat stuff that is near you. If you have kids or just like watching movies look at the Airstash video somewhere in my build thread. We use it all of the time including on planes.
Other than Navigon and Boating HD you can load your device with tons of apps for free or not all that much money. MotionX GPS I think was two bucks. Gaia GPS was around $ 20. Many apps come with in a free version which you can play with and buy if you like it.
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kpd1999
New member
I have a wifi only iPad mini so I knew i was going to need an external gps. I was looking at a Bad Elf one because I can get one that plugs directly into the lighting port. However, I can't charge my iPad while the gps is hooked up. Not sure about a bluetooth one (I always feel something works better when it's hardwired).
I have given some thought about getting an inexpensive android tablet after reading @2014_warthog's (not sure if I did that right) build thread. His looks slick and I must say I was impressed. But I know almost nothing about android's, i.e. which one to get, specs, etc... Plus, I have several apple products and they all work really well together. I haven't completely ruled out an android tablet, but I'm going to try y'alls suggestions about apps first (btw, I have the Night Sky app which Im sure is similar to Star Walks. Im sure is a really simple app to understand what makes it work, but every time I use it, Im just amazed). I also wonder that IF I pick up a new iPad mini with a cellular chip, but don't activate the data portion of it, if the gps will still work. I use my phone as a wifi hotspot while I'm on the road and it works well.
phillyd2
Senior Member
The Ipad mini would work without activating it since the GPS chip is separate and works independently. If you can use an Ipad you can use an Android. The added benefit of using a droid is that most comes with a SD Card slot to expand its memory and you would be able to use BackCountry Navigator which is not available on Apple.
For what you are talking about I would get something like this (double check all the specs):
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7" Tablet with 8GB Memory - Walmart.com
For me I do need the data plan on the Mini but if I didn’t a cheap android tablet would be what I would do. It cheap enough to just leave in the truck and not worry about it as much if you take it hiking or camping.
For what you are talking about I would get something like this (double check all the specs):
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7" Tablet with 8GB Memory - Walmart.com
For me I do need the data plan on the Mini but if I didn’t a cheap android tablet would be what I would do. It cheap enough to just leave in the truck and not worry about it as much if you take it hiking or camping.
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flying fuzz
Member
I have a wifi only ipad 4 and use the Garmin GLO and have never had issues. For off road stuff I use Gaia and Motion X, if I recall the Gaia has 4x4 trails marked but I cannot be 100%.
Here's how I mounted the ipad
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/152327-tablet-mounting-options.html
Here's how I mounted the ipad
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/152327-tablet-mounting-options.html
kpd1999
New member
I haven't given a bit of thought about mounting it, so I'm glad you sent that. Yours looks really clean and I'll probably go with a similar set up when the time comes.
I think I'm also going to go with the GLO as the Bad Elf one won't fit on mine because of the rugged case I have on it. I've read several reviews on the GLO and some mention that it doesn't like being on the dash board in the sunlight for long. Have y'all had any issues with yours?
Gaia, Motion X, and Maps with ME are being downloaded now. Is Gaia pro worth the upgrade cost?
If I'm not happy with these, I'll back up and punt and go with an android and grab Backcountry Navigator (btw, I sent them an email and asked about an iOS version. They said they are working on one, but its not very far along yet).
Thanks again for y'alls insight.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
I have used BackCountry and it can be a bit confusing. I haven't been able to find simplified support much on the web for how to use it. The biggest challenge I have is exporting trip data.
I have used motion X and like it better, but don't have an ipad/iphone anymore.
I use Motion-X GPS. I typically map out what i'm doing with Google Mapsengine or Google Earth and export to KML. I then convert it to .GPX with a free online tool then email it over to myself and open it with my iPad using Motion-X and it allows you to import the data. Then the tracks and waypoints are saved and viewable whenever. Very handy.
chmura
New member
Sweet, I wanna do the same as you. Thanks for the info.
kpd1999
New member
Can you dumb that down a little please? It sounds like I'm gonna need a YouTube tutorial for that.
flying fuzz
Member
I have the GLO in it's "no slide" mount and it slides everywhere, So for $7 on amazon I just bought the belt clip and will use that as a baseplate and mod it to my needs if the belt clip won't work on the visor or something. I upgraded to the pro version of Gaia, I don't use it daily so I don't know the pluses and minuses but when I do use it I am happy and it's wasn't expensive...
Hope this helps
jrandom
New member
I like GPS and all that wonderful technological bullshit, call me old fashion if I had to choose something to rely on it would be...
Utah Atlas & Gazetteer - DeLorme
a compass, a sharpie, and a highlighter. Keeps a nice record of journeys taken
Fun to flip through and remember/plan.
GPS is great but it is more fun to not rely on it, makes your senses stupid. Take away the GPS and after an hour try to figure which direction north is
: (oh yeah the truck has a compass in it) :doh: 
Utah Atlas & Gazetteer - DeLorme
a compass, a sharpie, and a highlighter. Keeps a nice record of journeys taken
Fun to flip through and remember/plan.GPS is great but it is more fun to not rely on it, makes your senses stupid. Take away the GPS and after an hour try to figure which direction north is
: (oh yeah the truck has a compass in it) :doh:
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