iPad question

[David M]

Can an iPad be used as a car GPS without it being connected to a 3G or 4G service? This would make it more useful in remote areas where there might not be any cellular connection. I would also not be racking up data downloads which would be charged to my account.

In other words, is there enough memory in an iPad to store all of the roads and points of interest in the US?

I am thinking of buying an iPad instead of a car GPS but did not want it to have to be connected to a cellular network for it to work.

[glc]

From what I can find, it has "assisted GPS". This means that it DOES have internal GPS, but it uses wi-fi and/or 3G/4G to refine the accuracy. The reports I see indicate that without the assist, the accuracy is terrible.

[pam123]

To add to glc's post this is a good explanation of what's going on with iPad GPS : Apple iPad: Does it have ‘real’ GPS? (updated: yes and no) | ZDNet

My take, if you really need GPS for remote areas then it's the car one you want.

[David M]

Interesting, thanks. From what I know about GPS, and I use it professionally for work, is that it has 2-3 meters of accuracy for the civilian code with a four or more satellite fix....which is close enough for chart software and road map software. If the Apple "GPS" cannot get that kind of accuracy then it would not have a GPS receiver at all. In other words, GPS does not need to be augmented any better than what it already is capable of...2-3 meters. What it might be doing is triangulating cell sites and using that to create a position. Perhaps Apple might not be wanting to confuse people by calling its positioning system something other than GPS?

The ZD net guy said it has A-GPS which he says is real GPS. But if it has real GPS, then it would not need any sort of 3G connection because a real GPS is accurate enough.

In doing a little more research on this, some people are pretty clueless about GPS. One person thinks the compass in the ipad is used to determine position. Another person thinks GPS means any method of obtaining a position. Another person thinks that without Apple GPS augmentation then the GPS fix would be off by hundreds of feet. Clinton reduced the error during his administration. Another person thinks that a GPS cannot provide North, which is true if you never move the GPS.

I'm still trying to find out if the iPad actually receives GPS satellite signals. If this is the case then I don't understand why Apple would not solder on a GPS chip with WAAS that only costs a few bucks to produce.

Newer GPS's have the ability to filter out miltipath signals.

[pam123]

The answer is simpler then that.
All us "directionally challenged" types do need the occasional reminder and the iPad /iPhone definitely helps.

But when you need GPS you need GPS and that's not quite it.
So (missed that freeway exit in L.A.?) iPad great.

Somewhere in Essex County in the Adirondack state park (I live in NY)?
GPS.

[David M]

I think you are right Pam...I need a real GPS.

Apple does not seem to be being honest with people calling the cellular positioning system that they have GPS.

[pam123]

Originally Posted by David M I think you are right Pam...I need a real GPS. Apple does not seem to be being honest with people calling the cellular positioning system that they have GPS.

Almost.

Apple is being honest, they're not being listened to.

I was amazed, when iPad1 first came out, with the buyers who didn't read the GPS stuff and where later amazed about the occasions when it did/didn't work.
It's not like the info was hidden!

[drisley]

I have the 3G model and I can tell you its pretty accurate.

[strollin]

I guess that's why this device is available: Bad Elf GPS

I've never used an iPad so I don't know the answer but every GPS device I've used has always had the ability to display which satellites it "sees" and which it has acquired a lock on in order to determine your location. If the iPad can display that info then it surely has a "real" GPS. If not, then it's determining your location by other means.

My Droid phone has GPS and comes with Google maps/navigation. The issue with Google maps is that you need a cellular connection because the map info is constantly being updated as you drive. I purchased an app called CoPilot Live that stores the map data on my internal SD card so I can have accurate maps even if I don't have a cellular signal. CoPilot Live also has an app for the iPhone/iPad.

[glc]

^^^

THAT may be why it's called an "assisted" GPS - it needs a cellular or wifi connection for mapping purposes. My Android is the same way - it has a real GPS chip but it uses either Google Maps or AT&T Navigator.

David, just get a Garmin.

[David M]

Originally Posted by glc David, just get a Garmin.

Agreed, I will be in places where there is no or minimal cellular reception. I'm still getting an iPad or some sort of tablet. First I want to see what higher resolution tablet Samsung, Motorola or Asus with Ice Cream Sandwich will have to offer.

That's an excellent point Strollin. Real GPS's have the ability to show individual satellite information.

[glc]

Did a little research - you can in fact get apps for the iPad that have offline maps for use with the GPS. Garmin even offers something.

[David M]

That's excellent...thanks George!

[Pctech]

Or instead of holding the ipad for directions, why not get a GPS itself. It requries no wifi or 3g services. plus its pretty reliable. Im planning to get one online.