Apple I-Pad GPS/Plotter
- Thread starter wapiti
- Start date
There has been quite a bit of discussion about the iPad as a chartplotter. I'll summarize our experience...
Recommend you get the 3G iPad, because it has a GPS chip built in (the wifi only model does not). You do NOT need any connection for the GPS to work.
To get marine nav charts, you need to download an app. My preference is the Navionics app. Once downloaded, the charts are contained on your iPad. I've looked at the iNavX app, but (unless I am missing something) it appears you need to have an internet connection to download charts... as you move from one chart to another (free govt NOAA charts), you need to reload each (i.e., not contained on the iPad). If I don't have that right, I'm sure an iNavX app user will correct my info. We use Navionics on our Raymarine E-80, so that seemed like the logical choice (and the first available) for us.
The Navionics app runs in North-Up mode. I prefer Course-Up (which the iNavX does), but it isn't a big deal. When running with two chartplotters, I put one North-Up, the other Course-Up.
The iPad is NOT marinized - you might want to put it in a plastic bag if there is a chance it could catch any spray; we find a 1-gallon bag is a decent fit.
The iPad does a LOT of other things a fixed chartplotter doesn't... Like: e-mail, internet connection, video viewer, digital photo frame, music player, eBook reader, etc, etc.
Having said all that, I would not use the iPad as my ONLY chartplotter, because it does not integrate with the depth sounder, the radar, the autopilot, and the VHF. Battery life on the iPad is very good, so it makes a great back-up chartplotter. It is also very handy for trip planning.
If you do have an internet connection, you can also bring up Google Earth to check out the marina layout you are heading for. There is an app for AIS, apps for tides, and scads of weather options with the iPad.
I find it more convenient than a laptop for navigating, better battery life, and easy to pass back and forth with the first mate.
I LIKE it.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Recommend you get the 3G iPad, because it has a GPS chip built in (the wifi only model does not). You do NOT need any connection for the GPS to work.
To get marine nav charts, you need to download an app. My preference is the Navionics app. Once downloaded, the charts are contained on your iPad. I've looked at the iNavX app, but (unless I am missing something) it appears you need to have an internet connection to download charts... as you move from one chart to another (free govt NOAA charts), you need to reload each (i.e., not contained on the iPad). If I don't have that right, I'm sure an iNavX app user will correct my info. We use Navionics on our Raymarine E-80, so that seemed like the logical choice (and the first available) for us.
The Navionics app runs in North-Up mode. I prefer Course-Up (which the iNavX does), but it isn't a big deal. When running with two chartplotters, I put one North-Up, the other Course-Up.
The iPad is NOT marinized - you might want to put it in a plastic bag if there is a chance it could catch any spray; we find a 1-gallon bag is a decent fit.
The iPad does a LOT of other things a fixed chartplotter doesn't... Like: e-mail, internet connection, video viewer, digital photo frame, music player, eBook reader, etc, etc.
Having said all that, I would not use the iPad as my ONLY chartplotter, because it does not integrate with the depth sounder, the radar, the autopilot, and the VHF. Battery life on the iPad is very good, so it makes a great back-up chartplotter. It is also very handy for trip planning.
If you do have an internet connection, you can also bring up Google Earth to check out the marina layout you are heading for. There is an app for AIS, apps for tides, and scads of weather options with the iPad.
I find it more convenient than a laptop for navigating, better battery life, and easy to pass back and forth with the first mate.
I LIKE it.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Here is a link to a Panbo discussion of iPads and iPad cases.
http://www.panbo.com/archives/2011/02/ipad_cases_for_the_boat_some_interesting_apps.html
http://www.panbo.com/archives/2011/02/ipad_cases_for_the_boat_some_interesting_apps.html
Not an iPad, but I ordered an iPhone 4 from Verizon this morning. Looking forward to loading it with Navionics for use as a backup. I am sure eventually Lori will get an iPad and when she does we will put some nav apps on it as well.
