GPS App's - What do you recommend?

[Mike G]

I'm looking into buying a Tablet so I can use the off line Topo's / Street Maps on my Trips. Does anybody have any recommendations for a Android App? I tried some of the free apps on the Play Store but I didn't find anything I liked. I don't mind paying for a good app, as long as its worth it.

Thank you.

 

[jdunk]

Maprika is a good app. It works without cellular coverage. It just requires a little planning to download your maps ahead of time.

And, it's free!


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[El Solis]

I use Gaia GPS on my iPad but I'm pretty sure they have an Android option. Works well, easy interface, not free but worth it.

 

[Mike G]

Thanks @jdunk and @el_solis . I just checked out both Apps and they look a lot better then the ones I found. Right now I'm trying out Polaris Navigation. So far it seems pretty good but I haven't had time to do any field testing yet. It's a free app and they also have a paid app.

 

[tom]

Big difference in terms of usability, configuration etc...between free and paid apps... I'm usually hesitant to pay but found the Gaia well.worth it. Both trip planning and on trail use. Give'em a look. Best, Tom

 

[WUzombies]

I use the Bad Elf dongle, the Garmin app for highway use and Topo for off highway use. It uses high quality USGS topo section scans.

 

[toxicity_27]

I like Backcountry Navigator Pro on my Android.

 

[roamingtimber]

I just downloaded Gaia so I've only played with it a bit, but it might be as great as everyone is saying.

 

[Mike G]

@WUzombies, I have an old Garmin NUVI that I bought 12 years ago and it's great and it still works but its no longer support. Garmin would be the best option with an iPad mini IMO. What are you using to mount your iPad in your rig?

 

[Mike G]

I just downloaded Gaia so I've only played with it a bit, but it might be as great as everyone is saying.

@roamingtimber, please let me know what you think of Gaia. I just added it to my whish list on the google play store and I was thinking about getting it. Thx

 

[WUzombies]

@WUzombies, I have an old Garmin NUVI that I bought 12 years ago and it's great and it still works but its no longer support. Garmin would be the best option with an iPad mini IMO. What are you using to mount your iPad in your rig?

Ram x-mount on the dash, that way the BadElf dongle can see the sky. The mount is attached with gorilla glue and screws into the foam instead of taking the whole dang dash apart. I've had it there for a year without a problem (it'll probably fall off now)

The dongle has a usb pass through for charging and I have the hard mounted usb charging station in the console so it works like a champ.

 

[IronPercheron]

I use maps lol

Like... stop at the state line buy a map and unfold it... map

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[Mike G]

I use maps lol

Like... stop at the state line buy a map and unfold it... map

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Maps are great, but can you zoom in and out of a paper map? Before we had portable GPS units and smart phones, I used maps all the time. At one point I had my glove box full of maps and no gloves . I starting calling my glove box the Map Box. I still have one good map in my rig, just in case my phone craps out.

 

[maktruk]

I've tried numerous apps, many simultaneously, and some are better than others. However, we never, ever, without fail head off-road for any period of time without hard copies.

One well-placed EMP and you're all going to be driving in circles!

 

[Overland Sally (Juan)]

I use soviet military maps app that let me download alot on maps. Its well use by overlanders that pass by my country in there world tour trips
and an app call Ioverlander that show all the spots for camping or mechanic or hostal etc etc. its feed by everybody so its very uptodate

 

[WUzombies]

I've tried numerous apps, many simultaneously, and some are better than others. However, we never, ever, without fail head off-road for any period of time without hard copies.

One well-placed EMP and you're all going to be driving in circles!

You'll be walking in circles unless your rig is old enough to run on points...

There may or may not be a novel series featuring some overlanding rigs come bug out vehicles about such a topic (and zombies)...

 

[maktruk]

You'll be walking in circles unless your rig is old enough to run on points...

Good point! I'm not there yet, but old Harleys overland well!

Actually, I could haul a couple of old Honda CB's and still have room for the mutt!

 

[WUzombies]

Good point! I'm not there yet, but old Harleys overland well!

Actually, I could haul a couple of old Honda CB's and still have room for the mutt!

Old motorcycles may or may have been used in a novel series...

Ok, joking aside, EMP rig survival might be an interesting side topic. Especially even if not traditional Preppers I think overlander types would tent to get to the woods if something long term happened.

 

[SLO Rob]

I've had good luck with Gaia... Coupled with google earth recon!

 

[IronPercheron]

Maps are great, but can you zoom in and out of a paper map? Before we had portable GPS units and smart phones, I used maps all the time. At one point I had my glove box full of maps and no gloves . I starting calling my glove box the Map Box. I still have one good map in my rig, just in case my phone craps out.

I doit because i like the challenge it presents.... but... i have google maps too haha

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