Hi all,
I am looking at fitting a GPS system to our Defender 90. We go to some fairly remote places and have decided we need a good system. I have looked at the Hema Navigator etc , but I would like to use a iPad and be able to add topographic maps , download our photos and store our music . I don't know if the Ipad has a GPS inbuilt or do I need to get and external gps . Really what I would like is to get some good advice from someone who knows this stuff well, then with a idea or plan in place I can buy the gear required without getting sold stuff I don't need for too much $$.
GPS gurus please enlighten me
Mike
I run an Ipad2 3G and use the Hema app, but also have MemoryMap, Mud Map 2, BitMap and pdf Maps. My info may be a little out of date, but this is what I have found.
Ipads with 3G have a gps built in. Wifi only Ipads need an external gps. Last time I looked Bad Elf were the way to go for an external gps, but this may have changed. If I were buying again I would by a 3G with as much memory as I could afford. I have 16Gb and keep running out of space. I don't store photos, but would like to be able to carry more maps. 3G also gives you the option of accessing the internet when on the road. This can be really handy but obviously not much use in remote areas.
As for apps your 2 basic choices are MemoryMap/Hema or Mud Map. Memory Map is a free app, but you buy the maps. Hema is Memory Map with all the Hema maps installed, plus the NatMap 250k topos, but you can then buy the MemoryMap maps as well. Mud Map comes with Westprint maps and "Back Country" maps. The Back Country maps are Mud Maps own and are hopelessly lacking in detail. I also find the MemoryMap/Hema interface much nicer to use than Mud Map.
My recommendation would be the Hema app, but I think you should look at which one of the three alternatives gives you the best value map coverage for where you want to travel (WA I assume). I know you can buy the Westprint maps and WA topos for Memory Map and Hema. Not sure what Mud Map offers.
BitMap is OK for what it is, but you have to supply your own maps. It is also a bit clunky and it is a painful process to upload maps.
Happy to go into more detail if you want, but this post is probably long enough already.
This morning I bought a new I pad Cellular with inbuilt GPS and 128 gig of memory. I then bought the Hema Explorer app and Memory Map app . I will probably get the full Hema 4wd maps as well but I have spent enough for one day. I will go for a drive this arvo and see how it all works.
Thanks
Mike
That was quick! Hope your happy with your choice. I went away last week for the first time with no paper maps. It was because I forgot them, but with the ipad I didn't miss them at all.
I downloaded the Hema 4wd maps as well today. Now i'm looking for a good mount . I found the perfect place for it . See attached pics. With the dash top removed on the passenger side its sits rather well in front of my navigator, disk jockey. I thought of getting a ram mount but this may only need a small clamp to hold it down vertically using existing pick up holes. Gives the Defer that rally look LOL.
We have had the cellular IPad with Hema explorer and Hema 4x4 maps for around 6 weeks now. We have crossed the country from West to East taken the more difficult route when possible including part of the old telegraph track. Most of the time the maps are accurate but occasionally they were way out . I can understand the incorrect tracks on Fraser Island in the attached picture but at times we were on good marked roads that were not on the map at all. If I was to go searching for a particular place or thing such as a plane crash site or mine shaft I would get the toppo as well. The iPad is fantastic it holds 128 gig of memory and has all our music photos as well as giving us live connection to the net when available. We can Facebook our kids do our banking etc on the go. By removing the top dash pad and using a ram mount the iPad is tucked in tight to the dash and doesn't get in the way. The ram mount has stayed put since Adelaide where I fitted it and hasn't looked like falling off. It's a sturdy piece of kit and good value.
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