I'll have quadruple redundancy -- Raymarine, MacENC, iPhone and paper. 8)
Warren
I'll have quadruple redundancy -- Raymarine, MacENC, iPhone and paper. 8)
Warren
Thanks for all the good info. I was able to track down some impressive GPS/plotter apps for the I-Pad. Something I am still not clear on, does the I-Pad actually use satellites or cell phone towers for its navigation? I spend time on the Douglas Channel near Kitimat, BC and we are usually out of cell phone range in this area. Will the I-pad still be useful in this area? Would another possible option be to connect my Garmin 60csx to the I-Pad and use the larger display of the I-Pad?
Thanks again!
wapiti
Thanks again!
wapiti
wapiti":lzibm756 said:
Currently (say that because there will be a new iPad in the next couple months, but it doesn't appear too much different), if you want TRUE GPS function, you need to buy the 3G model iPad because it has THE GPS CHIP BUILT IN. The wifi ONLY model DOES NOT have a GPS chip. If it sounds like I'm shouting, my apologies - just trying to drive home the point. The wifi only model will need cell towers for triangulation, the 3G model uses the same GPS satellites your handheld or chartplotter GPS uses. The 3G model does NOT have to be connected to 3G, wifi, or any other internet connection to function as a GPS.
At this time, there is no way I am aware of to connect any GPS to an iPad... which would be superfluous, since the 3G model iPad HAS a built-in GPS chip. :wink: You just need to buy one of the marine chart apps, and you are good to go.
OK, smart-ass mode off, it is a great planning tool, back-up chartplotter, and entertainment center... I have no doubt there are people using it as their only nav tool. If I didn't already have a full-functioning integrated chartplotter (that cost WAY more than an iPad), I'd consider it... with proper back-up.
Hope that clarifies,
Jim B.
centerisland
New member
There are a few Bluetooth solutions. Some require jailbraking, this one does not:JamesTXSD":1h3mdmun said:
http://www.amazon.com/GNS-5870-MFI-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B004289ZW0
But none of these is perfect, and you'll probably spend another $100 or so (plus have a more fiddle-ridden setup).
FWIW, even though I love my iPhone (particularly the value of the Navionics app), I just decided to try an Andriod tablet, so about an hour ago I ordered this 10.2" Android tablet (with built-in GPS) for $225 from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HIXDEQ/ref=oss_product
Whoa, good find centerisland. My wife's company bought her a WiFi iPad and we haven't found much use for it. I was looking forward to using it for backup GPS on the water with the Navionics app but didn't want to pay for mifi. This looks like this could be the answer, right?
centerisland
New member
Jazzmanic":3peh94gn said:
Probably - folks have issues with the controls on the GPS (read the reviews) so I'm not sure about the usability.
centerisland":kuvgytwu said:
Please give us your review...especially how useful it is for us boaters. I'm curious about battery life, screen glare, and whether it's a suitable e-book reader.
I've heard some advice that the best time to buy a tablet is six months from now, when there will be a plethora of new tabs (like this one) hitting the market. First generation IPads will definitely be cheaper.
-Greg
I have an iPad which I dearly love, but it is an abysmally slow gps, mapping machine.
I had the Raymarine and Navionics, and still have a Garmin 670 and a Lowrance H20 and ALL of them far outshine the iPad for navigation.
Whatever the iPad uses for guidance, the process is so very slow that you are usually just past or at the point of no return before it tells you what you should do - very unnerving. I guess with a 6 knot cruise and slowing from that in complicated areas, it'd be OK.
BUT the iPad is a wonderful piece of equipment and a great navigational adjunct, other than being too slow to rely upon for close maneuvering. You can create a letter, a slide show presentation, or a calculating spreadsheet and then just touch an arrow and select what form you want to arrive when you send it - Word, Pages, Numbers, what ever in any compatible form with no delay.
When you send a photo, just pick the resolution you want it to arrive in and you're done.
