Thread: Using an Ipad as a GPS

Apple 3G and 4G iPads and all iPhones have built in Stand alone GPS. Wifi only iPads do not and require a Bluetooth GPS. On most Apps the map data is downloaded as required using the mobile data connection. There are apps that have built in Maps or allow you to download map data in advance.

Jarrod

We have a Tom Tom app on our iPad2, which we use around town. We also downloaded Tom Tom Europe app when we toured last year, works very well.

Having an iphone allows the app to be downloaded on both devices for no additional charge.



Erich

Originally Posted by jarrods

Apple 3G and 4G iPads and all iPhones have built in Stand alone GPS. Wifi only iPads do not and require a Bluetooth GPS. On most Apps the map data is downloaded as required using the mobile data connection. There are apps that have built in Maps or allow you to download map data in advance.

Jarrod

Does this mean if you are nowhere near any cellular coverage, the Ipad will talk directly to satellites. ?

Originally Posted by Bundalene

We have a Tom Tom app on our iPad2, which we use around town. We also downloaded Tom Tom Europe app when we toured last year, works very well.

Having an iphone allows the app to be downloaded on both devices for no additional charge.



Erich

I believe your location info is coming through the cellular network (not as down loaded chargeable data though) and not from satellites.

I was on the receiving end of (what I believe to be) an Apple support phone call at the local Good Guys store and they stated that an external additional device was required for an Ipad (mini 32Gb WiFi & Cell in my case) to operate as a GPS in areas where there is NO cellular coverage.

My dilemma is that I have heard both sides of the story from what I believe are reliable sources.

As Jarrod stated any iPad with 3G has a stand alone GPS I'm using it as my only navigation device in many areas without phone reception for the past 2 years. Any Apple wifi only device has NO stand alone GPS and will require a external unit.

Some mapping software like Hema Explorer, MUDMAPS the Map does require mobile coverage to download maps but that has nothing to do with the units GPS capabilities.

X2 steve223's post.

I regularly use my 3G ipad2, 100’s of Kms from a phone tower. Ditto the iPhone.

Cheers

Steve