Using a Tablet as a GPS device

[sawtooth4x4]

I just bought a Lenovo A2.... 7" tablet with 3G, GPS, Wifi etc.

I've been looking through the apps trying to find a sweet GPS and mapping app that i can use off line. Anyone have any suggestions?

I've been using a Garmin GPSMap60Csx for 4 years and i'd like to actually be able to read the screen. the 2x3" display just isn't cutting it anymore. I guess i'm getting old.

Thoughts?

 

[TRD270]

Think Gaia is a popular one

 

[sixstringsteve]

I used to use Gaia, but it freezes on me all the time. now i use backcountry navigator.

There were a few threads here in the past couple years with some good info. i'll see if I can dig any of them up.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Here you go:

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?94347-Yet-another-GPS-thread&highlight=gps+tablet

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.ph...ile-(for-the-first-time)&highlight=gps+tablet

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?82494-best-apps-for-4x4-backcountry-travel&highlight=gps+tablet

 

[sawtooth4x4]

thanks

I'll check those out.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

anyone know of a good way to mount this thing to the dash? kind of like a ram mount.

 

[Spork]

I got a Nexus 7 and still haven't got the point of it replacing my Garmin Legend, I downloaded GPS essentials but I haven't figured out how to get a track from a GPX file on it. I ought to download the Backcountry navigator, there's a trial version I'm going to try when I go on my next trip, it's valid for 2 weeks or something.

 

[gahi]

I use Oruxmaps on my phone. I have it on a tablet too, but havn't needed anything that size. Works good, you can use garmin maps for offline use too. For mounts, I have a ram x mount for my phone. They make them for tablets too.

 

[Caleb]

anyone know of a good way to mount this thing to the dash? kind of like a ram mount.

How about a Ram mount? They make all kinds of mounts and all kinds of holders.

 

[Spork]

I use Oruxmaps on my phone. I have it on a tablet too, but havn't needed anything that size. Works good, you can use garmin maps for offline use too. For mounts, I have a ram x mount for my phone. They make them for tablets too.

Just downloaded Oruxmaps looks promising not sure why it doesn't accept .gpx files but I think I can convert to .kml format.

 

[gahi]

Just downloaded Oruxmaps looks promising not sure why it doesn't accept .gpx files but I think I can convert to .kml format.

.gpx works. try this,

Click on the "road" in the top red bar. choose Load file, then navigate to and select the .gpx

 

[N-Smooth]

I've been using MotionX on my Apple products and I have really liked it for the trails in Sand Hollow. It also has a "share" function that is very nice. I'm not the most GPS savvy guy out there so take it FWIW

 

[cuban b]

Don't most phones/tablets use phone networks for location? My garmin phone advertised itself as the only phone with true gps, which meant it interfaced with gps satellites, not phone towers.

It was true a few years ago, and if it still is, tablets won't work when you get off the beaten path. I may be out of date though.

 

[gahi]

Ya, almost all (if not all) smartphones now have true GPS. Most android tablets do too. The wifi only ipads don't though.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Most phones use both networks and true GPS for location these days. Even 50 miles from any cell signal my GPS works fine. My tablet doesn't connect to cell towers and the GPS works on it too.

 

[Deleted member 12904]

This is an interesting thread I have been following for awhile on using an ipad http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php/91163-iPad-in-your-ride?highlight=ipad

 

[sawtooth4x4]

I've downloaded a bunch of these to my tablet to try out. so far, most of them have been a pain and take way to long to put info into the program. i wish the National Geographic Topo map program worked on Android as well.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Are you putting individual coordinates in, or uploading a .gpx file? I usually upload the entire .gpx file and import then that way.

 

[Deleted member 12904]

Okay newb question (that I've not even searched): How does a tablet work as a GPS if it's wifi only? It's my understanding that a GPS received a signal. I'd love to have another excuse to add to my list of why I can justify buying a tablet.

bluetooth gps

 

[sixstringsteve]

Okay newb question (that I've not even searched): How does a tablet work as a GPS if it's wifi only? It's my understanding that a GPS received a signal. I'd love to have another excuse to add to my list of why I can justify buying a tablet.

GPS radios communicate with satellites. Cell phone radios communicate with cell towers. Wifi communicates with wireless routers. Not all tablets are GPS enabled (amazon kindle fire, for example). Tablets that ARE GPS enabled have a GPS radio to communicate with the satellites, and they have wifi to communicate with wireless routers.

my phone has gps, wifi, and a cellular radio. Even when I'm out of cell range and I don't have any data connection, I still have GPS capability because the GPS radio talks to the GPS satellites. Clear as mud?