The biggest problems I've found with an iPad is in the graphics non-compatibility with Flash. Also, you cannot upload photos in Craigslist with an iPad. And, I've not figured out how to upload pics to C-Brats with an iPad.
But I get my daily paper, my continuing education, my crosswords, other games, photos (only have 1800 plus pics on the iPad so far). And you can print to any wireless printer with just a touch of the screen. (wireless printers are as low as $45 nowadays.
I love audiobooks and have hundreds of other printed books. The iPad comes with free versions of all the major readers and you can easily adjust the screen light level, etc.. I think it'd take a lot of water in the wrong places to hurt it. Mine has been snowed on and rained on and dropped in both without problems.
A wonderful, new "enhanced" book version of many books is available on the iBooks function. You run across videos by the author, etc., who explain or expound on various points. One book I have has 2,000 linked references directly to the supporting research papers online. Now that is amazing! To be able to review the original references WHILE you're reading, within seconds? Amazing.
The battery use if OK, but if you are using Bluetooth extensively, the level drains fast.
It's tough to type on the on screen keyboard because everyplace you touch is active, but if you rest your palms on the corners, it types fast... and you can make mistakes at light speed! I use the wireless keyboard for lengthy typing.
I only have about 200 apps on it now and I think the iPad and similar devices will soon become a must have for most ppl. You can enlarge type and photos with a touch of two fingers. It is extremely fast to use on the internet and email and all the programs start many times faster than with Microsoft units.
John
I had the Raymarine and Navionics, and still have a Garmin 670 and a Lowrance H20 and ALL of them far outshine the iPad for navigation.
Whatever the iPad uses for guidance, the process is so very slow that you are usually just past or at the point of no return before it tells you what you should do - very unnerving. I guess with a 6 knot cruise and slowing from that in complicated areas, it'd be OK.
BUT the iPad is a wonderful piece of equipment and a great navigational adjunct, other than being too slow to rely upon for close maneuvering. You can create a letter, a slide show presentation, or a calculating spreadsheet and then just touch an arrow and select what form you want to arrive when you send it - Word, Pages, Numbers, what ever in any compatible form with no delay.
When you send a photo, just pick the resolution you want it to arrive in and you're done.
The biggest problems I've found with an iPad is in the graphics non-compatibility with Flash. Also, you cannot upload photos in Craigslist with an iPad. And, I've not figured out how to upload pics to C-Brats with an iPad.
But I get my daily paper, my continuing education, my crosswords, other games, photos (only have 1800 plus pics on the iPad so far). And you can print to any wireless printer with just a touch of the screen. (wireless printers are as low as $45 nowadays.
I love audiobooks and have hundreds of other printed books. The iPad comes with free versions of all the major readers and you can easily adjust the screen light level, etc.. I think it'd take a lot of water in the wrong places to hurt it. Mine has been snowed on and rained on and dropped in both without problems.
A wonderful, new "enhanced" book version of many books is available on the iBooks function. You run across videos by the author, etc., who explain or expound on various points. One book I have has 2,000 linked references directly to the supporting research papers online. Now that is amazing! To be able to review the original references WHILE you're reading, within seconds? Amazing.
The battery use if OK, but if you are using Bluetooth extensively, the level drains fast.
It's tough to type on the on screen keyboard because everyplace you touch is active, but if you rest your palms on the corners, it types fast... and you can make mistakes at light speed! I use the wireless keyboard for lengthy typing.
I only have about 200 apps on it now and I think the iPad and similar devices will soon become a must have for most ppl. You can enlarge type and photos with a touch of two fingers. It is extremely fast to use on the internet and email and all the programs start many times faster than with Microsoft units.
John
If you buy the 3G i pad version (does not need to be connected to 3G or even subscribed), you will have an excellent GPS built in--no necessity for external blue tooth GPS. The built in GPS is excellent and works indoors and under rooms. The accuracy is as good as any I haves seen. It identifies which room in the house it is in.
