GPS for city driving - what would you recommend?

[edddo]

Hi
Looking to get a basic but user friendly GPS for the town car.
Just something that works with a reasonable size screen. ( My off road one is about 170 by 100mm and is the large size)
Something that you can easily put in an address and it will give you reasonable and audible directions to it.
Something that is easy to keep updated.
It is going to be mostly used getting around Melbourne where we will be a fair bit in the coming months.
What should I avoid?
What are some of the good ones?
Not looking to spend more than 2 or 3 hundred really.

thanks for any leads.

[Tombie]

Garmin Drivesmart LT...

Go to Ja-Gps and take a look... come with lifetime map updates...

[weeds]

Google maps on ya phone.....if you don’t know the address just start typing the business name and most times it pops up.

[3toes]

VIC road rules prohibit use of a phone and that includes maps on a phone while driving, so this option has a potential down side if caught.

[trout1105]

The Garmin units are pretty good and come with regular map updates.
I have one in my truck and one in SWMBO's truck, they haven't missed a beat for the last 4-5 years [thumbsupbig]

[Bytemrk]

VIC road rules prohibit use of a phone and that includes maps on a phone while driving, so this option has a potential down side if caught.

Not strictly true 3toes.

From the Vicroads site:

Navigation devices and GPS unitsHide (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/driver-safety/mobile-phones-and-driving#expanding-51E2AB557C4E400E9F31B85C2F3DF695)A driver’s aid such as a navigation device (including a GPS unit) can be in operation but it must be an integrated part of the vehicle design, or secured in a commercially designed holder, which is fixed to the vehicle. A driver is required to have proper control of a vehicle, the entering of address information in a GPS while a vehicle is moving would be contrary to this rule. Address information should only be entered while a vehicle is pulled over and parked. Taking your eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds doubles the risk of crash. Alternatively, voice recognition is strongly recommended.
All learner and probationary car and rider licence holders and riders with an E condition can operate a navigation device if it meets the above requirements and it is not part of or a functionality of a mobile phone.
Fully licensed motorbike riders are exempt from the above rule however cannot hold the navigation device in their hand (can be in backpack/pocket etc).
Note: The mounting of a mobile phone should not obscure the drivers view of the road

If the phone is mounted in a commercially designed holder, not obscuring the drivers view of the road and they are not entering address info etc while on the move, it's perfectly legal.

That's why I use "Metroview (http://www.metroview.com.au/)" on my phone in a ram mount for city navigation stuff.

[3toes]

Friend was fined by Vic motor bike police officer for use of phone while driving when was using as a sat nav fitted into a cradle. Police had used a helmet camera to film so perhaps he was touching screen at time. Officer told him to use a proper sat nav in future.

[weeds]

VIC road rules prohibit use of a phone and that includes maps on a phone while driving, so this option has a potential down side if caught.

Really......I used mine every other day, well most days actually. Its always in a cradle and I have the function that stops notifications when blue tooth connects turned on an I also see Maps not google maps turns the screen on and off as required I.e. @ 10km from a turn the screen come on for x amount of time than turns on again when your approaching the turn.

Hope it isn’t the rule in Queensland although I was in Vic two weeks ago for a week with work and used it everyday......I would have been ****ed of if I got a fine.

[trout1105]

Your Smartphone is an "OK" solution But the screen is very small, it uses data when in GPS mode AND it can be a distraction if you get an SMS or a call.
A dash mounted GPS is Not that expensive these days and is a better option to using your phone, You can also pay a little extra to get one with Off road maps as well as the road maps on it.
Another reason a phone is an inferior GPS option is that if there is NO phone reception it won't work.

[Bigbjorn]

I now have my second Tom Tom, one of the larger ones this time. I am extremely satisfied with it. I get "lifetime" map updates but need to pay an annual subscription for the camera updates. It had a default Kiwi male voice when purchased but fortunately there are a number of choices. The first one had a horrific nasal female North American accent. I have Aust/NZ and North American maps installed. Without it I think I would still be going in circles around the big interchanges in Des Moines and Minneapolis. I did go around in a loop in Pittsburgh but that was my fault for not realising that two exits could be so close together.

I worked out that the gadget is programmed to seek out main roads, freeways, etc, and directs you on to these even if they are not the shortest or fastest route. So a little local knowledge helps.

[weeds]

Your Smartphone is an "OK" solution But the screen is very small, it uses data when in GPS mode AND it can be a distraction if you get an SMS or a call.
A dash mounted GPS is Not that expensive these days and is a better option to using your phone, You can also pay a little extra to get one with Off road maps as well as the road maps on it.
Another reason a phone is an inferior GPS option is that if there is NO phone reception it won't work.

Fair points

I travel a lot for work

Screen size isn’t a problem, it’s not like I need to stare at it, left or right or straight ahead.

