iPad and Navigation

[Scott Brady]

The iPad has considerable potential as a navigation device. I am currently looking at options for connecting a bluetooth GPS and using the TopoMaps app. or others like it. I do not necessarily intend to keep it running all the time or mounted, but the ability to stop at an intersection on the trail pull-up detailed and large format topo quads is a serious advantage.

My research has led me to several options, including the roqyBluetooth jail break that allows full bluetooth GPS connectivity.

I am not very concerned about the jailbreaking component, especially on a device like the iPad (i.e., not my primary communication device, like the iPhone).

Has anyone attempted this?

So far, my favorite navigation app is the Topo Maps for iPad

 

[brained]

I'm working on this exact same setup for myself.

My first choice was for a Notion Ink (the e-ink screen is perfect for this use) but they are having trouble with the Tegra chipset and are delayed until later this year.

Interim choice is an Asus 1000he netbook. Matte screen, SSD, oversized battery, Windows XP, usb GPS puck.

Third choice is the iPad as you've described, vendor lock in is what's keeping it down to last place (I can swap in a fresh battery on the trail with the first two choices).

Sorry I can't be more specific on the iPad use.

 

[AKRover]

You would only need the bluetooh gps if you have the wifi iPad since the wifi+3G has a gps chip. I have the later and have been playing with Topo Maps and Motionx GPS HD and I am very happy with both.

 

[tdesanto]

Scott,

I think the iPad could certainly be a great platform for this type of navigation, especially with the built-in GPS option. I wonder, though, about the usefulness of the standard USGS Topo maps for the application you list. I get the impression that in some areas the maps can be out of date and that the info consolidated into other applications, such as Delorme's Topo application might be more current. I.e., Delorme's application combines information from other sources too, and not just from the USGS.

I'm currently using a tablet PC with Delorme's Topo 7, but would certainly like to move to something more streamlined from a hardware standpoint.

I'm curious to hear what you and others find out about the usefuleness of the maps.

Did you decide against getting the one with the built-in GPS or did you have another reason for using a Bluetooth GPS?

 

[RSB]

I suspect this is because the built-in GPS is not true GPS, nor anything near as good as a receiver w/Flagship SiRFstarIII technology. A dedicated GPS receiver could overcome this.

Scott, I definitely see the potential now w/it being jailbroken! Thank-you for being the guinea pig and showing us this could work.

Did you decide against getting the one with the built-in GPS or did you have another reason for using a Bluetooth GPS?

 

[shane4x4]

I think the iPad will be the perfect device for backcountry navigation, I'm looking forward to giving it the full rundown soon. We're also working on an app that will turn your ipad/iphone into an off-road trail guidebook

 

[RSB]

for example, here's a tracklog comparison between the Garmin 60CS & 60CSx w/SiRF. Obviously, the 60CSx matches the track much better!

 

[DaveM]

for example, here's a tracklog comparison between the Garmin 60CS & 60CSx w/SiRF. Obviously, the 60CSx matches the track much better!

I don't know what the interval settings are on those devices but on many GPS units you can specify the track interval. Your images may just be the difference between different interval settings for recording the track points.

 

[DaveM]

Scott, in your research for this did you find any iPad GPS aps that would allow the unit to display user supplied geo referenced images or vector files as the map?

 

[1leglance]

I have an extra bluetooth GPS puck laying around I will never use again if you want one to play with Scott.
I can drop it in a USPS Priority mail box and get it too you quick. I used it with my Treo phone a couple of years ago and it was fast from a cold start, quick from a warm start and didn't have trouble in cayons

 

[RSB]

sorry for not specifying. The interval settings for both units used in these images were set the same, 'Auto' and 'Most Often'. Same conditions, used side by side.

I don't know what the interval settings are on those devices but on many GPS units you can specify the track interval. Your images may just be the difference between different interval settings for recording the track points.

 

[redbeard]

I suspect this is because the built-in GPS is not true GPS, nor anything near as good as a receiver w/Flagship SiRFstarIII technology. A dedicated GPS receiver could overcome this.

Scott, I definitely see the potential now w/it being jailbroken! Thank-you for being the guinea pig and showing us this could work.

It's a real gps, but not as sensitive as the sirfIII. The manufacturers trade off size,power consumption and sensitivity when they create their chips. For a device that is not primarily a gps a less power hungry and sensitive chip was used. But they do use cell tower info when in range of 3g stuff to help you get a lock quicker, which helps offset the disadvantages of the more efficient chip.

I posted a link in another thread that explained the differences.

But the reason it's jail-broken is that I think he has the wifi only iPad, which has no gps. It's certainly nice to know you can get a bluetooth gps working with it.

 

[Scott Brady]

I have an extra bluetooth GPS puck laying around I will never use again if you want one to play with Scott.
I can drop it in a USPS Priority mail box and get it too you quick. I used it with my Treo phone a couple of years ago and it was fast from a cold start, quick from a warm start and didn't have trouble in cayons

That would be very cool, thanks Lance.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Why jailbreak it? Is the included gps chip (assuming you have the 3G version) not up to par?

I'm curious of your findings, been thinking about this for awhile. Lots has already been discussed in this similar thread.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37882&highlight=ipad+navigation

 

[RSB]

wow! Looks like some folks out there already have XP running on the iPad. Could that mean Overland Navigator on the iPad too? hmmmm....