GPS advise
hello I was looking for a hand held GPS or maybe and app that does not use data when using it. I need this for when I pull into a city and go for a bike ride or a walk, so I know how to get back...
Forum Discussion
Dutch_12078 wrote:Maxi Signal wrote:
If using a cellular device for GPS , there are couple things to keep in mind . 1) The use of data is a must with any GPS app to work . 2) It will not be as accurate as an actual GPS as it Triangulates the cellular towers in your vicinity for location . A GPS device uses an actual satellite so it is more accurate.
There are some older cell phones that only used tower triangulation, and possibly some very low end phones that still do, but nearly all current phones, especially smartphones, do have a GPS receiver built in. Tower triangulation is normally only used when too many GPS sats are blocked for accuracy. Below is a screen shot from the "GPS Test" app on my Android phone. Note that it was using 11 satellites of the 20 in view in the screen capture.
X2, a modern cell has a very capable GPS receiver. Not only do they receive DoD satellites but also Russian GLONAS and maybe even the Chinese system. Combined with inertial dead reckoning this allows very accurate positioning, even indoors and in "urban canyon" locations.
To the OP:
you can use Google Maps offline. Stop at Tarbucks and create an offline map for your location and now you can turn off data and you're all set.
Cellular GPSA data downloads over a sideband connection and doesn't count towards data usage. It will work even without 3g or 4g service.
