Maps on iPad...where to start

[Rick1970]

Seems I am to be the recipient of a hand-me-down iPad (gen1???) and the only use I would have for it ( I think) is gps/mapping.


What do I need to get this going, even in a basic setup?


I have never used an ipad before....and don't even own an smartphone :p


Cheers
Rick

[33chinacars]

Bit like me Rick .

Don't have a smart phone either. But just bought an IPad Air ( 5th gen ). From what I cant gather it will need to have a 3G connection as well as WiFi for mapping to work . Others please correct me if I'm wrong. Mine came with basic maps already on it.

HEMA do maps for IPads I think , About $100 on special. But there a number of free maps out there as well.

Gary

[Yorkie]

It needs to be capable to take a SIM card, otherwise it will not have gps chip installed. Hema maps is great, need to setup an iTunes account first.

[Rick1970]

SIM I'm not sure of, WiFi yes tho.


So I need to get a SIM card for it 1st?, if it has the capability.


Then iTunes account?


Sounding like a job for the GF :eek:

[joel0407]

I use memory maps. It's free on iTunes.

I use my Iphone for the GPS stuff and my iPad for checking out the maps.

Happy Days.

[mikehzz]

SIM I'm not sure of, WiFi yes tho.


So I need to get a SIM card for it 1st?, if it has the capability.


Then iTunes account?


Sounding like a job for the GF :eek:

You don't have to have a sim in it. It's just that the sim capable 3g ones are the only ones with the gps chip. You can get bluetooth gps units that will work with the ipad but they are pretty specific so research first. I use Memory Map with the Hema maps.

[Rick1970]

Ok, checked it out today...It has WiFi but no facility for a SIM card.


Mite have to look into the external GPS thing.

[Didge]

I use memory maps. It's free on iTunes.

I use my Iphone for the GPS stuff and my iPad for checking out the maps.

Happy Days.

Just checked right now and Memory maps is $1.29 and the NSW topo maps are $119.99.
Rick, see if you can get oziexplorer to work on the ipad and I may be able to help you with some maps.
cheers Gerald
ps say ello to Catriona, Catrina, Katrina or however you spell her name
cheers Gerald

[joel0407]

Just checked right now and Memory maps is $1.29 and the NSW topo maps are $119.99.
Rick, see if you can get oziexplorer to work on the ipad and I may be able to help you with some maps.
cheers Gerald
ps say ello to Catriona, Catrina, Katrina or however you spell her name
cheers Gerald


It was free when I got it and even at $1.29 it's an awesome deal. It comes with AusTopo250 1:250,000 scale map of Australia.

Give me a location you are familiar with and I'll take a screen shot and post it up so you can see the map detail.

[Didge]

No argument about value for 1.29 and on itunes I didn't see anything about any free maps, if so even better value. would like to see map of zig zag railway area at Clarence, nsw . it's near Lithgow
cheers gerald

[joel0407]

No worries. Yep know where Clarence is. Bathurst is home for me.


I'm just going to bed though. I'll do it this arvo.

[joel0407]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/699.jpg (http://s560.photobucket.com/user/joel0407/media/BIG-SCREEN/My%20Pictures/79A17E79-A90B-4EE5-B049-94B375587269_zpsuvnlu8x6.png.html)

Wasn't so hard with my iPhone

Check out the speed I rolled over in bed at. LOL

Good night.

[Didge]

Yeah, I noticed how quickly the night went for you - hahaha. That's not bad at all, is it?! Is that 1:250, 000. If so, it's got more detail than I imagined. Might have another looksee on itunes but I'll bet they don't do memory maps for macbook pro's which is what I'll be using (sorry Rick - I'm high jacking your thread - hehehe)
Thanks Joel.
cheers gerald

[cjc_td5]

I run Memory Map but on Android.
Check out the EOTopo 200K maps from the Map Shop. They are much more up to date than the Aus Topo250 maps (ie new roads less than 12 months old shown). They do cost $$ to buy, but you do get Australia wide coverage.

