GPS ON PAD TYPE COMPUTER

Ernie,

The iPad and the iPhone both come with a built-in GPS and preloaded mapping of the world. There are a number of other map applications that can be purchased and downloaded via the Apple iTunes store. You do not require a separate GPS receiver and Blue tooth to navigate with iPad or iPhone.

Once purchased most applications are available for use on both the iPhone and the iPad.

There are 1894 Navigation Applications listed. Many are not in English and are for specific countries and others are for finding fuel stations etc.

Some of the mapping Apps available are,

Australia- offline map with direct U. (FREE)
PD Maps Worldwide edition (FREE)
GPS HD MotionX (PAY FOR)
Mud Map
VMS.
MetroView Australia GPS Navigation

Brian

Hi Ern,

Currently in WA and have been traveling with an iPad2. The GPS is very impressive - can be in caravan, just resting on the seat of the car and it gets a VERY accurate location. It uses Google maps and whilst you haven't got the detail of survey or topo maps, it's pretty good. Certainly great for distance calculation from say Current Location to a possible camp spot. Not sure how it all happens. May be something to do with a combination of GPS receiver and 3G? I think you only get the GPS capability if you order the 3G version.

I also have a Hema navigator HN5i and use OziExplorer on the PC to set waypoints and routes and then download to the Hema. I understand that OziExplorere have stated that as soon as their Android version of the software is stable they will start work on an iPad version. Well the Android version is now available in beta and if I was Hema I'd be very afraid!

Pete

Greetings all, does the iPad have provision for an external sensor connection, like the ones we all use on our roof/snorkel?
Or does it not need this even in the remote parts?
Kindest Regards, Warwick

Our experience to date has been that it doesn't need an eternal GPS sensor. It works fine resting on the car seat and also inside the van! The downside is that for it to be meaningful, you need a 3G connection so it can download the relevant part of Google Maps for your location.

So it seems capable of functioning as a GPS device without an external sensor but the limitation at the moment is the interaction with Google maps. If OziExplorer do as they say they will then you will be able to load your maps onto the device, presumably via iTunes as files and then the GPS will access the locally stored maps.

Two things to think about with your choice if you have an iPad 1 for instance. The iPad with the 3g capability has a better internal GPS than the non-3g one and can work without using the 3g antennas. The wifi alone iPad (non 3g) needs the wirelss signal through the router to work properly. No towers and signal through your router, it won't function well. I can't speak for other brands and their capability. I expect the iPad 2 has stepped up somewhat.

Memory Map is another mapping software package that Hema has off road maps for, but as a system, I don't particularly like it. I use OzExplorer and OziCE in the dash.

Bluetooth GPS, I haven't hear of working with an iPad

Hi Ern & All interested..... I have downloaded the Hema Nav App to my Ipad 2 at a cost of $10.49 US from the App Store, and it comes with all of USA maps which is useless to me unless I choose to travel there in the future.

Then, I hit the local button on the app and it found I was in OZ and then I hit more maps and all types and I then downloaded the Hema Central Australia maps and Great Desert Tracks Maps and also the Westprint Outback Tracks maps...all for a price I had to create an account and pay for the dowwloads.

Having done that, they work a treat.

There is more info on the mechanics of it here Hema Mobile Apps

Hope this helps.
Cheers
Rick

Rick,

After reading your post, I downloaded the Hema Nav App (USA Road Atlas) and purchased the WA State Map as that is where we are travelling at the moment. Everything worked fine until we travelled out to Mt Augustus with no 3G service. The App could not get a GPS fix. The location indicator (circle with cross hairs) stayed grey. I left the iPad sitting on the bonnet of the car for and hour and no fix.

Got back to Carnarvon and 3G service and boom! we get a GPS fix.

I thought the GPS was independent of the 3G service although you only get GPS on an iPad with 3G.

What's your experience been?

Any others with experience with this App on an iPad?

Ta.

Hope the following may be of some help.

VMS4x4 now have a IPAD APP which includes over 40 regional touring maps by Gregory’s UBD & the award winning iTOPO 4x4 topographic map collection for offroad tracks. Size is 1.18gb and $199.00

Site Link

http://www.vms4x4.com/product-iphone-vms_app

Regards
Ross

I had Mud Map on my iPad ver1 and iPhone4 but have just upgraded to MudMap Version 3 and what a big difference that makes.

They have lots of mapping available (for a fee) and I now have Melway mapping for Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Greater Melbourne on them now.

We were out driving around the Sunshine Coast hinterland over the weekend and Margaret had the iPad on her lap and was able to follow where we were and direct me as if using a paper street directory, without the need to turn pages.

It works very good and is a good App to get.

Brian

If you haven’t already got a pad style device, this may be of interest.http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ES666AU-7-HD-Car-DVD-Player-WiFi-3G-GPS-Andorid-PAD-/220814764956?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item336995eb9c It has built in GPS with separate antenna, runs various GPS programs and should run OziExplorer. I bought a “standard” 7in GPS/radio/DVD/DVB-T/etc etc unit off this mob, and it’s a ripper. Didn’t go for the pad device as I couldn’t see a need for a detachable pad, too hard to use whilst driving! Plus it has an older version of Android, although I was told it should run any app anyway.

Hey Guys, especially Brian since you seem so knowledgeable.

This would be a great topic for a few hour discussion at Quorn!!

As soon as the "activity" is approved by the Committee; sign me up!!

Cheers, Jay

Brian?

Brian, can you be more specific about the applications; I can't find them.

Also, any others you can't live without?:-)

Thanks Brian, found through iTunes on computer simply doing a search for Sensis. :-)