Data isn’t an issue...as I don’t pay

You can turn notification off so no texts.....and if a call comes through the name of the caller pops up straight away giving you the choice to answer....hands free at its best.

I have off road maps but rarely use them as everywhere is sign posted pretty good these days.

Re: no reception......if your route is locked in before you go out of reception than it continues to work just fine....the only issue is starting from a no reception area which is rare given I normally know my way back to reception. In the cases where I don’t I load the phone up with all my travels for the day before leaving reception.

Personally for me, I don’t need to buy another device to hang off the windscreen.

[vnx205]

Most of us would probably recommend the one we have become accustomed to.

For several years I have been using a cheap Chinese 7" GPS with IGO Primo and maps updated a few times from the fixmygps forum.

I swap it between the Camry and the Defender and swap between Primo for on-road and Oziexplorer for off-road.

That is probably about as cheap an approach as you can get. It does everything I want, so have never considered any of the hundreds of alternatives.

[cuppabillytea]

In the City I use Google maps, because Google maps knows how fast the traffic is moving and can plan the fastest rout to your destination. You don't have to hold it in your hand so you are not breaking any laws by using it. It can give you directions via Bluetooth or USB if your Phone speaker isn't loud enough.

[loanrangie]

Most of us would probably recommend the one we have become accustomed to.

For several years I have been using a cheap Chinese 7" GPS with IGO Primo and maps updated a few times from the fixmygps forum.

I swap it between the Camry and the Defender and swap between Primo for on-road and Oziexplorer for off-road.

That is probably about as cheap an approach as you can get. It does everything I want, so have never considered any of the hundreds of alternatives.

Been using Igo for a few years on different devices, currently using Igo Primo on a Nexus 7" tablet with latest 2017 maps.
Also been a fix my gps member for a while.

[101RRS]

I have a Garmin 6" unit inn my car - works great - free maps updates and tells me when they are ready - $180. Works well and fits inside my cubby so looks OEM. POI updates are not free though. Also with the Garmin you can get a reversing camera kit but it is not the cheapest but is fully integrated into the unit.

The phone is OK but the screen is too small - as far a legality is concerned most States allow the use of a phone as a sat nav but clearly Vic is the exception

[gusthedog]

I notice a few people saying that you need data to use mapping on your phone. You don’t. You can even download map tiles for google maps and not have to use your 3G/4g connection at all. All major smart phones have gps’s these days and they are just as accurate as a normal GPS.

A lot of guys on the ADV forum are using the Kyocera DuraForce Pro as a GPS. It’s a phone but it’s waterproof and shockproof and has a gorilla glass screen. You can use it without worry of dust ingress etc. Perfect for a 4wd.

[Eevo]

just a thought for those saying phone screen is too small.

why not turn on the turn by turn voice (turn left in 200m) and you can keep your eyes on the road.

[Tins]

Your Smartphone is an "OK" solution But the screen is very small, it uses data when in GPS mode AND it can be a distraction if you get an SMS or a call.
A dash mounted GPS is Not that expensive these days and is a better option to using your phone, You can also pay a little extra to get one with Off road maps as well as the road maps on it.
Another reason a phone is an inferior GPS option is that if there is NO phone reception it won't work.

Sorry, but not so.

1. My iPhone 7 Plus screen is easily big enough.
2. Why aren't you distracted when you get a call or message on your phone even when you are using a standalone GPS?
3. It does NOT use data when in GPS mode. I have maps downloaded to my phone, and they work even if the phone is in Airplane mode.
4. GPS works on the phone when there is no reception. In fact, I use MudMap on my non sim iPad, anywhere I go.

Please try and stick to facts.

[101RRS]

I notice a few people saying that you need data to use mapping on your phone. You don’t. You can even download map tiles for google maps and not have to use your 3G/4g connection at all. All major smart phones have gps’s these days and they are just as accurate as a normal GPS.

A lot of guys on the ADV forum are using the Kyocera DuraForce Pro as a GPS. It’s a phone but it’s waterproof and shockproof and has a gorilla glass screen. You can use it without worry of dust ingress etc. Perfect for a 4wd.

Not quite true - you can navigate via GPS using the "current google map" that the phone is using when not on 3g/4G and you can download an extra map (obviously before you lost connection) but that is it. You certainly could not drive say from Brisbane to Melbourne on google maps with no mobile connection (Data).

However there are other apps that provide maps with the app and are usable with the smartphone GPS and off grid.

[ultrajealous]

I saw one of the latest in 2017. You may want to look at it if it will work. Try a Magellan SmartGPS bridges a gap between connected navigation apps and car-friendly GPS. It can be sync with the cloud and connect to the Web via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

[weeds]

Sorry, but not so.