Cheers,

[Didge]

Do they also have 1:25k maps? And is there a map section on itunes?
cheers Gerald

[joel0407]

You can buy all these maps:
Aus Maps : Topo maps | 4WD maps | Australia maps | PC : iPad : Android | Memory-Map Aus/NZ (http://memory-map.com.au/digital-maps/topographic-maps-australia.html)

I'm nolt sure how you upload them as I have been happy with their included map. There is a map section in the app that list the down loaded maps. You can down load a Hema base map or something like that which gives you the outlines of there purchaseable maps.

Happy Days.

[AussieAub]

I run a WIFI only iPad Mini in my motor (ie, no SIM card option).
I use GPS Kit HD (http://gpskit.garafa.com/GPSKit/GPS_Kit_for_iPhone_%26_iPad.html) for all my 4WD-ing mapping needs, together with a plugin GPS unit/dongle from BadElf (http://bad-elf.com/pages/be-gps-1000-detail) for the signal.

I can then download areas of maps (LOTS of different ones to choose from inc Google satellite imagery) by using my home internet service, the app then stores them on the iPad for offline use.
I can record, create, share, import and export track files, and I find the accuracy almost second to none.

As a companion to GPS Kit HD, I also use Track Editor (http://garafa.com/trackeditor/GPX_Track_Editor/GPX_Track_Editor_for_iPhone_%26_iPad.html) (by the same company). This allows you to very easily remove those wrong turns, or simply edit the track that has been recorded, so you can share or refer to for future trips.

For on-road street navigation, I also use the FREE Navfree (https://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CEIQFjAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Fapp%2Fna vfree-gps-live-australia%2Fid422816006%3Fmt%3D8&ei=1Tx4U9WNH9G68gXLjIDAAQ&usg=AFQjCNGmC38_Oi6hdmXBZ9oUpPHvpb2TMQ&sig2=BBtBJZvPrzKfs1NROz3kZg&bvm=bv.66917471,d.dGc) app, which utilises the open source mapping from OpenStreetMaps (http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=4/-28.15/133.28). All of the maps are stored on the device and cover all of Australia & NZ. So far, it's not let me down either! Navfree also "talks to" the BadElf GPS dongle, so no 3G/4G SIM card required.

Hope this helps some other iDevice users....

All of the above also works on/with the iPhone too.

Cheers.

[Didge]

Interesting. The only customer review for this gps kit is as follows. I wonder why yours works and this other one is so different.
Customer Reviews

Unbelievable



by Dbertel Used the iPhone version for years and have loved it. I was excited to use this version for iPad now. It 100% doesn't do what it should. You can't download maps for offline use! Simply doesn't work. Absolutely unbelievable. I can't believe I spent another 15 bucks on this. It's straight up robbery.

[AussieAub]

Interesting. The only customer review for this gps kit is as follows. I wonder why yours works and this other one is so different

Sorry, can't help you there!
I've been using it for a few years and it's working for me faultlessly. KNow a few others using it to with no dramas. I have on occasion had a hiccup when a new version of iOS comes out, but it's soon rectified with a free update from the developers.

As I say, works great for me. Only thing I can think of from that review (by the way, there are a whole number of other reviews, not just one, if you view the app from the app store in iTunes, not just a wb browser), is that his iPad is not using a plug-in GPS device? Their iPhone would have been fine due to a data connection, but without that on the iPad, or another GPS dongle/bluetooth device attached, then I'm not surprised it "100% doesn't do what it should!". It wouldn't be ABLE to download maps or get a GPS fix!!

Anyhow, I love the program, the best by far (and I've tried just about all I could find for the iPad), and I'll continue to use as my primary 4WD mapping device.

Cheers.

[Rick1970]

Just checked right now and Memory maps is $1.29 and the NSW topo maps are $119.99.
Rick, see if you can get oziexplorer to work on the ipad and I may be able to help you with some maps.
cheers Gerald
ps say ello to Catriona, Catrina, Katrina or however you spell her name
cheers Gerald


Katrina....and yep I will.




So the external GPS thingo's....one size fits all type of thing or percific for the Ipad? I don't think the Ipad has a USB port....

