Cell Phone Maps

I use cell phone google maps, with backup paper maps.

If I am going to be out of cell range (often) I make notes to myself on an actual notebook, keep it next to me on the seat. 'L on 156, go 10 miles, R on 32' etc. Yeah, I am old school.

I also hate to use google maps on my computer. Even if I am doing something on the computer, like reading a trip report here that talks about a place I want to look up on the map, I pick up my phone to do it.

And I LOVE that I can type in 'tires' or 'Walmart' or whatever and see all the locations nearby.

Google is kind of weird about campgrounds, though. They miss some. And if you type in 'RV park' they also show you mobile home parks... which may or may not accept overnighters.

You can download Google maps (the data files) when needed so you don't need data services later. We go places where there is no service on cell phone, so need to remember to download. I forgot last time and pulled out the Garmin to map our travels..

I am using Copilot. I have it installed on both my iPad and iPhone. I use the iPhone for local directions and the iPad when we are traveling. Maps are loaded onto your device and do not need a data connection to work. I have been very happy with it.

I use either Google Maps or my Garmin GPS. Google maps has some nice features my very old Garmin does not have.

Cell phone with google maps works best for me. But I hate that dang female voice, lol.

I use Google Maps on my phone. If you don't have cell service you can still see and use the map, but the dot showing your location won't move.

Beware that NO mapping service is perfect, especially on roads in rural areas, national forests/parks, and state parks. Carry a good state road map for backup and get park maps if you can. These are also helpful if you find a road closed or some other detour. Use your common sense and don't go down a road that looks "iffy" even if the mapping service tells you to.

We use both. They do not always agree. You see we have T Mobile and coverage is spotty where GPS is satelite and pretty reliable. You can get a HPS cheap if you shop around. Try Amazon

Tracrig, thank you. Quite a bit of feedback there. We usually get out once a year for about 5 or 6 weeks.

I usually use Good Sam maps or MapQuest for A to B directions the night before. Where I run into problems is going thru small towns don't know where to turn to keep on route. It sounds like google maps could work for us in these situations.

Any input is appreciated.


Thanks

Ray

After my Garmin was stolen I started using my phone with Google Maps. That was back in March and I have never gone back. The POI information is actually accurate and the directions are every bit as good or better than my Garmin. I still use a Garmin in the RV (didn't get stolen!) but I may try using the wife's 10" tablet with Google Maps to see which I actually like better. I am guessing it will be Google.

I use my cell phone exclusively.

You need to be aware that some of the navigation apps depend on having a cellular connection in order to constantly update the map so if you get into an area where there is no cell towers, your app won't be able to update the map to show you your location on the map. The GPS itself uses satellites, the cellular is just for the map data.

There are apps, such as Co-Pilot Live, that download complete maps to your phone and then don't rely on cell towers for map data. The drawback is that the map data may use several GB of your phone's storage.

As far as trip planning, I do that using Google maps on my computer. Once I have the trip all planned, I can send it to my phone for actual navigation.