DaQueenBeez
Sunday, July 5, 2015 8:09:43 PM
So...any recommendations? I am told that my iphone gps does, in fact, work when I have no signal, but the maps are cell-tower/data dependent so they DON'T work without a signal. Does anyone have experience (preferably positive) with a gps/map app that works offline? I'm assuming the maps would have to be downloaded ahead of time, which is fine as long a I can pick and choose and not have 150GB of maps of downtown Kiev taking up valuable real estate on my phone. Specifically, I'm looking for a way to have gps mapping ability in Yellowstone Park, where data and cell service Are only accessible at the big lodges, or in Teton or Arches where it's a available pretty much nowhere. I'm not averse to just getting a handheld hiking type gps unit, but if my phone will suffice, I'd prefer to use equipment I already have over buying a specialized piece of equipment that I won't use daily or even terribly frequently.

All opinions are welcome, and useful (or useless, but entertaining) opinions are appreciated!

TIA

Gene363
Sunday, July 5, 2015 8:39:26 PM

So...any recommendations? I am told that my iphone gps does, in fact, work when I have no signal, but the maps are cell-tower/data dependent so they DON'T work without a signal. Does anyone have experience (preferably positive) with a gps/map app that works offline? I'm assuming the maps would have to be downloaded ahead of time, which is fine as long a I can pick and choose and not have 150GB of maps of downtown Kiev taking up valuable real estate on my phone. Specifically, I'm looking for a way to have gps mapping ability in Yellowstone Park, where data and cell service Are only accessible at the big lodges, or in Teton or Arches where it's a available pretty much nowhere. I'm not averse to just getting a handheld hiking type gps unit, but if my phone will suffice, I'd prefer to use equipment I already have over buying a specialized piece of equipment that I won't use daily or even terribly frequently.

All opinions are welcome, and useful (or useless, but entertaining) opinions are appreciated!

TIA

DaQueenBeez wrote:

Topo Maps created by Phil Endecott works offline and uses the iPhone GPS unit. There is a YouTube movie makers that uses it to explore abandoned mines in the south west. It costs $7.99

He talks about his equipment here:

In the comments says it is Topo Maps by Phil Edecott.

cvstrat
Monday, July 6, 2015 10:23:43 AM
I would recommend Google Maps. A lot of people don't know it has an offline mode. Downloading the maps is as simple as zooming in to the area you want the maps for and choosing save offline map from the menu options. It's the best maps software and it's free.

https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en 

The maximum size for offline maps is 50 square kilometers, which sounds like would be more than enough for what you need.

It's also worth noting that virtually any turn by turn nav software will get you all the way to your destination, even if you lose data connectivity en route. GPS works by satellite and therefore your phone will always know your exact location if you have a clear view of the sky. The nav software downloads the detailed directions for the entire route up front, so even if you drop out of signal you will continue to get voice guided turn by turn directions albeit without a visual map to accompany it.

I used to recommend Waze as the best overall GPS app, since it has incredible real-time traffic technology and is totally free. However since acquiring Waze maybe a year or so ago, Google has integrated much of the real-time data directly into maps with a more streamlined interface and better usability. Waze does a really, really good job of letting you know about upcoming police radar so for long road trips I usually switch over to Waze and avoid speeding tickets.

thurson
Monday, July 6, 2015 12:34:56 PM
+ 1 on Google Maps. We were in Yellowstone last month and it worked flawlessly throughout the park. Way better than my car gps and more detailed for sure.
DaQueenBeez
Monday, July 6, 2015 4:53:43 PM
Hmm...so, I should be able to put the phone in airplane mode and play with the google maps option around town. Does it automatically drop into offline mode or do you have to change settings? Will it still still "follow" you as you move along your route, or is it just the map?
mikey1597
Monday, July 6, 2015 6:48:13 PM
They make these paper thingies that are a bitch to fold up hat has all the roads marked on them. What an amazing invention.
DaQueenBeez
Monday, July 6, 2015 9:11:02 PM
Ya, ya...good luck finding them these days! I had a helluva time tracking down maps for a project with the kiddos! Anyway, I want one that had a little "you are here" dot and possibly a "turn around, dummy - you're lost!" prompt.

Plus this would take up less room in my glove box (does anyone actually use it to hold gloves?) and is easier to fold!

Mobile! Terms | Privacy | Contact Us | Help | © 1998-2026, CigarBid.com