Might be of interest to some...I've not yet tried it but found link on another thread.
https://www.cartotracks.com/maps
https://www.cartotracks.com/maps
Map Software..Map Stuff
- Thread starter Elbert
- Start date
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Haha "dirty turtle"
Thx Elbert, not too bad cost wise
Thx Elbert, not too bad cost wise
- Thread starter
- #3
https://www.gaiagps.com/gallery/
may also be of interest.
http://gps.motionx.com/ipad/overview/
I have a ipad..that I need to learn how to use better...I'm going to try out these two apps..both are highly recommended from sources I've seen. I think the gaiagps app works on the android and ipad platform...motion x is apple only as far as i know
may also be of interest.
http://gps.motionx.com/ipad/overview/
I have a ipad..that I need to learn how to use better...I'm going to try out these two apps..both are highly recommended from sources I've seen. I think the gaiagps app works on the android and ipad platform...motion x is apple only as far as i know
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- Thread starter
- #4
I'm looking for a good (off-road)GPS solution for in-vehicle use with a large format screen, where maps/data can be easily managed on the device (uploaded to the device itself or sim cards etc. I like this for easy to read/view https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-road/automotive/2013-line/nuvi-2797lmt/prod112203.html but apparently its not capable of using the topo maps Garmin sells.
Limitations on ipad....have to plan and upload maps to the device prior to the trip and basically this can only happen via wifi or cellular link if your ipad has cellular...
I don't have a large android tablet but I would assume interface with it would be limited.
Looking for a android tablet or dedicated GPS device (in 8 to 10 inch screen size) approx... where I can use the Garmin maps or even other maps on a sim card... http://www.garmin.com/en-US/maps/outdoor
I keep looking around but have not yet found something. I would like to simply buy a single device, and say plug in the tn Topo map via sim card and be good for any area in TN.. am I dreaming at this point in time? Again for vehicle use I'm wanting something in the 8inch display up to say ipad size. The handheld GPS units (made for hiking etc) are too hard to read, at least for me..in a moving vehicle (even off road/slow).
Limitations on ipad....have to plan and upload maps to the device prior to the trip and basically this can only happen via wifi or cellular link if your ipad has cellular...
I don't have a large android tablet but I would assume interface with it would be limited.
Looking for a android tablet or dedicated GPS device (in 8 to 10 inch screen size) approx... where I can use the Garmin maps or even other maps on a sim card... http://www.garmin.com/en-US/maps/outdoor
I keep looking around but have not yet found something. I would like to simply buy a single device, and say plug in the tn Topo map via sim card and be good for any area in TN.. am I dreaming at this point in time? Again for vehicle use I'm wanting something in the 8inch display up to say ipad size. The handheld GPS units (made for hiking etc) are too hard to read, at least for me..in a moving vehicle (even off road/slow).
TeddyBoy
Knighted by the King of MUD himself
Can't offer any opinion on the Garmin options but I have played around with a few apps both in iOS and Android. Depending on the app both platforms allow you to download maps ahead of time so that when cell coverage is unavailable you still have tracking capabilities via the built-in GPS.
I've used MotionGPX on iPhone(s) and Backcountry Navigator on Android. Both are great apps and probably more capable than I am. They each offer excellent tracking capabilities, way-point features and a whole host of additional options that will take too long to list out. I believe they both offer Free/Trial downloads so suggest you try them.
Since both apps are extremely good and the feature sets are very similar I'll just offer my brief opinions for each.
Backcountry Navigator on both Samsung S5 phone and Samsung 10" tablet. (Currently using)
MotionGPX on iPhone(s) never owned an iPad so I can't say. (2009-2013)
Both are very similar in capabilities and features and either way you win. I used MGPX to map out a lot of the Cove and then easily imported all of that data into my Samsung devices. So far I'm very impressed and still amazed that this technology can be had for less than $10.
I've found that the Android platform is a little more convenient when importing to Google Maps or Earth but that's just me. I tend to use topographical maps as satellite images do nothing when in the woods.
Hardware/Devices: I've pondered the phone vs tablet thing and haven't yet decided believe the tablet has 2 major disadvantages:
hopefully this helps, looking forward to others input.
I've used MotionGPX on iPhone(s) and Backcountry Navigator on Android. Both are great apps and probably more capable than I am. They each offer excellent tracking capabilities, way-point features and a whole host of additional options that will take too long to list out. I believe they both offer Free/Trial downloads so suggest you try them.
Since both apps are extremely good and the feature sets are very similar I'll just offer my brief opinions for each.
Backcountry Navigator on both Samsung S5 phone and Samsung 10" tablet. (Currently using)
- Best Maps options - a very long list of included maps to choose from. For more $$ you have even more options.
- excellent tracking features and follow/Display previous tracks.
- Way-points - a few more customizable options than below
- Difficult Menu navigating - If I used it more it would be easier but I find the menu options are sometimes difficult to follow and the buttons are not as easy to navigate.