The Navionics HD charts are relitatively cheap, and work very well--with very wide coverage, and excellent graphics. They can also combine google earth, if you have internet access.
iNavX uses the free NOAA charts, and is the best "bargin". It does not have the canadian charts for free, in fact to do the full West Coast Canadian charts will cost 3x $169 for the X-Traverse Canadian charts. It also uses the X-Traverse charts for the US and other parts of the world--at somewhat lesser costs--but the free NOAA charts are adequate.
The "Charts and Tides" program is also important, since Active Captain runs in real time on it (you may want to download the segement you want before you leave the internet connections). Also there are segmental parts of "Charts and Tides"--such as Gulf Coast, East Coast, West Coast, Great Lakes (each costing about $25). There are also i phone apps for all of these areas.
I do not use the i pad on my open boat--but do use it in the C Dory (but I already have two chart plotters installed, so it is mostly used for planning and active captain information.
The i phone screen is much smaller, and the maps cost about the same.
The New i Pad was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal yesterday. It will be thinner, have at least one camera, have a faster processor, may have better connectivity to other devices, at about the same price. I don't see any reason to upgrade. Screen resolution will be the same.
The Navionics HD charts are relitatively cheap, and work very well--with very wide coverage, and excellent graphics. They can also combine google earth, if you have internet access.
iNavX uses the free NOAA charts, and is the best "bargin". It does not have the canadian charts for free, in fact to do the full West Coast Canadian charts will cost 3x $169 for the X-Traverse Canadian charts. It also uses the X-Traverse charts for the US and other parts of the world--at somewhat lesser costs--but the free NOAA charts are adequate.
The "Charts and Tides" program is also important, since Active Captain runs in real time on it (you may want to download the segement you want before you leave the internet connections). Also there are segmental parts of "Charts and Tides"--such as Gulf Coast, East Coast, West Coast, Great Lakes (each costing about $25). There are also i phone apps for all of these areas.
I do not use the i pad on my open boat--but do use it in the C Dory (but I already have two chart plotters installed, so it is mostly used for planning and active captain information.
The i phone screen is much smaller, and the maps cost about the same.
The New i Pad was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal yesterday. It will be thinner, have at least one camera, have a faster processor, may have better connectivity to other devices, at about the same price. I don't see any reason to upgrade. Screen resolution will be the same.
Also, I need to add my personal experience with AT&T's data plan and using Navigon, etc., on the iPhone or iPad:
Unlimited Data, to AT&T, means not so much data that they have to pay for roaming, so they will shut you down - stop all service - if you accidentally go over what THE"Y determine to be "Unlimited Data".
Some employees of AT&T have told me on the side that they will only allow roaming data to be less than 20% of the data you use in your home location... So, if I'm going on a trip, I have to keep using data solid at the office to drive up the home "unlimited data", so I'll have 20% of that to use as my "unlimited roaming data".
So far, AT&T has charged much of my navigating program time as "Roaming Data" and either shut off service without notice, or sent huge bills for "over use of unlimited data"
The most data you can use per month on an iPad plan is 2 G's and that goes fast if you download any videos or many photos... So, I don't see how you could get very far using an iPad for navigation.
In Kansas, most of the state cannot be navigated with either the iPad nor iPhone unless they just made some major change in the last month. I cannot even use it for my daily drive home.
Those who are using it must be near huge cities, or under major cell data towers. You need Wi Fi or powerful, non-busy towers to keep all that data flowing reliably.
It's hard for me to understand how my 8 year old Garmin can navigate me anywhere, land or sea with no extra charges and no break in service, yet AT&T cannot even navigate me to the outskirts of Wichita, KS, and they charge for that. I know it's due to tower use vs. satellite use.'
Along that vein, I almost bought one of those travel TV hookups from AT&T whose ad shows kids watching TV on a vacation. BUT, in Kansas, that only works in some small sections of Wichita, and Kansas City - BUT NOWHERE ELSE on the road in Kansas. They don't tell you that up front.
