Sat Nav Apps ?

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by ManxVFR, Feb 14, 2017.

  1. ManxVFR

    ManxVFR New Member

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    Hi all,
    I'm planning a trip for the summer and was looking to use a sat nav app on my iPad or iPhone rather than fork out for a Garmin/Tom Tom etc.
    Any suggestions or recommendations ?
    Ideally need to be able to create routes, either within the app or on PC/Mac and save to the app to work offline without data charges.

    Thanks !
     
  2. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I don't know if this is an option with the fruit phone, but on Google maps I can create a route on my PC, then send it to my Android. If I choose, it can track my travels too, for me to review later.
     
  3. Jeff_Barrett

    Jeff_Barrett Member

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    Google Maps works just fine ... that said, I rarely use it. I have a trusty paper map in the map pocket on my tank bag visible at all times. I prefer using paper maps because I can mark interesting points and roads for future reference, and because I feel it's easier to be more spontaneous with it since I don't have to keep 'setting' my route in the GPS/phone.
     
  4. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Google maps work just as well on iPhones, but I like Jeff's paper map idea better, less distractions. I find keeping a mental image of your day's route should suffice, along with a compass!
    Google maps will always tell you where you are, which the paper maps cannot do.
     
  5. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I use a paper map, Garmin and the cell phone too with Google maps. I have had all 3 save me time in different situations. If your going to use the phone remember that it will eat battery power and depending on your data plan may cost money on long trips. Also cell coverage can leave you with no info.
     
  6. ManxVFR

    ManxVFR New Member

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    Thanks folks, I was trying google maps yesterday which was easy enough to create the route (on a pc) but couldn't get it save and show on my iPad - will have another look, prob something simple I'm missing !
     
  7. powerglide

    powerglide New Member

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    Don't forget to check that the map is downloaded/cached in Google Maps before you head out in an area without 3G cover :/

    The Navigon app is so far my preferred (but pricy) option. But transferring routes to the app is a pain.


    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  8. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    I'm old fashion I Guess, I tend to use paper maps making it easier and quicker to use while riding the bike than pulling up some app on a deceive that doesn't have cell service. Besides where's the adventure knowing where you're going? I use to just write down notes on paper , study the area maps. Boy has things changed, made us lazy. IMO Good thing is when the sun has one of it's major solar flares and grid goes down, I'll still know where I'm going.
     
  9. mofo

    mofo New Member

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    Masking tape for the win! It has so many advantages and very few, if any disadvantages. I still carry paper maps in my saddle bags just in case and just because I like paper maps.

    No opinions an any high-tech stuff. Sorry.
     
  10. Jeff S

    Jeff S New Member

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    I've been using Scenic with my iPhone. It will import gpx files, or you can create them in the app and have full turn-by-turn directions. You can download only the maps you need (a pay-as-you-go system) so it works without a cell signal, and it was created for motorcycling. I like it a lot.
     
  11. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Gaff tape for the win! lol

    Paper maps draw low current, batteries last a long time.
     
  12. ManxVFR

    ManxVFR New Member

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    Thanks Jeff, I'll check it out
     
  13. VFRVogt

    VFRVogt New Member

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    Take a look at Pocket Earth Pro, too. Just a great app overall.
     
  14. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Mapping at the ton?
     
  15. DaHose

    DaHose New Member

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    Waze is a great app., that works well on all platforms. Although I can't remember if it can cache maps. I have a tech geek buddy who uses it exclusively on his iPhone/iPad.

    Jose
     
  16. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    I've used Waze on my Android tablet. I believe that it uses Google maps "saved areas" when I am not connected to a network. Speed, GPS, and turn by turn all work "offline" if you load the route when online beforehand. The things that don't work "offline" are live messages like road construction, gas prices, police sightings, and traffic congestion which I don't need anyway.
     
  17. powerglide

    powerglide New Member

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    Yeay,Scenic got a tracker and displays location of any photos you take :)


    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  18. ManxVFR

    ManxVFR New Member

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    Ok, so I've tried and failed with a few apps, google maps, co pilot, navigon, waze, maps.me and a couple more that just didn't seem to do what I wanted or it wasn't particularly simple to.
    But I came back to this thread tonight and picked up that I hadn't tried the Scenic app that was recommended by Jeff S and wish I'd tried that first !!
    So easy to import routes, which was just what I was looking for, gpx files can be imported or routes imported from google maps and a couple of other routes websites
    So far so good.
    However, I haven't actually used it as sat nav just yet, only imported a gpx file with routes and waypoints for a 7 day tour, will try out the offline sat nav over the weekend
    Thanks Jeff S
     
  19. Jeff S

    Jeff S New Member

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    Been a while since I've been here. Glad you like it. How did it work out for you?
     
  20. Suraj

    Suraj New Member

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    I didn't see this thread earlier, so sorry for the late reply. It might help others in the future so leaving my comment here.

    I use HERE WeGo maps by Microsoft. It is available on Android and iOS. You can use offline maps and download entire state maps (in USA) or even entire country maps to your device for offline use. Maps are also updated over Wifi every month or so. Works very well. I used it around death valley while I was driving in the wilderness with no signs of civilization or mobile network for >50 miles. I'm not sure if you can store routes on it though. Offline search works very well too.
     
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