GPS &/or Phone App
- Thread starter COSoccerDad
- Start date
Skytower
Active Member
I use my phone as the primary navigator, with the Garmin Montana as a backup.
I use the garmin app, Google maps, Kurviger.de, and paper maps for route planning. Routing via Google and Kurviger is simple. Garmin's app isn't difficult, but routing via waypoints on the Montana is slow and tedious.
I usually ride alone, and usually have no signal. Having Sattelite Coms for arranging a tow, or SOS, is peace of mind for me. Wouldn't be bad to have it for group trips either. You can send text messages, and get very basic weather forecasts(present conditions, with a forecast in 2 hour increments for the day, and overall forecast for the next couple of days)
Garmin has many map options, but not all of them are accurate. Neither is Google. Both have sent me to roads that no longer exist, and 4x4/jeep trails that are closed/washed away. You have to be careful how you setup the Garmin's routing. It tried to send me down the Appalachian Trail on my S10
I use the garmin app, Google maps, Kurviger.de, and paper maps for route planning. Routing via Google and Kurviger is simple. Garmin's app isn't difficult, but routing via waypoints on the Montana is slow and tedious.
I usually ride alone, and usually have no signal. Having Sattelite Coms for arranging a tow, or SOS, is peace of mind for me. Wouldn't be bad to have it for group trips either. You can send text messages, and get very basic weather forecasts(present conditions, with a forecast in 2 hour increments for the day, and overall forecast for the next couple of days)
Garmin has many map options, but not all of them are accurate. Neither is Google. Both have sent me to roads that no longer exist, and 4x4/jeep trails that are closed/washed away. You have to be careful how you setup the Garmin's routing. It tried to send me down the Appalachian Trail on my S10
Boris
Well-Known Member
For the past couple of years I’ve taken a bit of time to try and understand and get used to using google maps as my only navigation tool. I have to say, it’s impressed me and only ever let me down due to my own oversight*. I used it for my 5.5k mile trip to Scandinavia and it served me extremely well.
I tend to set a route on my iPad, the evening prior to travel, as it’s easier to study on the larger screen, save it and then use it on my phone.
A few observations,
*If you lose signal, you lose mapping. If I’m going remote, I download the offline map for that area and google will automatically switch to it if signal is lost.
On a saved route you have to go to the start point to activate the route directions.
Waypoints need to be ticked off as you reach them, in order for the map to continue (irritating).
I only ride tarmac, no idea if suitable for the off road routes.
Google mapping is continually refreshed, so no need for unit updates.
I tend to set a route on my iPad, the evening prior to travel, as it’s easier to study on the larger screen, save it and then use it on my phone.
A few observations,
*If you lose signal, you lose mapping. If I’m going remote, I download the offline map for that area and google will automatically switch to it if signal is lost.
On a saved route you have to go to the start point to activate the route directions.
Waypoints need to be ticked off as you reach them, in order for the map to continue (irritating).
I only ride tarmac, no idea if suitable for the off road routes.
Google mapping is continually refreshed, so no need for unit updates.