John
Unlimited Data, to AT&T, means not so much data that they have to pay for roaming, so they will shut you down - stop all service - if you accidentally go over what THE"Y determine to be "Unlimited Data".
Some employees of AT&T have told me on the side that they will only allow roaming data to be less than 20% of the data you use in your home location... So, if I'm going on a trip, I have to keep using data solid at the office to drive up the home "unlimited data", so I'll have 20% of that to use as my "unlimited roaming data".
So far, AT&T has charged much of my navigating program time as "Roaming Data" and either shut off service without notice, or sent huge bills for "over use of unlimited data"
The most data you can use per month on an iPad plan is 2 G's and that goes fast if you download any videos or many photos... So, I don't see how you could get very far using an iPad for navigation.
In Kansas, most of the state cannot be navigated with either the iPad nor iPhone unless they just made some major change in the last month. I cannot even use it for my daily drive home.
Those who are using it must be near huge cities, or under major cell data towers. You need Wi Fi or powerful, non-busy towers to keep all that data flowing reliably.
It's hard for me to understand how my 8 year old Garmin can navigate me anywhere, land or sea with no extra charges and no break in service, yet AT&T cannot even navigate me to the outskirts of Wichita, KS, and they charge for that. I know it's due to tower use vs. satellite use.'
Along that vein, I almost bought one of those travel TV hookups from AT&T whose ad shows kids watching TV on a vacation. BUT, in Kansas, that only works in some small sections of Wichita, and Kansas City - BUT NOWHERE ELSE on the road in Kansas. They don't tell you that up front.
John
I think I may need to add one bit of info with our iPad usage: the 3G model iPad is necessary to get a built-in GPS chip. Even though we have the 3G model, we DO NOT use it with AT&Ts 3G data service. We use the iPad via wifi with our Mifi card through Verizon. We were doing this long before Verizon was selling the wifi only iPad bundled with a Mifi card.
I haven't tested the GPS with the iPad EVERYWHERE. So far it has worked: in the Gulf of Mexico (out of cell phone range), in the middle of Wyoming (out of cell phone range), at 33,000 feet over the Rockies (where you aren't allowed to use a cell phone), and everyplace else that we've been since we bought the iPad. I can see how some people get confused... the wifi only model iPad doesn't come with a GPS chip; the 3G model iPad does come with a GPS chip; we don't use the 3G data feature of our 3G iPad, I just wanted the GPS chip - I didn't want to connect with AT&T. Our experience with the GPS in the iPad has been that is as fast and as accurate as our E-80 chartplotter with Platinum charts... and way more intuitive to use.
If you buy a 3G iPad and NEVER connect via the 3G AT&T service, the GPS WILL work. Right out of the box, with Google Maps, it will show you what street you are on, and which side of the street. Spend $2.99 for a car-type GPS app, and it will give you similar information as a Garmin Nuvi. Frankly, I find the iPad a bit too big to use in the truck just for GPS. Invest $20-$30 dollars for a Navionics app and get out on the water, and the bigger screen really comes into its own. It's the Navionics (or your choice of marine apps) that gives you the nav aid information, depths, shoreline detail, buoys, markers, lights, etc, etc, etc.
I don't use anything with AT&T. My last experience with AT&T was most unpleasant and I will never give them another dime. The Mifi card with Verizon gives us real unlimited data. I understand that current sign-ups are with 5 gig/month. There have been a few occasions that we have exceeded the 5 gig amount in a month and our service has never been denied, slowed, or charged additional costs. Right now, the Blonde is surfing on the iPad, and I am on my laptop, both run through the Mifi.
