Thread: Smartphones for GPS navigation.

Originally Posted by Russian 22.

Link says that it's not found.

Sorry, one of these but they're only $62USD through Ali Express

https://www.trademe.co.nz/mobile-pho...715181c1c2-001

Just a cheap, supposedly rugged, android cellphone

I've used my smartphone as my GPS for about the last 4-5 years, almost always a late flagship model samsung. I've never not had GPS reception.

Prefer my phone screen over my 60csx,older eyes and all.

Originally Posted by Timmay

I've used my smartphone as my GPS for about the last 4-5 years, almost always a late flagship model samsung. I've never not had GPS reception.

I'm still using old school handheld, does the smartphone still receive satellite reception under heavy tree canopy.
Only asking as some Gps great with clear view of sky, but completely useless under tree canopycover. (bush) cheers

Originally Posted by trapperjohn

I'm still using old school handheld, does the smartphone still receive satellite reception under heavy tree canopy.
Only asking as some Gps great with clear view of sky, but completely useless under tree canopycover. (bush) cheers

No problems for me.

No I have not, what a great idea though, will have a search around also.

Originally Posted by Wooly

Hi @Robojaz, I use ViewRanger too but I can’t seem to find any layers with doc boundaries. Have you managed to find a function with public/private boundaries?

No I have not, but what a good idea that would be, I will have search around also.

Originally Posted by trapperjohn

I'm still using old school handheld, does the smartphone still receive satellite reception under heavy tree canopy.
Only asking as some Gps great with clear view of sky, but completely useless under tree canopycover. (bush) cheers

Yep works well. I had better reception on my Samsung S5 than I had on my Garmin Rino

Originally Posted by Wooly

So has anyone found the holy grail? That is an app with topo, doc boundaries and satellite overlay all available offline? Lots of references to satellite or doc boundaries but seems like getting both and offline might be a tall ask?

I find ViewRanger really good for topo, tracking and waypoints but keen on an alternative that does it all.

Try your local regional council website or the regional council website in the area your hunting, may have satelite imagery with boundaries overlayed.

I know our Northland Regional council has this feature available free online, yours may have too.

+1 for nzTopo50. Bloody excellent app. Put your phone on flight mode and battery saver, and it will last for days. Last two day trip I went out on I finished the weekend with 75% battery

Originally Posted by CamFlatt

+1 for nzTopo50. Bloody excellent app. Put your phone on flight mode and battery saver, and it will last for days. Last two day trip I went out on I finished the weekend with 75% battery

Also put your phone in "battery saver mode" all androids will have that feature (im not an iphone user so not sure about them) that will help increase your battery life too by disabling background applications.

+! for mobile phone having quicker gps lock than my garmin units (fenix 5x watch and inreach mini) in the bush.

The technology has caught up on smartphones and in some cases exceeded some of the dedicated navigation devices it seems.

Cheers for the advice in here, NZTopo 50 downloaded and ready to go.

Originally Posted by Steve123

Cheers for the advice in here, NZTopo 50 downloaded and ready to go.

You won't regret it mate, the national park overlay is bloody good

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