Help Droid 3 GPS Question

[stwb]

I have an old droid 3 that I dont really use anymore. I had the idea to use it as a gps unit in my old truck. My question is if theres any way that I can use the gps services (google maps or a different map service) without having to use cell service or wifi? I am willing to root or modify the phone to make it work. As I said it just sits in a drawer now.

 

[ocnbrze]

I have an old droid 3 that I dont really use anymore. I had the idea to use it as a gps unit in my old truck. My question is if theres any way that I can use the gps services (google maps or a different map service) without having to use cell service or wifi? I am willing to root or modify the phone to make it work. As I said it just sits in a drawer now.

welcome to AF!!!!!!!!

i moved you to the droid 3 forum for better views with folks who have your phone.

now as far as using the phone that is no longer activated.....you can use gps, but only on wifi. you will not get any signal once you move away from wifi.

for me i have an un-activated evo that i use as a mp3 player....but gps does not work unless i'm on wifi.

 

[stwb]

So there isnt any way that I can modify it so it will pick up gps signal on its own? I wonder if there is a way to maybe sneak into local cell signals without having to actually activate the fone with a carrier?

 

[ocnbrze]

So there isnt any way that I can modify it so it will pick up gps signal on its own? I wonder if there is a way to maybe sneak into local cell signals without having to actually activate the fone with a carrier?

well you might get gps but the data used to show where you are at needs a data connection. otherwise as you move you will not be able to tell what street you are on or when to turn. it will show you your position, but that is it.....believe me i tried on my evo which is rooted as well.

 

[doogald]

You can download map data to Google Maps with WiFi before you leave your house, and the GPS will track where you go and show you on the downloaded maps - but, to get navigation, you need to have a data connection to Google's servers.

So, if your active phone (or tablet with mobile data) has WiFi hotspot ability, you could use the D3 as a GPS with navigation. Otherwise, you cannot.

 

[OneFore9]

You could also purchase a stand-alone GPS app, such as CoPilot Live ($10). You download maps to the SD card over WiFi before you travel, and then use the phone as your GPS. Don't need data or WiFi while traveling. I've never used it, but it seems to get decent reviews.

 

[umop3pisdn]

I use OSMAND~ from F-droid and it works great (and is free/open source). The application uses OpenStreetMap data that you can download (entire regions - not just routes) when near WiFi and has standalone navigation with voice. If you root, then you can also use FasterGPS (also from F-droid) so the phone gets a GPS fix quicker.