iPhone GPS Apps

[BrendenSD 0]

I will preempt this post by saying I have never used a GPS device for any kind of back country wilderness use.

I started to look into GPS systems for my bike and 2 Garmins stood out in my search. 1st the Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx appears to be the battle tested device of choice for many seasoned off-road riders. A lot of people on the advrider/forum like it. The 2nd device that looked good was the Oregon 300 or 400t. It looks pretty easy to use and has some new features like the custom map feature that would work well for pulling maps off the internet like (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/recreation/ohv/mvum2009/descanso_corral_canyon_august2009.pdf) and syncing them into the GPS so you’d know exactly where on each trail you were.

The price tag on each of these system including; gps, handlebar mount and wiring harness for power would run me ~$400-$600.

That got me thinking. I have an iPhone 3G! GPS built in. Gigabytes of storage memory. Are there any apps that will do all/most of the things a hand held GPS will do? I’m still researching but it seems like the answer could be yes. The cost of any one of the apps I’ve been looking at range from $1-$10. Wiring harness to run power to iPhone will be ~$40. Handlebar mounting kit will be ~$30. There are weather proofing kits available for more $$ but I think I’ll start with a sandwich bag. Huge cost savings compared to the Garmins

.

The biggest problem with the Google map feature on the iPhone is it ceases to work when you leave the grid (cell range) because it continues to load new maps based on your current location. There are a few GPS apps out there that preload topo maps of areas you’re planning on going to in order to eliminate this problem. This is the kind of app I think would work for me.

Since I don’t really know the first thing about GPS’s. I was hoping some you with some experience could chime in and help me compile a list of features that an ideal system would have.

Here’s my list so far based on what I’ve read and gathered from pictures of riders GPS’s:

1. Able to work off the grid i.e. preload topo maps for designated area.

2. Screen showing compass bearing, speed, distance traveled, distance to next waypoint

3. Screen showing topo map with current location, waypoints and .gpx track laid over it.

4. Able to import .gpx track files

5. Able to pause and resume trips (say you stop for lunch or want to make a phone call)

Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Like I said I’ve never used a GPS so I don’t even know what I should be looking for.

[boat440 0]

Try this:

http://www.edn.com/blog/400000040/post/167....html??text=gps

[Strega 0]

http://www.motionx.com

2 Apps, GPS and GPS Drive (For your vehicle)

GPS app will allow you to import .gpx files, but there is no mass delete for tracks, or waypoints. The problem is, there's no good iPhone mount for the bike, and if you wreck and break the iPhone, your GPS and Phone are now toast. (That would suck)

I have both installed on my iPhone, if you wanna meet some night after work, I can show you how it all works.

[BrendenSD 0]

http://www.motionx.com

2 Apps, GPS and GPS Drive (For your vehicle)

GPS app will allow you to import .gpx files, but there is no mass delete for tracks, or waypoints. The problem is, there's no good iPhone mount for the bike, and if you wreck and break the iPhone, your GPS and Phone are now toast. (That would suck)

I have both installed on my iPhone, if you wanna meet some night after work, I can show you how it all works.

The MotionX was one of the ones on my list along with Trails, Gaia GPS and iTopoMaps. They all seem pretty similar.

I will definately take you up on your offer for some GPS education. Anyday except Wednesday after work. I work in Kearny Mesa and live in Ocean Beach.

Thanks,

Brenden 619.857.5588

[Strega 0]

The MotionX was one of the ones on my list along with Trails, Gaia GPS and iTopoMaps. They all seem pretty similar.

I will definately take you up on your offer for some GPS education. Anyday except Wednesday after work. I work in Kearny Mesa and live in Ocean Beach.

Thanks,

Brenden 619.857.5588

I think MotionX has a 'light' version you can screw with that's free. Hell the full version is only $2.99

I work off Miramar, live in Sorrento Valley 3 miles away. Not too far from ya.

[BrendenSD 0]

7. 7 is the number of people that told me mounting an iPhone to my handlebars is probably not the best idea. After hearing the same thing from 7 different people, I decided to go Garmin.

I just picked this up a used Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx craigslist for $185.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45387998@N08/

I tried uploading a photo of it but the "Upload Failed". And fails everytime I try.

Now to mount it...

[Crawdaddy 96]

I just picked this up a used Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Wise choice......RAM mount/cradle/hardwire is available here: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps60csx.htm

(Don't trust the mount......zip tie the unit to the cradle so it doesn't launch in whoops/bumps)......OR rig up a mount.......Aaron - Post a picture of your handlebar pad/Etrex rig

[BrendenSD 0]

I just picked this up a used Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx

Wise choice......RAM mount/cradle/hardwire is available here: http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps60csx.htm

(Don't trust the mount......zip tie the unit to the cradle so it doesn't launch in whoops/bumps)......OR rig up a mount.......Aaron - Post a picture of your handlebar pad/Etrex rig

Thanks for the info. Will definately use some sort of tethering as a backup.

I think I'm gonna try for something more flush mount

like

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1004

or

http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults/Pa...85/Default.aspx

depending on how much space I have beneath my handlebar.

will post pics when I install.

[zracing 0]

+1 for the ram mount: http://www.dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.p...amp;#entry41804

[LucidMayhem 0]

Just to rub it in..... the Droid has a disgusting amount of GPS Apps.

[BrendenSD 0]

Just to rub it in..... the Droid has a disgusting amount of GPS Apps.

My coworker has one. It does everything the iphone does and more. And it's faster.

I'm gong to wait another year then make the switch to Droid. Just the benefits of being able to run google voice and never have to pay for another text msg are worth it.

all that iphone GPS stuff is a distant memory now. I'm well on my way to becoming a Garmin man.

I just installed the Topo U.S. 2008 program on my computer but I don't know how to use it yet.

Hoss is mailing me the "How to turn on your 60CSx" dvd.

My Ram-Mount and wiring harness for my 60CSx should be here Friday. Weekend project.

[hoss314 0]

Just to rub it in..... the Droid has a disgusting amount of GPS Apps.

My coworker has one. It does everything the iphone does and more. And it's faster.

I'm gong to wait another year then make the switch to Droid. Just the benefits of being able to run google voice and never have to pay for another text msg are worth it.

all that iphone GPS stuff is a distant memory now. I'm well on my way to becoming a Garmin man.

I just installed the Topo U.S. 2008 program on my computer but I don't know how to use it yet.

Hoss is mailing me the "How to turn on your 60CSx" dvd.

My Ram-Mount and wiring harness for my 60CSx should be here Friday. Weekend project.

I did find it......should be able to break free and get to post office tomm.

It's the most...wonderful time...of the year!