1. My iPhone 7 Plus screen is easily big enough.
2. Why aren't you distracted when you get a call or message on your phone even when you are using a standalone GPS?
3. It does NOT use data when in GPS mode. I have maps downloaded to my phone, and they work even if the phone is in Airplane mode.
4. GPS works on the phone when there is no reception. In fact, I use MudMap on my non sim iPad, anywhere I go.

Please try and stick to facts.

So a non SIM card ipad can run real time mapping. I always thought this wasn’t possible without plugging in an external GPS receiver??

[Bytemrk]

I think it depends which model iPad.... you are right Weeds, most wifi only iPads do not have a GPS in them.

[Tins]

So a non SIM card ipad can run real time mapping. I always thought this wasn’t possible without plugging in an external GPS receiver??

Sorry, not clear. My iPad has 3G, but it does not have a sim by choice. My bad. Thing is though, it doesn't need the network for the GPS. GPS is GPS, and has nothing whatsoever to do with mobile data. Apple just didn't fit the chip to the wifi only iPads.

[Tins]

I have used Sygic for years for general navigation on my iPhone. I bought it long before Apple or Google offered turn by turn navigation. It is constantly updated for free. I am in no way affiliated with Sygic or it's parent company.

Sygic Australia & New Zealand: GPS Navigation on the App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sygic-australia-new-zealand-gps-navigation/id319361043'mt=8)



Description

The World’s Most Advanced Navigation app, trusted by 125 million drivers.
Sygic: GPS Navigation, Maps, Traffic, Speed Cameras
Whether you are travelling, commuting to work, or driving professionally Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is your one map for everything.
_______________________________________
FEATURES
• High quality TomTom* maps stored on your device
• Voice guided navigation with spoken street names (TTS)
• Offline navigation without internet connection
• Free map updates multiple times per year
• Live Traffic service finds faster route, avoids traffic jams
• Mobile speed camera / radar warnings
• Head-up Display (HUD) projects GPS navigation onto your windshield
• Dynamic Lane Guidance & Junction View for safe lane changes
• Parking suggestions with info about availability & price
• Find cheapest gas based on your gas type
• Safety warnings about sharp turns and railway crossings
• Speed Limit warnings on map
• Fixed speed camera warnings
• Alternative Routes & Multiple waypoints on route
• Address/GPS coordinates entry by copy & paste
• Avoid Toll Roads in one country or entire route
• Pedestrian Navigation & Tourist attractions
• Millions of points of interest (POI)
• Car Audio Integration – Bluetooth or cable
• Dashcam that records even while you are navigating

[loanrangie]

I think clarification is required, unless you have maps loaded onto your device (phone/tablet etc ) then you will use data if an offline map isnt loaded.
You can download google maps use them for i think 28 days before they expire and you have to download again.

[Tins]

So a non SIM card ipad can run real time mapping. I always thought this wasn’t possible without plugging in an external GPS receiver??

MudMap, stored on the device, no sim.

132674

[Bytemrk]

Correct Nick,

That's one of the reasons I started using Metroview about 7 years ago. All the mapping is offline - now days it covers all of Australia and New Zealand. ( Downside is each update is 4-500meg)

The app developers are local and had a thread going on whirlpool where they would get feedback form end users and develop new features as people requested them etc.

I think by memory it cost me $18 in 2010.... and ever since all upgrades have been free and it still gets me out of trouble every time i'm in another city.

[Tins]

I think clarification is required, unless you have maps loaded onto your device (phone/tablet etc ) then you will use data if an offline map isnt loaded.
You can download google maps use them for i think 28 days before they expire and you have to download again.

Thanks. A number of people stated clearly that the maps had to be on the device, but things get missed.

As for Google, or Apple for that matter, I simply do not trust their maps and won't download them. Sure, they are great for casual use, but not if you are reliant on accuracy. Many times I have found them to contradict each other when neither was correct. They need another 5 years in my view. Or, they need to by tomtom or Garmin.

[Tins]

Correct Nick,

That's one of the reasons I started using Metroview about 7 years ago. All the mapping is offline - now days it covers all of Australia and New Zealand. ( Downside is each update is 4-500meg)

The app developers are local and had a thread going on whirlpool where they would get feedback form end users and develop new features as people requested them etc.

I think by memory it cost me $18 in 2010.... and ever since all upgrades have been free and it still gets me out of trouble every time i'm in another city.

Wish I'd heard of them back then, Mark. Would have been happy to support a local. Sygic cost me about $100 back around then. But, they too have been giving free updates at least 2 or 3 times a year. My main beef is that there isn't a truck version, but now trucks are a dirty word in my house I don't care about that either.

On that note, I will say that, if I had to drive a truck in and around the city I'd get the truck specific Garmin. B-Double routes, low bridges, etc.

[trout1105]

Sorry, but not so.

