iPad for navigation FAQ

[DaveB]

I've been asked these questions several times, so I thought I'd post my thoughts on using the iPad for navigation.

Which iPad should I buy?

Several factors come to mind when determining what model to buy. First, you need to decide whether to purchase a WIFI or 3G version of the iPad. If you buy the WIFI version, you need an external GPS, as no GPS is built in. If you buy the 3G a real bonafide GPS is built in. Quite simply, your easiest, and least fiddle-factor route is to purchase an iPad with 3G, but you DO NOT NEED TO SET UP A DATA ACCOUNT with a cell phone company to make the GPS work. The 3G model has both aGPS and real GPS, aGPS meaning "assisted" by cell phone network where available, which if you do have a 3G data plan can make it more accurate downtown amongst tall buildings, but this isn't our goal – we want to get away from tall buildings!

Second, the amount of storage space. Bigger is always better, within the constraints of your budget. I suggest a 32 GB iPad. I have a year's worth of maps downloaded and many maps for areas I haven't yet been, and it only takes up about 1.8 GB of space so far. 32 GB will be ample for quite a few seasons of off-roading after which no doubt there will be newer and cheaper bigger versions which you'll want to upgrade to. :D

Third, there are often good used iPad 1s around, and this is definitely a viable alternative. I have an iPad 1 and I understand its a little slower, but it's been a great tool for us and will continue to be for years to come.

I already own a WIFI iPad, can I use it for navigation?

For WIFI, you need one of the following GPS receivers:

http://bad-elf.com/products/gps/

http://xgps150.dualav.com/

Both of these GPS receivers are getting good reviews.

The downside of WIFI iPad is the need for external GPS, the upside is that the external GPS might be a little more cutting edge than the built in GPS in the 3G iPad. Although, I haven't had any issues with the built in GPS, it's been more accurate than any setup I've used before and works with no issues on the dash of my Discovery with heated windshield and all.

What software app should I get?

The best software I've found for mapping is GaiaGPS, the designers understand our need for maps outside the cellular data network, and have designed it so you can download all the maps you need before your trip. Link is http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps ... 27297?mt=8 They have also been extremely responsive to requests for various feature upgrades or adjustments, which I know from personal experience. After I purchased their product I requested larger buttons on the screen which would be easier to use while driving. They quickly came back with an upgrade that allowed you to change the size of the buttons.

Second best – cooler looking interfaces but more dependent on having cell data service is MotionXHD, link is http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motionx- ... 88535?mt=8

There are a couple of others that are talked about on various forums, but most are US data only so don't work for us. Both Gaia and MotionX have Canada well covered.

What mounting system should I get?

As far as mount goes, I purchased mine direct mail order from RAM Mounts in Seattle. There's quite a few choices, but I used the most basic without any locks or anything, but start at this page to decide what works best for you… http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/Apple ... ult.aspx#/

Are the topo maps good enough for off-road trips?

The topo maps offered by GaiaGPS (and included at no extra cost for all north america) are the same as the eTopo maps that most folks purchase from GPSCentral and other sites. Yes, there are better, newer and more accurate tops available if you're a map nut, but for our purposes these are an excellent starting point. Personally I'm hoping we'll soon see Mussio Ventures come out with an iPad version of their Backroad Mapbooks, as in my opinion these topo maps are the best available for off-road expedition travel, however so far this isn't the case.

Neither Gaia or MotionX allow you to import your own maps yet, you must use maps they offer.

Both companies offer download of satellite/hybrid data from Google and Bing, however I've found the topo maps to be more user-friendly than satellite imagery when I'm trying to navigate.

Can I buy any other tablet?

I can't tell you what works best on the Android side of the Tablet market, however it's worth knowing that most of the software vendors and some of the mount vendors do offer Android versions of their products. I think both will have a place in the market in the future, but for now I think the iPad is ahead of the curve in terms of software offerings, accessories, hardware and software standards, and general user experience. Down the road it may be the opposite as Google is pouring millions into developing the Android platform into being an IOS beater.

What about Tracklogs and Routes? How do I get them in to the iPad?

Since I use primarily GaiaGPS, I'll describe the process for this app. Basically any track log file that is formatted in GPX or KML format can be easily imported into GaiaGPS. The process requires you to set up an email account on your iPad, the same account you have on your computer. This is a fairly easy process using iTunes as it syncs email accounts in the setup process. Once you have email set up to at least receive on the iPad, you then go back to your computer where you have the track log, and email it to [email protected]. An email returns promptly, with a link. Click this link on your iPad email and it will automatically add it to the Tracklogs in GaiaGPS. I find naming the track logs concisely in the subject makes it much easier to sort your track logs later in GaiaGPS.

How do I share track logs of trips?

GaiaGPS allows for several methods of sharing, including by email, but the best by far is the one-click connection to EveryTrail.com. Establish a free account on EveryTrail and log into it through GaiaGPS. After that you can export all of your trips to Everytrail, and it gives you a very cool graphic depiction of the trip you went on. Click here for an example of one of my recent trips: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1321064

[ANDYD]

Thanks for sharing all this great info Dave!

I have been sitting on the fence for a long time with GPS's and then everytime I think I have made a decision something better or newer comes out! :roll: .... then I'm back to square one again!
When reading through past recommendations with off-road GPS use it seems they all say that a 12 channel reciever is number 1 on the list of must have, what are your thoughts on that?

Cheers, Andy