My setup explained: And advice needed with which GPS software to run?

[Rezarf <><]

I decided to wipe clean an older iPad 2 we had laying around to create a full time GPS in my Land Cruiser(s). I wanted a portable system from rig to rig. I recently acquired an XGPS 150a Bluetooth external antenna. I have a RAM Mount cradle for the iPad so that is my gear. My iPad is like a 16 gig version so I don't have gobs of memory to use but I figured it is enough to get started and get my feet wet. I have used my iPhone 6 plus for GPS in the past but I prefer the larger screen. FWIW, I have used my hard copy maps, DeLorme stae book maps and others for 20 years off road, just looking to see if the tech is worth the hassle.

I have really only been looking at the GAIA GPS app and fooled around with the free version for a few weeks. I would really like the following and I am open to any apps or software that you think is worth the coin. FWIW, I love exploring the back roads of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana (about to move there) and would like to:

Be able to see Google earth images real time to my location
Use USGI Topo's
Save my routes and make notes on campsites, features etc.
Typical info, location lat/long, elevation, speed.

Here's my BIGGIE, I don't want to have to have a PHD in this specific software to make the most of it. I'd take a less powerful intuitive app over a turbo-charged complicated one. GAIA was pretty easy to dive into so that is why it held my interest so well.

What else should I look at before dropping the coin?

 

[Rezarf <><]

Gaia it is then...


Thanks for nothing... ha!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Man, I was watching. Nothing to add, though. I was thinking of an Android tablet for navigation but the lack of full APRS function has got me indecisive. I want to be able to run Xastir or APRSISCE or something like that, which means either a Linux or Windows operating system and that eliminates Gaia or Backcountry Navigator. Or rather I guess should say doesn't limit to those. So I'm at the "I dunno" stage, too.

 

[ohiobenz]

I'm in the same dilemma.... I just picked up a MS Surface Pro 2017 and NATO mount for the sole purpose of a navigation and exterior camera monitor.
I've used Gaia on my Droid, but this is another whole level. Rather than dumping a bunch of incompatible stuff on it, I'm researching for software that can do routes and tracks from a variety of map sources.
Has anyone used SAS.planet?

 

[ohiobenz]

looking at TwoNav Land

https://www.twonav.com/en/software/land#customers

 

[WOODY2]

Give Scenic Maps West a try. It's a resident program costs about $10, works on I Pads only no Android systems

 

[ohiobenz]

I am running a Win10 tablet because no Droid or iOS tablets are capable of video input to monitor cameras. See my post above.

 

[Kevin108]

From what I've read in another thread, only the 4G iPads have GPS chips, not the wi-fi models. That might help determine things one way or another.

 

[1Louder]

Be able to see Google earth images real time to my location
Use USGI Topo's
Save my routes and make notes on campsites, features etc.
Typical info, location lat/long, elevation, speed.

Gaia has a very large user community. Lots of tutorials on YouTube. Gaia even references some of them and they have a good support system. IMHO stick with Gaia.

They do not offer Google Satellite images for licensing reasons. If you are a Pro subscriber ESRI is available and are a close 2nd to Google. You will either need a mobile connection for "real time" updates or have to download them in advanced. As a personal user you can add Google maps as a custom map source to Gaia GPS. See 4xoa.com for more info.

 

[ohiobenz]

Is anyone using MapFactor Navigator? the old Open Street maps?
It works fine in both Win10 and my Droid, however in the PC tablet i can't figure out how to download a GPX file where it can find it....