- Fewer map options - still very good just not as many options as above. I think they have since incorporated pdf but not sure.
- excellent tracking features and follow/Display previous tracks - on par with above.
- Way-points - a few less customizable options
- Menu navigation is easier than above and buttons are clearly laid out and easy to choose.
Both are very similar in capabilities and features and either way you win. I used MGPX to map out a lot of the Cove and then easily imported all of that data into my Samsung devices. So far I'm very impressed and still amazed that this technology can be had for less than $10.
I've found that the Android platform is a little more convenient when importing to Google Maps or Earth but that's just me. I tend to use topographical maps as satellite images do nothing when in the woods.
Hardware/Devices: I've pondered the phone vs tablet thing and haven't yet decided believe the tablet has 2 major disadvantages:
- I think it's just too big, too heavy, and too difficult to keep it from bouncing around.
- Power consumption: The GPS on any device consumes a lot of juice but my Samsung tablet actually draws down more power than the charger can keep up while running BCN. I don't know how long it would last even while being charged but I have never had this issue when using either of my phones.
hopefully this helps, looking forward to others input.
- Thread starter
- #6
appreciate the input/feedback... I have back country nav on my android phone and it too has good reviews.
http://backcountrynavigator.com/
I should have mentioned it as well.
I need to screw around with some of these apps more to see what works better for me. Since I now need glasses to read...looking at map data on a small screen has become a challenge.
Would be nice is a GPS device existed that displayed the topo data similar to like the garmin and tomtom devices display street map data...basically only really what you need..say within a mile or two of your location or closer in a format that relatively easy to read/understand. For example MS street and trips is a good tool for map data on a laptop, its not something you want to be looking at while the vehicle is moving, if you are the driver. I know some of this may be a pipe dream based on product demand and I know you can zoom in and out on the maps..etc
I do like the android stuff better or I find it more intuitive.
http://backcountrynavigator.com/
I should have mentioned it as well.
I need to screw around with some of these apps more to see what works better for me. Since I now need glasses to read...looking at map data on a small screen has become a challenge.
Would be nice is a GPS device existed that displayed the topo data similar to like the garmin and tomtom devices display street map data...basically only really what you need..say within a mile or two of your location or closer in a format that relatively easy to read/understand. For example MS street and trips is a good tool for map data on a laptop, its not something you want to be looking at while the vehicle is moving, if you are the driver. I know some of this may be a pipe dream based on product demand and I know you can zoom in and out on the maps..etc
I do like the android stuff better or I find it more intuitive.
I have back country navigator, but I still do not really understand how to use it. Should would love a demo Ted
You can over lay topo maps on the BCN app, I'm working on getting it figured out myself.
I picked up a 7" tablet with a memory card slot to dedicate to this as well as monitor my GOPRO etc. downloading everything in advance is a must.
I'm looking forward to learning more about it and being able to utilize it more.
- Thread starter
- #9
Yeah...I dreaming about a device that either pulls data off a sim card or had a large internal HD where I could simply load a whole states Topo data to or multiple countys. Garmin sells topo data on sim cards or you could place data on a sim card yourself. Basically functional as a TOPO device like current road map GPS function.... power up and go...
It would seem like one of the newer android tablets that has a sim card drive would be a great candidate for expermentation...I think one of the newer samsung tablets has a sim card port.
I just don't find the phone screen large enough... I'm still learning/exploring/ looking around for whats out there.
It would seem like one of the newer android tablets that has a sim card drive would be a great candidate for expermentation...I think one of the newer samsung tablets has a sim card port.
I just don't find the phone screen large enough... I'm still learning/exploring/ looking around for whats out there.
TeddyBoy
Knighted by the King of MUD himself
I have barely scratched the surface I'm sure so not sure how much help I am but will be happy to discuss.
my year old 10" Samsung Tablet has an SD card. It will accept a 16GBT card, maybe a 32 but don't think so, it was less than $300 at the time. A 7" tablet like Jason is working with might be a good compromise.
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Just tried the app on my nexus 7 tablet. The awesome thing is that the nexus 7 WiFi model comes with the GPS chip. Also they are cheap these days. Mine is the second gen. The app worked great just had a hard time figuring out all the options. A simple video would be great
There is an app called "Trimble Outdoors" that is a freebie for the basic functions that I use a lot for work. Allows easy switching between topo, aerial, and streets. You can also import Google Earth .kmz files. I haven't messed around too much with the waypoints/tracking features but it seems pretty intuitive. Given it's free for most functions, it may be worth a try. I'm not familiar with the offline mapping functionality, but it does seem to support it.
So basically you can load the google earth files to your phone and run the app on the trail even in areas w no cell service?
I have used it in areas of limited cell service, but I'm not sure how it works in areas of no service. You may have to upgrade to the paid version to use the offline mapping function. I'll typically just email the google earth files to myself and open via the app on my phone.
I didn't realize this was an old thread at first and thus others may have found better info.