I have no doubt that other tablets will be very functional. Last year, the iPad was the only game in town, and they are still ahead with the number of native apps. And that's from a Droid user - who has no intention of swapping off the Droid for a Verizon iPhone.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/02/ ... tml?hpt=C2
Different tools (or gadgets, if that's what you want to call 'em). I find I use a smart phone, the iPad, and the laptop for different tasks... and each does a great job they way we use them. Will an iPhone or a Droid function as a GPS on the boat? Absolutely, but the screen size is a bit small compared to what most of us use for chartplotters. Want to surf the internet? The iPad is a most pleasant experience... sitting in the cockpit or laying in the v-berth. Want to work up and upload some images? This looks like a job for Super Laptop! :wink:
And the Mifi takes care of connectivity for all of 'em... and Joan's iMac when we're home. And the wireless printer. And the iPod Touch. Now, if someone brings up the cost of all the electronic stuff, those are my interests. Some people ski (and spend $100 for a lift ticket); or fish (and spend plenty of money on gear and licenses); or go to fancy restaurants; or own multiple boats; or have multiple ex-wives. :wink:
I am not preaching the gospel of the iPad. We enjoy ours and use it a bunch. It's easy. It's not perfect and it doesn't do everything... I haven't found a computer, camera, phone, GPS, etc, that fits that bill. But, I keep looking.
I haven't tested the GPS with the iPad EVERYWHERE. So far it has worked: in the Gulf of Mexico (out of cell phone range), in the middle of Wyoming (out of cell phone range), at 33,000 feet over the Rockies (where you aren't allowed to use a cell phone), and everyplace else that we've been since we bought the iPad. I can see how some people get confused... the wifi only model iPad doesn't come with a GPS chip; the 3G model iPad does come with a GPS chip; we don't use the 3G data feature of our 3G iPad, I just wanted the GPS chip - I didn't want to connect with AT&T. Our experience with the GPS in the iPad has been that is as fast and as accurate as our E-80 chartplotter with Platinum charts... and way more intuitive to use.
If you buy a 3G iPad and NEVER connect via the 3G AT&T service, the GPS WILL work. Right out of the box, with Google Maps, it will show you what street you are on, and which side of the street. Spend $2.99 for a car-type GPS app, and it will give you similar information as a Garmin Nuvi. Frankly, I find the iPad a bit too big to use in the truck just for GPS. Invest $20-$30 dollars for a Navionics app and get out on the water, and the bigger screen really comes into its own. It's the Navionics (or your choice of marine apps) that gives you the nav aid information, depths, shoreline detail, buoys, markers, lights, etc, etc, etc.
I don't use anything with AT&T. My last experience with AT&T was most unpleasant and I will never give them another dime. The Mifi card with Verizon gives us real unlimited data. I understand that current sign-ups are with 5 gig/month. There have been a few occasions that we have exceeded the 5 gig amount in a month and our service has never been denied, slowed, or charged additional costs. Right now, the Blonde is surfing on the iPad, and I am on my laptop, both run through the Mifi.
I have no doubt that other tablets will be very functional. Last year, the iPad was the only game in town, and they are still ahead with the number of native apps. And that's from a Droid user - who has no intention of swapping off the Droid for a Verizon iPhone.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/02/ ... tml?hpt=C2
Different tools (or gadgets, if that's what you want to call 'em). I find I use a smart phone, the iPad, and the laptop for different tasks... and each does a great job they way we use them. Will an iPhone or a Droid function as a GPS on the boat? Absolutely, but the screen size is a bit small compared to what most of us use for chartplotters. Want to surf the internet? The iPad is a most pleasant experience... sitting in the cockpit or laying in the v-berth. Want to work up and upload some images? This looks like a job for Super Laptop! :wink:
And the Mifi takes care of connectivity for all of 'em... and Joan's iMac when we're home. And the wireless printer. And the iPod Touch. Now, if someone brings up the cost of all the electronic stuff, those are my interests. Some people ski (and spend $100 for a lift ticket); or fish (and spend plenty of money on gear and licenses); or go to fancy restaurants; or own multiple boats; or have multiple ex-wives. :wink:
I am not preaching the gospel of the iPad. We enjoy ours and use it a bunch. It's easy. It's not perfect and it doesn't do everything... I haven't found a computer, camera, phone, GPS, etc, that fits that bill. But, I keep looking.