GPS google maps

[diso1234]

GPS or google maps?

 

[kanewolf]

A GPS will work without network connectivity to anywhere. Is that useful?

 

[rgd1101]

Google map have offline mode that you can download ahead of time.

 

[kanewolf]

Google map have offline mode that you can download ahead of time.

The coverage of offline mode is still limited isn't it?

 

[little_me]

Google maps wont work without GPS (or Glonass or other GPS satellite equivalent) or wireless/phone network to sniff it's localtion from.

You are probably deciding between google maps and separate map/GPS navigation application.

As rgd1101 pointed out, Google map has offline feature also, the choice which is better would usually fall upon the user (you) based on what you want to use it for. (and if you want to pay for it, google maps is free, GPS navigation/map apps usually are not or they are "free" with ads)

Edit: offline area should, in theory... suffice unless you go on long trips
Tip: The biggest size for an offline area is 120,000 square kilometers. If you try to save a bigger area, you'll be asked to zoom in to a smaller area.

 

[kanewolf]

I interpreted the question as "A dedicated GPS hardware appliance VS google maps on a smartphone?" If you travel in areas with limited cell phone coverage then a dedicated GPS appliance can be more reliable because the maps for the entire country (or region) is already pre-loaded onto the appliance. You can use google maps in offline mode, but " The biggest size for an offline area is 120,000 square kilometers" from the maps website.
It also uses cellphone battery, which may be more desirable to save for other uses. A dedicated GPS unit will have another battery.

 

[rgd1101]

Google map have offline mode that you can download ahead of time.

The coverage of offline mode is still limited isn't it?

Just want to point that out, cause you make it sound like it required wifi or data.

 

[kanewolf]

I just did the math... The 120, 000 sq Km would allow a 120 mile radius to be downloaded. That is definitely enough for hiking most places. Motorized transportation in areas with limited cell coverage could be an issue.