My wife and I took a wrong turn up in the mountains a couple weekends ago and didn't recognize it until we were at the bottom of a relatively slick track into a valley in the snow. We realized our error and made it out with minimal drama, but it exposed a weak link in our system.
The system up to this point has been a combination of Google Maps on a cell phone to get to trailheads and satellite image and topo maps (in digital and physical format) with a proper compass for actual trail navigation. I really enjoyed land navigation when I was in the Army and I enjoy orienteering courses as a civilian, but there are easier (better?) tools available.
With that I'm considering buying a Samsung Galaxy Tab A and using the On X app. Does anyone have experience with the Galaxy Tab A used in this way? How is the GPS accuracy; real-world battery life; does the app/gps keep up in real time with vehicle movements?
It looks like the recommended procedure is to navigate to trailheads with something like Google Maps and then use the app on the actual trail. Cell service being what it is in the mountains, I'd really prefer to plan a route out at home, download offline road and trail maps, and then use the app from my driveway over the trail and back. Is that not how people are using these apps? Can it be used that way? Is there an app that would serve me better than On X? (On X is local and I'd like to support them, if possible.)
I appreciate any knowledge and experience you can share. Thanks!
The system up to this point has been a combination of Google Maps on a cell phone to get to trailheads and satellite image and topo maps (in digital and physical format) with a proper compass for actual trail navigation. I really enjoyed land navigation when I was in the Army and I enjoy orienteering courses as a civilian, but there are easier (better?) tools available.
With that I'm considering buying a Samsung Galaxy Tab A and using the On X app. Does anyone have experience with the Galaxy Tab A used in this way? How is the GPS accuracy; real-world battery life; does the app/gps keep up in real time with vehicle movements?
It looks like the recommended procedure is to navigate to trailheads with something like Google Maps and then use the app on the actual trail. Cell service being what it is in the mountains, I'd really prefer to plan a route out at home, download offline road and trail maps, and then use the app from my driveway over the trail and back. Is that not how people are using these apps? Can it be used that way? Is there an app that would serve me better than On X? (On X is local and I'd like to support them, if possible.)
I appreciate any knowledge and experience you can share. Thanks!