How may i use gps without cell service

[Gary777]

I have a Apple iPad 3rd Gen (Wi-Fi/Cellular Verizon/GPS) 64 Gb tablet. I use it for now just at home with wi-fi. Can I use GPS in the car without activating cell service.

If so how do I configure the ipad to do this.

Thanks

 

[KevinJS]

I use an app called MotionX GPS HD. It allows you to cache maps in advance (ie while still at home on wifi), or to download them in whatever detail you require, limited only by the available space on your iPad.

I use it extensively for off road driving, and would recommend it. GPS is very power hungry, so I would suggest keeping your iPad on charge while using this kind of app.

 

[catyyog01]

MotionX GPS HD,where did you download it?

 

[mrcupu]

yes you can and thats one of the advantage have cellular gps capability we dont need to activate the service but the gps can still work although might not 100percent accurate when i travel i just download regular map app for that country or state or area usually i search for the free maps and on the road when i open up the app then the gps activated by itself to pinpoint locations :thumbs:

 

[KevinJS]

GPS is very accurate. It is independent of wifi.


You do, however need an iPad with cellular capability, because wifi only models lack the GPS chip.

MotionX GPS HD is available from the App Store. It's an iPad only app, although an iPhone version exists.

 

[Gary777]

I use an app called MotionX GPS HD. It allows you to cache maps in advance (ie while still at home on wifi), or to download them in whatever detail you require, limited only by the available space on your iPad.

I use it extensively for off road driving, and would recommend it. GPS is very power hungry, so I would suggest keeping your iPad on charge while using this kind of app.

thanks, I am looking at the motion x GPS drive, I need the voice guidance, curious though, what Is main difference between the drive model and the HD model???

 

[KevinJS]

Drive, as far as I know, is geared more to highway drivers. The app I use has a lot of feature that make it useful for off roaders (like me).

This is an example of what I call a road. You won't get turn by turn directions out here.

 

[Wolfpuppies3]

Garry 777 -

MotionX GPS = https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://gps.motionx.com/downloads/MotionX-GPS-Manual.pdf

MotionX GPS Drive = https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://drive.motionx.com/downloads/MotionX-GPS-Drive-Manual.pdf

Don't you just love Google?

 

[Gary777]

Drive, as far as I know, is geared more to highway drivers. The app I use has a lot of feature that make it useful for off roaders (like me).

This is an example of what I call a road. You won't get turn by turn directions out here.

<img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=33773"/>

Thank you Kevin, my off road driving days are pretty much over. I just Downloaded the Drive version.....

 

[Gary777]

Don't you just love Google?[/QUOTE]

Yes, you can't beat it!!!!

 

[Gabriel1]

I need to connect with wifi or there is inbuilt GPS system applications also available, which can work without cell service...

The GPS function doesn't use the cell service but does require a cellular (3G or 4G) iPad. This is because the GPS circuitry piggy backs on the cellular chip. That said, if you have a wifi only iPad there are aftermarket devices that will connect and give you GPS functionality, Bad Elf is a make that I have heard of on these forums.

The Archangel

 

[HKey_Current_User]

I'm using the Dual Electronics XGPS150A Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver with my wifi-only iPad. On Amazon for $100. Works great!

 

[tiotaco]

I have Ipad with cell capability but no data plan. My Maps will not work without wifi connection.

 

[scifan57]

I have Ipad with cell capability but no data plan. My Maps will not work without wifi connection.

If you're talking about the maps on the Apple or Google maps apps, the maps are not downloaded to your device but are streamed to it using an active internet connection. That's why they won't work unless your iPad is on WiFi.

What you have to do is get one of the many GPS navigation apps that let you download maps for offline use. There are both paid and free navigation apps. Maps are usually sold as an in app purchase.

Once you have the necessary maps on your iPad you can use GPS without any Internet connection.

 

[tiotaco]

Thank you--question answered.

If you're talking about the maps on the Apple or Google maps apps, the maps are not downloaded to your device but are streamed to it using an active internet connection. That's why they won't work unless your iPad is on WiFi.

What you have to do is get one of the many GPS navigation apps that let you download maps for offline use. There are both paid and free navigation apps. Maps are usually sold as an in app purchase.

Once you have the necessary maps on your iPad you can use GPS without any Internet connection.

I couldn't understand why have a gps chip it it must have wifi or cell connect.