Phone as gps

Our 2 phones have different GPS apps and both are worthless in getting us where we want to be. We use our Garmin and have never had a problem.

:S

Although I haven't used it myself, I have seen good reviews for the Copilot app

garyhaupt wrote:
Unless things have changed, a phone GPS uses the cel phone towers. An actual GPS uses the signals from a minimum of 3 satellites. Cloud cover not withstanding a for real GPS is way t go, and even then, some common sense needs to applied.


Gary Haupt

Both Android and iPhone have the ability to use GPS directly. The Android (not sure about iPhone) can also locate position off cell towers. iPhone (not sure about Android) can use both the US and Russian satellites. I'm not sure about the newer Garmins, but the older ones didn't use the Russian satellites. The US satellite constellation was optimized for use over Europe and I'm guessing the Russians optimized theirs for use over the US, so you'll probably have fewer dead spots if you're using the Russians constellation. (St. Louis is a real dead zone for the US constellation.)

I think the biggest drawback of using a phone for GPS is that the maps are probably accessed via your cell connection. So if you're not getting cell signals your navigation may be a bit iffy. You don't have that problem with the Garmin or TomTom. To get a good location you need signals from four satellites minimum, unless you've got WAIS enabled. The GPS signal can be blocked by almost anything so you need a clear line of sight to the satellite. Placement of the GPS or GPS antenna in the RV can be critical because the RV can mask the signals. Most GPS receivers will mask satellites that are to low on the horizon, so while there may be 8 or 10 in the sky over you they may not all be usable.

I get by with just the map function on my iPhone, but I usually have checked out where I'm going ahead of time, and I'm in a Class B, so I'm not that concerned about winding roads, steep grades or low bridges. YMMV.

garyhaupt wrote:
Unless things have changed, a phone GPS uses the cel phone towers. An actual GPS uses the signals from a minimum of 3 satellites. Cloud cover not withstanding a for real GPS is way t go, and even then, some common sense needs to applied.

Yes, things have changed. You don't need a cell signal anymore.

You can use Co-Pilot or Navigon (I've used both and they are loaded on my iPhone) or any number of apps that let you download the maps in advance. Even Google Maps lets you download maps in advance but it's a bit tricky.

Also, Waze caches the map when you first start a trip so as long as you are connected at the start of a trip, you should be good.

Personally I would not use my Iphone for two reasons. 1. will use up your data.
2. If you lose coverage you lose GPS. There are several inexpensive GPS units for navigation. They use satelites so losing signal is rare
happy Trails

It's been about a year but one of my coworkers was using a gps app on his android and I was using my garmin. I parked in the correct driveway he parked up ths the street and walked up to me and asked why are you stopping here according to mine we should be across the street a blck away

The phones work in a pinch, but:
* They use up your data at a high rate. If you're using the phone to save on the cost of buying a GPS, you're going to pay more for the data than the GPS.
* The GPS app uses up a lot of battery power. Some phones we've used have gotten awfully hot when using them as a GPS and having them plugged into power at the same time. If you damage a smart phone due to heat, the replacement cost will be more than a GPS.
* The screen is really too small for comfortable use while driving.
* They're also a pain to use at times, especially when you should be paying attention to driving. You lay it down for a moment and the screen goes dark/times out while not using it. Then you're trying to touch it in the right place to get the screen back and you hit something you shouldn't have touched and it leaves the GPS app and then you're trying to get it all back correctly while driving.
* They work fine for quick usage, but in general, do yourself a favor and buy a GPS.

Bill

iPhones have GPS chips and DO NOT need cell towers. I have never noticed much data usage but haven't used it on a coast to coast trip.

I have Co Pilot which let's you configure your height but use either Apple or Google maps almost always.

As far as battery usage I plug it in.