iPad for GPS????

[Brew211]

I've ben thinking about using an iPad w/ cellular for GPS. I have 2 questions:

1. Can someone confirm that the IPad with cellular has GPS even without cellular reception?
2. Which app/software is the best?

Thank you so much for your help,
Todd

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[fat_head]

1) Yes
2) GAIA GPS

 

[Brew211]

1) Yes
2) GAIA GPS

Thank you for your quick response. I will look into the GAIA app. Thanks

 

[mwilk012]

Wait, you’re saying location services work without an active paid service contract with the cell carrier?

 

[fat_head]

Wait, you’re saying location services work without an active paid service contract with the cell carrier?

I'm not sure about location services because I don't know what all that entails. Sounds like that probably needs either WIFI or cellular if using stuff like "find my ipad"

All Gaia needs to work is access to the GPS antenna in the iPad.

 

[Brew211]

so does the GPS antenna need cell service or is that independent of wifi and cellular?

I stopped into an Apple store last week and they couldn't give me a solid answer.

 

[Scrappy]

The GPS antenna should be all you need. I fly for the Navy and we use Ipads as back up navigation in some cases and they work great in the middle of the ocean so being a few miles into the woods should be no problem.

 

[spurly]

And if that don't work, you can always pick up one of these bad boys for under $100.

 

[mike_b_81]

I just used my iPad in Colorado during my trip, had cellular turned off with location services on, uses the gps built in to the iPad, worked great, just have to make sure your maps are downloaded ahead of time. I used Gaia gps, I definitely recommend the app.

 

[Brew211]

I just used my iPad in Colorado during my trip, had cellular turned off with location services on, uses the gps built in to the iPad, worked great, just have to make sure your maps are downloaded ahead of time. I used Gaia gps, I definitely recommend the app.

Perfect, thank you

 

[Dkretden]

I don’t know about iPads today but a couple of years ago the GPS antenna, I think, was only in the cellular model. You didn’t need to activate the cellular contract but you needed the cellular model. I seem to remember that The basic iPad didn’t have the GPS antenna. Anyone know if it does today?

 

[XJ-99]

I don't think they do. I have the latest iPad Mini 5 without the cellular service and pair Garmin GLO GPS receiver for navigation. I use both Google Street Maps and GAIA, but mostly Google Maps. As mentioned before, the maps must be downloaded beforehand over a wi-fi connection. I have also noticed that Google Maps work on the 7" screen using Android Auto, but I'm not sure how well as I've not tested it at length.

 

[Stormin’ Moorman]

I would recommend an iPad Pro for navigation. The GPS antennae is much better than the regular “amateur” iPad.

And as someone already mentioned, download the maps before you leave.

 

[Happy_Camper]

I don’t know about iPads today but a couple of years ago the GPS antenna, I think, was only in the cellular model. You didn’t need to activate the cellular contract but you needed the cellular model. I seem to remember that The basic iPad didn’t have the GPS antenna. Anyone know if it does today?

Just having a iPad with cellular does not mean the cellular needs to be ac

I don’t know about iPads today but a couple of years ago the GPS antenna, I think, was only in the cellular model. You didn’t need to activate the cellular contract but you needed the cellular model. I seem to remember that The basic iPad didn’t have the GPS antenna. Anyone know if it does today?

Correct, basic iPad does not have GPS antenna. The Cellular iPad does. You do not need a cellular plan/cellular activated or cellular turn on in order to use the GPS.

 

[MUD-H2O]

I bought an iPad to specifically use for GPS and used the GAIA GPS app to find trails and dispersed camping areas not covered by Google or other services.

While the GPS antennae worked with no cell service, the app could not load new map tiles without that cell connection. So I had to pre-download maps using the app for places I know I would be.

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