Last Post 08 Dec 2018 06:18 AM by  DAVE ANDERSON
Phone GPS in the field
 14 Replies
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Joseph Stasikonis
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28 Mar 2018 10:24 AM

    A lot of people think you need Wi-Fi to use a cell phone GPS in the field.

     

    That is not true if the app will download maps "GPS Waypoints Navigator" for android will do that.

     

    In fact I recommend you turn off Wi-Fi and Data to conserve your Phone battery. If left on the phone keeps checking for a connection and will drain the battery in no time. I have a couple of old phones I keep around just for the GPS.

     

    I have some 1000 plus waypoints on my phone. I mark and label everything when I am out prospecting and use the phone GPS to put me back on the exact same spot again. I mark the waypoint name with the bucket number from that spot and later put in a note what came out of that spot. I have a bush out in the desert I return to every time we have a flood. It always has a little something waiting for me.

     

    The learning takes a little time to understand to use GPS waypoints navigator but it is well worth it.
    Merle Mitchell
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    29 Mar 2018 11:11 AM
    I tried the app. Had to get a refund. It wouldnt work on my LG V-20. A shame too. It looked like a good app!
    Joseph Stasikonis
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    29 Mar 2018 12:29 PM

     

    Wow, sorry I did not know that. I Just checked Verizon and they not longer sell the LG V-20. Thanks for telling me I was getting ready to buy new phones. I am using a LG VS985 now.

    Merle Mitchell
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    29 Mar 2018 12:43 PM
    You would have to ask about the LG V30. Its an all glass phone now. That was the buy point for me to get the V20. I dont want an all glass phone. Lol
    John Chase
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    26 Sep 2018 01:39 PM
    As long as you have service it works then it wont. Get a GPS learn how to use it much more productive phones need Verizon or AT and T lots of places we go do not have service so your gps wont work on your phone I know I tried it.
    WALTER EASON
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    27 Sep 2018 07:20 AM
    You can download an app on any smart phone that will work off of the satellites. There are a lot to choose from, just have to make sure it is not dependent on cell towers. I have one on an old cell phone that is not hooked up to any service. I turned on the WiFi and downloaded two apps. both work and there is not even a sim card in the phone, WiFi turned off and still works. Galaxy phone. I am sure that a regular GPS would be more efficient with battery life but it does work well. The both app I got were free, the one I liked best was GPS status.
    John Chase
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    27 Sep 2018 12:17 PM
    Interesting, I guess cell phones can do a lot but Ill stick with may GPS, been using one for a long time. from what I was able to gather cell phones do not use full blown GPS chips they use a "lite" version to preserve battery life. I figure If I am going to go places where I need a 4x4 to get in and out of and maybe very little to go by as far as terrain Ill stick to compass topo and GPS. but each his/her own
    thanks for the info
    William Hall
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    27 Sep 2018 03:57 PM
    I'm with John,
    I'll keep my old school gear
    Like the TV commercial, I'm in the Flintstone lane

    Bill
    ARTHUR WAUGH
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    27 Sep 2018 04:09 PM
    I'm old school as well. GPS is a nice tool to have in the box, but map and compass is a failsafe method, but sadly getting to be a lost art.

    Every year you read stories of a fatality caused by people relying on GPS directions instead of using common sense.....case in point not far from me a couple of years ago, people were going to Madras and GPS routed them over roads I usually won't take in the summer. They were pushing snow with the front bumper of the mini van. When the search party rescued them, they were "well this is the way GPS directed us to go".

    Moral------nice tool, but don't trust your life to it, and learn basic old school navigation.
    John Chase
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    27 Sep 2018 08:39 PM
    I don’t need a gps or a phone to find my way. Just map and compass. I use gps for marking locations i find interesting and want to return to some day. I can see why a lot of greenhorns who grew up on technology might get lost on using gps over dependence on electrons. Im sure there are a lot of stories of people driviing off cliffs using gps but then there are many more that Don’t
    William Hall
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    28 Sep 2018 03:32 PM
    Arthur,

    Good common sense is a super human power these days
    Not everyone has it it seems

    Bill
    John Chase
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    28 Sep 2018 04:12 PM
    At one time I thought “Common” sense was a good thing but looking around these days Ill pass on common. But I get your meaning Bill.
    Another thing I didnt mention earlier is all military and aircraft these days use GPS so i figure the technology is fairly well established for those who know how to use it.
    Joseph Loyd
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    01 Oct 2018 03:48 PM
    the gps used in travles can get you in some stupid stuff .Speaking from experience .been there done that . good old handheld one for me.
    James Pavli
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    02 Dec 2018 11:00 AM
    I used my phone gps because I'm not used to using my farm in yet. The phone gps worked great believe it or not and a guy from worked call me when I was deep in a gultch. Phone service has been getting better all the time and is a little reassuring for emergencies .
    DAVE ANDERSON
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    08 Dec 2018 06:18 AM
    I had written my own personal app for android that would record waypoints. No need for any network connection. Didn't do much more than llog at/long, but could export to make a KML file if need be. Plan on adding in direction & VMG to is one of these days.


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