Google Nav

[sgaucho]

Hi,

I have a android gingerbread mobile which came with preinstalled google maps and Google Navigation.

While I understand that I need a data plan/ connection to use Google Maps, Do I also need a data plan to use Google Navigation?

My phone comes with an internal GPS and but trying to use google nav only with the GPS simply does not work.

I tried using google nav over wifi and it works fine but when trying to use with wifi, it requests me to switch on the GPS! What I dont get is why do I need GPS if google maps works with a data plan?

tx,
sg

 

[Hadron]

Hi sgaucho, and welcome to AF.

Both maps and navigation will require a data connection to download map information. I have however used Maps with WiFi, by pre-loading the tiles for an area I'm going to visit (to avoid data roaming charges). I'd guess that Navigation is more likely to need an active data connection, e.g. if it ever has to recalculate a route (generally when I'm driving I'm not watching the little data arrows on the status bar! ).

Navigation will ask for GPS so that it can get your location. Otherwise it can only determine your location using cellular tower information, which is very imprecise (and even that is only possible if you have activated that option, though that may be the default).

 

[Kicksilver]

You can drive around with GPS pinpointing your exact location on a pre-cached map. You won't need a data connection that way.

 

[sgaucho]

Thanks for clarification!

So, If I intend to use my android phone as a standalone GPS unit without using a data plan, can I buy a app + maps from some provider like Tomtom ou Route 66?

If yes, is there any provider recommended for western europe? I found quite a few free and paid sw on android market, experimented a couple and not very satisfied but nothing beats recommendation.

Tx,
sg

 

[Kicksilver]

Yes, there are plenty of GPS nav. apps out there.

But you can just pre-cache the area temporarily, cost-free.

 

[sgaucho]

Yes, there are plenty of GPS nav. apps out there.

But you can just pre-cache the area temporarily, cost-free.

Sure, I can do that. Infact I did it yday when I precached the destination from google maps. However, in some situations I would like turn by turn navigation.

thanks,
sg