Question for iPhone smart people

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,767
567
Seattle
There would be a way to use the iPhone's navigational features without cell signal or wifi if it had an integrated GPS receiver. So perhaps a more useful question is "Does the iPhone have an integrated GPS receiver?"

I don't own an iPhone and I don't know the answer to that question. I'm sure one of the more technologically inclined folks would be able to tell you, however you might be able to find an answer on some iForum if you have the patience.
 

greenD1

Well-known member
Jun 22, 2009
343
0
Lancaster, MA
I am sure there are other programs that work as well, but my 2g3 Navagon program works with the data turned off... Not sure if the progam that comes with the phone works or not.
 

Buddy

Well-known member
Nov 6, 2006
2,839
1
Central NC
Tugela said:
There would be a way to use the iPhone's navigational features without cell signal or wifi if it had an integrated GPS receiver. So perhaps a more useful question is "Does the iPhone have an integrated GPS receiver?"

I don't own an iPhone and I don't know the answer to that question. I'm sure one of the more technologically inclined folks would be able to tell you, however you might be able to find an answer on some iForum if you have the patience.

The iPhone does have gps chip but the problem is it does not have saved maps so although it knows where you are it can't show it to you.

At one time I did have a gps app that allowed you to down load maps. So there are apps out there.
 

knewsom

Well-known member
Jul 10, 2008
5,262
0
La Mancha, CA
The iPhone 4S not only has a built-in GPS receiver, it also has the Russian version onboard as well, which means you'll actually get accurate readings when near US military installations. It does not come out of the box with the ability to store much in the way of map data onboard, but it's quite simple to add this via a downloadable app.

I'm surprised Nick doesn't remember me using my iPhone in Baja. I used GPS Kit to download pre-programmed routes (like our race route), make waypoints, and access cached terrain map data on my phone. I've also got a marine GPS chart-plotting program that shows me depth-soundings for all of North America, as accurate, or more accurately than anything else I've seen.
 

brushogger

Well-known member
Sep 9, 2010
286
0
Topo Maps allows you to download maps to your phone, and it integrates with the GPS when there is an internet connection. I'll be trying this out on an upcoming trip to Arkansas to see if it will work with the downloaded maps and no internet connection.
 

knewsom

Well-known member
Jul 10, 2008
5,262
0
La Mancha, CA
brushogger said:
Topo Maps allows you to download maps to your phone, and it integrates with the GPS when there is an internet connection. I'll be trying this out on an upcoming trip to Arkansas to see if it will work with the downloaded maps and no internet connection.

If you don't want to gamble, pay the ten bux for GPS Kit - I know for a fact it'll cache whatever area you tell it to ahead of time. You can even set things like resolution and map type.
 

jhmover

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
5,571
3
California
I have an Android phone. This prompts the question does the GPS work standalone or only when there's a hookup? If not any programs out there for it? Same for an iPad.
 

knewsom

Well-known member
Jul 10, 2008
5,262
0
La Mancha, CA
msggunny said:
What the hell are you talking about?

From what I've heard, civillian GPS units are only given a partial key to decrypt GPS satellite signal. I've personally had poor GPS performance near some military bases - Pendleton, Vandenberg, etc. This may be a case of finding what you're looking for, but I've heard it from other people too. Haven't had any trouble at all since I got the 4S.
 

Some Dude

Well-known member
Feb 12, 2009
1,590
0
Boise, ID
bmxer06pa said:
Motion x gps has the ability to download maps
Yep. It's like 3 bucks or something stupid cheap like that. It's more useful than a full blown Garmin Oregon series GPS (which is now in a drawer at home). Best app I've got on my phone. Bought it for the iPad too.

If you want to spend more money for about the same feature set, check out Gaia GPS too. I think Gaia has a free "lite" version you can try before you decide you want to throw down the big bucks.
 

David Despain

Well-known member
Feb 24, 2005
791
1
46
Salt Lick City Utah
my co-worker uses accuterra. it seems to do what you want. and there are tons of maps available. and lots of maps for specific uses as well, such as ski area maps that are very detailed. he uses lots of topo maps for dual sport motorcycle riding.
 

stu454

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2004
5,407
61
Atlanta, GA
So, to sum up: iPhone 4s models will give me my position even if I'm somewhere with no signal? And it'll plot it on a map if I've downloaded one at an earlier time?
 

Blue

Well-known member
Mar 26, 2004
10,081
888
AZ
knewsom said:
The iPhone 4S not only has a built-in GPS receiver, it also has the Russian version onboard as well, which means you'll actually get accurate readings when near US military installations. It does not come out of the box with the ability to store much in the way of map data onboard, but it's quite simple to add this via a downloadable app.

I'm surprised Nick doesn't remember me using my iPhone in Baja. I used GPS Kit to download pre-programmed routes (like our race route), make waypoints, and access cached terrain map data on my phone. I've also got a marine GPS chart-plotting program that shows me depth-soundings for all of North America, as accurate, or more accurately than anything else I've seen.

What program is this? I'd like to share it with someone who I think would appreciate it.

Thanks
 

knewsom

Well-known member
Jul 10, 2008
5,262
0
La Mancha, CA
Blue said:
What program is this? I'd like to share it with someone who I think would appreciate it.

Thanks

I bought Navionics Marine&Lakes: USA. It was ten bucks, an amazing bargain. The US and Canada version is only $5 more. I also bought a Lifeproof case, so my iPhone is waterproof as well. Next on the list is a dash-mount on the boat, and a charging cable that seals with the case.