• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Sat Nav Apps that don't need anything other than a GPS signal

bunglesmate

bunglesmate

Lurker
Hello the forum,

I am fairly new to the Samsung Galaxy S. One of the reasons I went with a smart phone was to be able to use a Sat Nav app as my directional memory is pants.

Earlier this evening I tried to use one of the default apps to get to a friends house. Setting up was okay as I did this while the unit was still connected to my home WiFi.

However once I left the radio range the system didn't update the map or indeed a new route as I decided to take a small detour to buy the wine. All the time the unit had a good clear view of the sky. The only reason I can think of for the system not updating is that it reported it had lost a data connection.

Is there an app out there which only needs to see the GPS network, and doesn't need to get a data connection either from 3G or WiFi. I don't mind paying a bit as long as the system can deal with the entire UK without having to stop and download a new area map.

All the apps I have had a look at so far seem to indicate that they need a full network connection to work.

Any help appreciated.

Share & Enjoy.

Zippy.
 
wow you have a samsung phone that has a working GPS!!

I do believe the tom tom app stores the maps locally. It's a bit pricey though.

Edited to add that I have a Captivate so the GPS jab was in good humor.
 
GMArthur,

Thanks for the reply. Skin pretty thick as I work offshore.

I tried searching for Tom tom in the android market but couldn't see it. I will have another go.

Share & Enjoy.

Zippy.
 
I use CoPilot and Navigon on my phones.
The apps have all their maps on the SD card.
If I turn off data connection and WiFi, the apps navigate only with GPS.

Harry
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned that the current version of Google Maps *should* cache enough map data to get you along your route, even with minor detours. If this is what was used (the OP said they used the default app), the only reason I can think of it not caching the data is that you left Wifi range before it finished caching the data.

What app did you use?
 
Google Maps Nav's caching isn't really a viable option IMO. If you want locally stored maps then get a nav app that actually stores maps locally. Google Maps Nav is fine if you temporarily lose coverage or if you're willing to deal with the hassle of precaching.

OP clearly states that no data reliance is desired.
 
Hi there,

Thanks for the replies so far. I forgot to mention that the main area at the moment is for the UK.

Harry2: :) Good to get some outside confirmation about coPilot. I have tried to ask questions at their websites but they've not been exactly forthcoming with replies.

ranova: :confused: I didn't realise the Galaxy S had a bad reputation for its GPS. I also have a couple of bluetooth GPS pebbles which I used with a PDA version of tomtom. I will probably end up using them if the onboard antenna is as bad as the forum thinks. I will check out the links supplied. Appreciated

UncleMike: :) The app I used was the default maps app which came with the Samsung S. For short journeys it probably wouldn't have been a problem if the route took into account the rush hour etc. I had a rough idea of where I wanted to go and thought the system would catch up when I got closer. This was not the case. Not what I am used to at all, hence the request for more info.

Share & Enjoy.

Zippy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom