doggy wrote:tenohfive wrote:doggy wrote:I had a S3 and now I've got Z1 but they can't compare to a real GPS.
Once you lose your phone signal you lose the GPS too,
Nope. If you've got offline maps (which all decent mapping software allows for) you've still got maps irrespective of whether or not you've got phone signal. Once a map is downloaded (i.e. at home) it's always available.
I'm all for debate about the relative merits incidentally, it's just that the quoted statement is factually incorrect.
You lose the GPS on both the phones I've had. The GPS is not true GPS, it's aquired via the data so no data no GPS.
I'm sorry but that's just wrong. I've got two S3's in my house and the phone in my pocket is an Xperia Z1. I have used all 3 (and others) in the hills. Please don't take offence, but I'd suggest it's a case of user error on your part as it's unlikely both the phones you mentioned have defective GPS units.
The GPS is in no way dependant on the data. It is true GPS, mobile data can't pinpoint your location in any case (only into a block of a few kilometres) and I specifically turn mobile data off whilst in the hills as it saves battery life - the GPS, 100%, unequivocally, still works, with various app's and pinpointing a precise location to within a few feet - something mobile data simply can't do. But I've an inkling that I can see where the confusion is coming from.
What app's have you been using, and how? If it's Viewranger, read on...
Viewranger is the most commonly mentioned on here, and does allow you to use the free (and very good) Open Street Maps Cycle Map. And as standard it'll be the online version, which could explain why you've had issues - you'll need to download specifically the area you want ahead of time (at home normally) where you've got a wifi or mobile data signal. I've got most of the Lake District saved in this way, it takes a little bit of preparation but it's worth it as it does show some tracks on there that aren't marked on OS maps. If you don't do this though it'll try and source them for wherever you are through your mobile data connection, and as such if you have none you'll probably just see a blank map.
The second (slightly easier) option is paid for Ordnance Survey maps for Viewranger. You can download them through the website, but
places like this one do them much cheaper (£9 for Landranger maps for all UK national parks) - they send you the memory card, you copy it onto your PC then across to your phone, register the map and you've got offline OS maps. What you see on your screen is an OS map and this will work irrespective of any phone signal. This is my preferred option - I default to OS maps with the Open Streetmap as a secondary.
There are of course plenty of mapping apps that have the option to store areas offline (even Google Maps) and your GPS will then work when using them offline.
I have to say though, I spend more time on Viewranger poring over maps when I'm bored and planning my next trip than I do actually using it to locate myself.
Hope some of this helps - and if you're using something else, let us know what and I'll be glad to try and help work out where you've had the issues (if one of the other Android using hillwalkers on here doesn't sort it first.)