1. My iPhone 7 Plus screen is easily big enough.
2. Why aren't you distracted when you get a call or message on your phone even when you are using a standalone GPS?
3. It does NOT use data when in GPS mode. I have maps downloaded to my phone, and they work even if the phone is in Airplane mode.
4. GPS works on the phone when there is no reception. In fact, I use MudMap on my non sim iPad, anywhere I go.

Please try and stick to facts.

I call BS on points 3 and 4 Your phone doesn't have a GPS receiver built into it and if you don't have a signal from your provider (data) it won't work, Take your sim card out and see for yourself.
Then you can tell me that I am talking crap [bigwhistle]

[Tins]

I call BS on points 3 and 4 Your phone doesn't have a GPS receiver built into it and if you don't have a signal from your provider (data) it won't work, Take your sim card out and see for yourself.
Then you can tell me that I am talking crap [bigwhistle]

Have a look at the pic I posted in post #26. You are talking crap. I use it all the time, no SIM. Try it sometime, trout. Then apologise. Or, get a REAL smartphone, and THEN apologise.

iPhones have had GPS built in since 2010. Like I said, stick to facts.

Edit: I think that you are still missing the point that the maps need to be stored on the device. Also, you might be getting confused with whart Apple called Assisted GPS, which used mobile towers to improve accuracy when using the first GPS chips. Not anymore, the chip in the iPhone is at least equal to that used in any navigation device you care to name short of what the military use.

[trout1105]

Have a look at the pic I posted in post #26. You are talking crap. I use it all the time, no SIM. Try it sometime, trout. Then apologise. Or, get a REAL smartphone, and THEN apologise.

iPhones have had GPS built in since 2010. Like I said, stick to facts.

I am talking phones Not ipads that come with a built in GPS receiver.
I have had iphones and samsungs post 2010 that won't give me a position if I am out of service.

[Tins]

I am talking phones Not ipads that come with a built in GPS receiver.
I have had iphones and samsungs post 2010 that won't give me a position if I am out of service.

All iPhone models (4, 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6+) include a GPS chip. No iPo​d-Touch model has a GPS chip. All iPad models that have 3G or Cellular also have GPS chip and therefore behave like an iPhone for mapping purposes.
(Source: Apple.com )

All I can surmise is it is the app you are using that needs a cellular connection. Not all apps get access to the chip, at least on the iPhone. Can't speak for Android. Won't touch one.

[Bytemrk]

I am talking phones Not ipads that come with a built in GPS receiver.
I have had iphones and samsungs post 2010 that won't give me a position if I am out of service.

Maybe location services were turned off?

John is right iPhones and most Android phones have had built in GPS for years. They also take advantage of A-GPS ( assisted GPS) where they use the mobile towers to get a faster lock on position - but most do have a proper GPS module as well.

[Tins]

Maybe location services were turned off?



Good point, Mark. That may well be the culprit.

[trout1105]

Good point, Mark. That may well be the culprit.

I just turned on this and yes I do have GPS on the phone, It went from network to GPS provider.
Sorry Mate, My Bad[bighmmm]

[Tins]

I just turned on this and yes I do have GPS on the phone, It went from network to GPS provider.
Sorry Mate, My Bad[bighmmm]

[bigwhistle][bigsmile] No prob. The day we stop learning is our last. Go and download some maps[bigrolf]

[loanrangie]

John, google maps are probably the most updated of all map providers.

[Tins]

John, google maps are probably the most updated of all map providers.

I know, Nick, but I can't begin to tell you how often I've found them to be wrong.

[carjunkieanon]

Thanks. A number of people stated clearly that the maps had to be on the device, but things get missed.

As for Google, or Apple for that matter, I simply do not trust their maps and won't download them. Sure, they are great for casual use, but not if you are reliant on accuracy. Many times I have found them to contradict each other when neither was correct. They need another 5 years in my view. Or, they need to by tomtom or Garmin.

I have a vague memory of hearing that Apple Maps used tomtom mapping info to make theirs.

I've been using Apple Maps for driving around Sydney. Works brilliantly so far as I can tell and the traffic flow thing seem accurate too. My street sometimes clogs up and I've found that apple's 'red' for traffic jam lines seems to match reality to within a few 10's of meters.

[trout1105]

[bigwhistle][bigsmile] No prob. The day we stop learning is our last. Go and download some maps[bigrolf]

I installed Hema Explorer onto my Samsung 7 and it must have activated the GPS setting for me during the insallation.[thumbsupbig]
As my HX7 has a limited battery life and the phone seems to last much longer I will now have a crack at using the phone in my little dingy as a GPS to add marks and lay tracks.
Thanks for the "Education" in phone tech.
I already had Hema Explorer installed on my laptop which I had to get a GPS "Dongle" to make it work and it is fantastic to use off road because of the huge screen (comparatively to the HX7 unit) that makes off road navigation a lot easier and being able to use the phone on the boat as a GPS may come in very handy [bigrolf]