best way to use wifi-only iPad2 as GPS tracking device? (1 Viewer)

[e9999]

so, apparently the iPad2 wifi-only version does not have a true GPS receiver built-in.
What do you iPad whizzes think is the best and most cost-effective way to go around that for accurate position tracking using the iPad2? separate gps receiver? which one? phone tethering? (we do have an iPhone but no internet access via that one). I have a Garmin Nuvi and a Garmin Etrex if that helps.

Of course, it would be better if cell system coverage were not necessary.

 

[PAToyota]

I have one of these for my iPod Touch. Like your iPad, my Touch doesn't have any GPS built in. Works nicely and charges my iPod when I'm on the road. However, I cannot find anything on their site for the iPad. If the iPad has a similar dock connector, perhaps you could modify this one to work with it?

A Google search does show some similar items for the iPad. But they're around $100. I got the TomTom one for $30 when it was on sale at Amazon.

 

[e9999]

yup, amazon has some gizmos. I see bluetooth or plugin gps receivers going for around $100 indeed, and maybe one or 2 in the $50 range but no idea if all/any of those would work well with ipad apps.

 

[PAToyota]

As mentioned, I found the TomTom unit on sale for about $30 and free shipping. I see that the unit lists for around $100, so maybe some of the others will come down if you watch them.

Although I use the TomTom receiver, I got a copy of CoPilot Live for my iPod Touch. They have an app for the iPad as well. I cannot speak to the iPad version, but the one I'm using isn't bad. It gets a bit annoying when I WANT to go another way and it keeps telling me to turn around until I'm far enough into the new route for it to recalculate. But I think a lot of them are that way. I haven't really played with it enough to see if I can set alternate routes ahead of time.

MacWorld did a review of iPod/iPad GPS apps earlier this year: Apps with Maps: 11 iPhone GPS apps compared | Navigation | Macworld

The CoPilot and one other one are the only two they listed as having iPad versions. There are two others that are "universal" - the iPod version will work on the iPad, but at iPod resolution. I'm sure that there is more stuff out there by now.

 

[RobRed]

As mentioned your choice is an optional BT or Dock Connector GPS receiver. Cell coverage is not needed (nor does your wifi only iPad have it).

 

[Darby Darrow]

I am using the Bad Elf connector GPS

Amazon.com: Bad Elf GPS Receiver for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and iPad2 (66-channel, SBAS/WAAS, 10Hz): Electronics

with my wifi iPad. It works well with Scenic Maps.

Scenic Map

The next version is supposed to support import/export of waypoints.

However one of my favorite gps apps that I use on my iPhone is Motionx GPS Drive

http://news.motionx.com/category/motionx-gps/

and it won't load onto a wifi only iPad.

 

[cody c]

I am using the Bad Elf connector GPS

Amazon.com: Bad Elf GPS Receiver for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and iPad2 (66-channel, SBAS/WAAS, 10Hz): Electronics

with my wifi iPad. It works well with Scenic Maps.

Scenic Map

The next version is supposed to support import/export of waypoints.

However one of my favorite gps apps that I use on my iPhone is Motionx GPS Drive

MotionX™ | MotionX News » MotionX-GPS

and it won't load onto a wifi only iPad.

Ive been looking at the bad elf for a little while, have you tried any topo maps or back road maps with it? I'd really lie to hear/see what kind of info you can get off the beaten path with the apps availible.

Got any pics

 

[Fosters]

I have the dual bt gps with my wifi iPad 2. Works really well infact better and more accutate than my iphone4 or garmin nuvi which has now been relegated to motorcycle duty.

I use navigon for the nav app as it has the entire USA map installed in the iPad thus not needing to tether to update maps...also have gaia for topo duty, but have to upload maps to it prior to heading out...

 

[Darby Darrow]

Ive been looking at the bad elf for a little while, have you tried any topo maps or back road maps with it? I'd really lie to hear/see what kind of info you can get off the beaten path with the apps availible.

Got any pics

I am still playing around with it, so I have no definitive recommendation. On my iPhone I really like MotionX GPS Drive, but it won't mount on my iPad as it is WiFi only. However I have MotionX GPS HD on the iPad but you need to download the specific maps for your trip. The application seen below is ScenicMap Western states which will allow you to zoom in and has worked pretty well on the one time that I have taken it off road. The advantage of many of the GPS apps is their low price which will allow you to buy a couple and decide which works best for your needs. ScenicMap works pretty well but doesn't import tracks as of yet.

Photo 1 shows the Ram mount attached to the passenger seat rail. (found on Amazon at a sale price of $44) With this mount there is a little bit of vibration which would make reading a book on the iPad challenging but is workable for viewing a map.

Photo 2 shows the driver's view.

Photo 3 is a close up of ScenicMaps. As you drive it will show you where you have been.

 

[FunTreks]

Once you get the GPS working with your iPad, there are plenty of great apps. We have over 100 of our trails on EveryTrail as eGuides, but if you're looking for an off-line topo map, the Nat Geo Topo app is great. You just have to pre-download the maps for the area you'll be in.