[technophile]

I use mud maps and hema, both do not require internet. But either need the 3g version for GPS, as only that model has a GPS receiver. Or buy an external receiver like I did. Xps150 I think it is called.

[Epic pooh]

I use the Hema iPad app and Memory Map Topo (1:25k and worse - not cheap, but good, however (mildly) annoyingly the planning software for the computer is PC only) on an iPad 1 wifi for my offroad navigation - quite happy with it, works well. Normally use Google Maps on an iPhone for onroad navigation (and occasionally I even use the car Navigation system ... ).

For GPS signal, I use a GNS external bluetooth GPS/GLONASS receiver (aviation quality, very sensitive and accurate with a long battery life) - you can get a GNS 2000 for about $165 on ebay.

[Didge]

Hey Ricj, you're on the money there mate - no opad has a usb port so you'll need the cable to connect it to a computer of some sort. That's been one of the complaints about ipads for quite a while. If I were you I'd do a lot of internet research about the best and cheapest bluetooth or cable gps unit you can buy and then let me know the results :) :)

[Didge]

Oops I meant " Hey Rick...."

[AussieAub]

Hey Ricj, you're on the money there mate - no opad has a usb port so you'll need the cable to connect it to a computer of some sort

That BadElf GPS unit I use plugs directly into the lightning connector on the iPad/iPhone which means no cables. Its really quite a discreet unit. Comes with its own lead so you can still get 12v power to the iDevice whilst in the car.

[goktu]

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wikiloc-free/id432102730'mt=8

what about this one?

yo can share or downlaod other saved tracks, too.

wikiloc.com I think

[jackiec]

You can get a app called PDFMAPS then download some gps coordinated pdf maps for off-road use, no data needed.

[joel0407]

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wikiloc-free/id432102730'mt=8

what about this one?

yo can share or downlaod other saved tracks, too.

wikiloc.com I think


This doesn't appear to work offline. Unless I'm doing something wrong. So it's not much good when your out bush, without service.

Happy Days.

[MY14D4]

I use mud maps and hema, both do not require internet. But either need the 3g version for GPS, as only that model has a GPS receiver. Or buy an external receiver like I did. Xps150 I think it is called.

I'm looking at investing into one of the two of these ASAP. I noticed that both require area specific maps to be bought in-app. As an owner of both apps which do you prefer? Have you tried the $50 add on apps for both brands? It's proving quite hard to make a decision on mud maps or hema.


MY14 Discovery 4, 7 seater TDV6.

[technophile]

I'm looking at investing into one of the two of these ASAP. I noticed that both require area specific maps to be bought in-app. As an owner of both apps which do you prefer? Have you tried the $50 add on apps for both brands? It's proving quite hard to make a decision on mud maps or hema.


MY14 Discovery 4, 7 seater TDV6.

Mud map does not require any further purchases. It includes a crowd sourced map which is good, and will only get better as more people use the app, and also includes a load of maps from other vendors, to which you can also add your own maps.

Personally, I like mud map 2 over hema. I also have mud map HD, but that is no longer available to buy

Sent from my ZTE T83 using AULRO mobile app

[Disgomez]

I run a WIFI only iPad Mini in my motor (ie, no SIM card option).
I use GPS Kit HD (http://gpskit.garafa.com/GPSKit/GPS_Kit_for_iPhone_%26_iPad.html) for all my 4WD-ing mapping needs, together with a plugin GPS unit/dongle from BadElf (http://bad-elf.com/pages/be-gps-1000-detail) for the signal.

I can then download areas of maps (LOTS of different ones to choose from inc Google satellite imagery) by using my home internet service, the app then stores them on the iPad for offline use.
I can record, create, share, import and export track files, and I find the accuracy almost second to none.


Are all the maps free or do you need to buy them as well?

[AussieAub]

Are all the maps free or do you need to buy them as well?

All free. Whatever you see in Google Maps is what you can download (terrain, satellite, topographic, road/street, etc). Just don't try and do TOO big an area for the satellite ones, and don't try to get in REAL close. I think from memory the highest "zoom scale" I go down to is 16, and so far so good.
All the others are good at whatever zoom scale you feel comfortable with.

Cheers.