Thread: iPhone GPS app?

w/ topo maps for backcountry use
recommendations?

I have 3GS and my wife has 4GS.

trimble outdoors navigator. awesome awesome. able to cache maps (topo, terrain, aerial, etc) for use when there is no network (aka 99.999% of the time for me). Works just like a "real" GPS in the field with current position on map, ability to log your tracks, add waypoints, add photo/video/audio, etc. Trimbleoutdoors.com online interface that allows for route planning, track making, etc that then wirelessly syncs with your phone for trip guidance (provided you sync it before you leave service).

Any recs for driving gps with offline maps?

motion x.

really good but the UI seems to get shittier and harder to use every update..
it has good options, good map selection for downloads and is fast, but as said, goddammit the UI pisses me off.
seems they concentrate on all the trivial things, like iTunes stuff but have forgotten the crucial things, like where, where to go, distance to there etc...

but, best of what I have tested,by far.

If you're going to use it for this, I'd strongly recommend carrying a backup battery or case with built-in battery. In order to run the phone with the GPS turned on, it is going to draw lots of power.

A hint though, if you plan to use it out of range of a cell signal. You can turn off network data - this may save a little on battery because it will make fewer attempts to look for a signal. To do this, go to Settings->General->Network->turn off Cellular data. And obviously you should turn off Bluetooth (same place in General settings) and WiFi. You can't really put it in Airplane mode, because that turns off all the radios, including the GPS radio. This is unfortunate, because it is still going to try to look for a phone signal, which wears down the battery.

Agreed that Motion X is the bomb, but that it is a battery drain. If you have plans on using it, pack along some extra juice, it's a thirsty app. Also helps to turn off a lot of the extra functions in Motion X itself like the stupid voice updates. And use it sparingly, I tend to just use it for new tours & to mark the odd waypoints (i.e. huts'n'shit) for future tours where I may not know the terrain as well.

how about battery recommendations?

for the battery i've found the new trent icruiser to be pretty awesome. with 11000mah you should be able to get at least 6 charges out of it. whatever you do don't buy a zagg sparq. they are shit. my friend went through 3 of them because they wouldn't hold a charge and the last one ruined the battery on his phone. first review on amazon lists problem w/ the zagg as well.

todds - for driving GPS just use google maps. if it's not already enabled on your phone just click then menu button when you're in google maps then settings > labs > enable "pre-cache map area".

sinecure - i don't think all phones turn off gps in airplane mode because mine stays on. worth giving it a try. nice shortcut.

I read that Brookstone is coming out with a Fuel Cell that will charge phones and runs on butane. Would be a good option if you're going on a multi-day tour and don't want to schlep a ton of batteries.

Story Here

there was also something called powerpot on kickstarter that was funded a few days ago. looks pretty cool. just plug in your usb cable to it while you're boiling your water/melting snow.

https://www.thepowerpot.com/

Originally Posted by Sinecure

I read that Brookstone is coming out with a Fuel Cell that will charge phones and runs on butane. Would be a good option if you're going on a multi-day tour and don't want to schlep a ton of batteries.

Story Here

There's another company making one too:

http://www.electronista.com/articles...ble.fuel.cell/

what about something like a Goal Zero small solar kit?

I use "Topo Maps" which has simplicity in its favor (less functionality but I find myself going here more than motion X due to the aforementioned shitty UI.) Im mostly interested in the topos, elevation and compass heading anyway...

Also, I just put my phone in airplane mode and take it out to get a GPS signal from time to time. Lasted for 5 full days up on a glacier out of Cordova taking photos the whole time too. Even got a text while up on a peak marking a GPS waypoint while out of airplane mode.

I've just got some cheap portable USB charger. 4 2100 (I think...) mah AAs. Charges them in the case with a wall wart & outputs power through USB. eBay sells them, picked this one up at crappy tire.


Sent from the skintrack.

For just driving I use the mapquest app it talks to you and everything and its free.

For mapping routes Motion-X works but I really miss Google Tracks and Android. The battery lasted for me yesterday on an 8 mile loop mostly in cell service range, but I was pretty surprised.

I have the voice commands off, and the precision mapping turned down, and I use outdoor mode. Any other tips?

For driving I use Waze. Not as good as stock android but whatever. At least it does cop alerts.

An actual gps...

Originally Posted by XavierD

An actual gps...

...might be a better option. Thanks.

Trying to figure out if this is worth it or not.

My iPhone GPS has put me 600m off of where I actually am at times. It also has a tendency to assume you are on a road.

Originally Posted by telemike

...might be a better option. Thanks.

Trying to figure out if this is worth it or not.

If you are using gps less than 1hr, then yes. The energy useage of the dedicated gps´s are miniscule compared to the phone/gps combos. so if lt is of any concern, get a older unit and use it.
the phone based gps suck juice like no other.

with a old and reeeally shitty etrex, you can get a something like 3 days (8h/day) of traveling with 2 AAs. with an iphone based stuff, I am lucky to get 3-4 hours,max.

I personally use the iphone+motion x combo quite a bit, it is nice to have as a backup. you know, how lost you are and stuff, but trying to navigate something more complex and have some juice
to listen some tunes in the tent...no chance.

Thanks. My only experience is with an old shitty e-trex. I know I can get a gps for cheep, but we need 2 or 3 really. We just started working with the iThingy. we wants appropriate technology. Not silly bullshit

Anyone use the Dual XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Receiver?



I tried one this weekend and liked it. Works with iThingies, uses standard apps, does not drain battery, small and light. This is probably the way I'll go.

pulled trigger
USPS did deliver
trying to figger
what apps for the quiver

Please post on how it works!

Will do.

Seems legit at home.

More after weekend