Quote:
Originally Posted by ken0042
Keep in mind that a cell phone does not actually use GPS satellites; it triangulates your position based on cell towers. So where there is poor or no cell coverage; your GPS will not work.
Add to that the OP is talking about using this in the States; which means potential roaming charges for data use. I just turned on the map feature of my phone and pretended to drive 5 km; I used just over 1 MB of data. A good chunk will be the maps- but there is still going to be some back and forth communication.
The biggest things I have found is spoken street names, and current maps. Also use it in Calgary on routes you know so you can get used to how it gives directions. We used one in LA that would tell us on the freeway to "keep left", so I would make my way to the left lanes of an 8 lane road. Then it tells me to take the next exit (right) in 100 metres. What it meant was "don't accidentally take the exit that is right beside you."
|
Actually I believe it does both (referred to as "assisted GPS"). You are correct in that you run into problems when the cell signal disappears. You can actually get a gps fix on your location, but if your app requires a connection to load the map (google maps, GPS Drive), you'll only get the blue dot and no map. If your app has maps preloaded though (TomTom, Navigon etc.) it will still work. Mine worked all through the rockies when there was no cell signal.
You are right about traveling in the states though. Sure don't want to be roaming data down there.