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Post by nomihoudai on Oct 27, 2016 22:51:50 GMT
I have a GPS device from Garmin, and it has always been great out in the field. Even in the tropics. But as I want the stuff that I carry with me on trips to be more light weight in the future, I was wondering what your experience is with smartphones and their GPS signals? It would be great if it worked as I have my smartphone with me anyway. Is anyone of you using their smartphone to check on coordinates? I would be glad if somebody could share their experience. Thanks.
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Post by Paul K on Oct 27, 2016 23:10:23 GMT
I use iPhone to navigate in the tropics . The problem with smartphones is they are depended on transmitting towers to load the maps thru internet connections. The satellite position ( blue dot in google maps ) will work everywhere but if the map is not loading the dot will move on blank screen and you could not tell your location anyway.
The GPS units are preloaded with maps so the internet is not needed only satellite signal.
I also save collecting location on google maps so later I can read coordinations and elevation and in the next trips I know exactly where I have collected before.
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Post by exoticimports on Oct 28, 2016 13:02:18 GMT
The problem with mobile (cell) phones is that if they can't get the signal they like they burn up battery fast trying to find a signal.
In other words, if the app you are using relies on LTE and the phone can't find LTE it will revert to 3G and deplete the battery.
Phones are also (1) less sturdily built (2) have reduced GPS capabilities (3) as Paul said, rely on internet (4) and more faults. Don't use a mobile instead of GPS unless you are on a highway or urban area. And carry a compass.
Chuck
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Post by Adam Cotton on Oct 28, 2016 15:35:25 GMT
If you know where you were in the field you can use Google Earth on a PC to zoom in on the location, and once the spot is identified you can read latitude, longitude and altitude from the program. The accuracy is probably at least comparable, or less error prone than hand held equipment in the field.
Adam.
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Post by Paul K on Oct 28, 2016 18:23:53 GMT
If you know where you were in the field you can use Google Earth on a PC to zoom in on the location, and once the spot is identified you can read latitude, longitude and altitude from the program. The accuracy is probably at least comparable, or less error prone than hand held equipment in the field. Adam. Smart phones are actually quite smart this days. I use iPhone and while I am at the location I save the position on the google maps ( where the blue dot is ) And when I get home in front of my MacBook the information is already there and I can verify and read coordinates. Paul PS Indeed it is very cool to use satellite image, zoom and look at the surroundings of collecting place and much more. |
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