gps trail tracking

[Groundhog]

Tested an app today that really impressed. It is for iphones, and is called "Trails". It tracks an entire ride, and places it on a terrain map. Really good for exploring trails! You can export the data file to google earth for serious detail. Trust me, you need this!

[kghills]

Tested an app today that really impressed. It is for iphones, and is called "Trails". It tracks an entire ride, and places it on a terrain map. Really good for exploring trails! You can export the data file to google earth for serious detail. Trust me, you need this!

I have read about these kinds of apps for mobile devices and the big compaint seems to be the amount of power they consume if you are on battery power. The newer GPS units with toptgraphical and trails features are more power friendly and there are even models like the Montana 650T that crossover between offroad and on road.

Does your app work in areas that do not have cell sevice?

Keith.

[Mike]

I have used "MyTracks" for a couple of years. It's a free app that sounds similar to "trails". What I like about it other than being able to see the track on Google Maps is being able to see other statistics about your trip. From top speed to average speed, distance traveled, elevation changes, etc. As for battery life, the app itself isn't terrible on the battery but having to keep the GPS on seems to be what kills it the fastest for me. MyTracks uses GPS and I'm sure trails is the same since they both provide such detailed information.

I'll have to try out trails the next time I go out and compare the features.

[Groundhog]

Hey Keith, nice machine there!
It does eat some battery power, down to 3/4 power on a 5 hour ride.
I don't think it needs cell coverage, just gps.
I'm sure dedicated units have advantages,but if you already have a phone, 3 bucks gets it.

Hey Mike, you are correct, it gives other useful statistics. I am surprised how much resolution you can get. The sample rate can be adjusted for more resolution.

[kghills]

Thanks Groundhog, I dig your Fatcats. 3 bucks is better than 650.00. I was just curious as how the phone got its positions. I sort of like the idea of a dedicated unit for the machine with a roll bar mount and powered cradle. My phone just seems a little delicate for offroad use. But then again it does have insurance.

Keith.

[Bazooo guy]

I use a Garmin rino gps.
It works off road and on the water and the software is free.
Free GPS software for your Garmin Rino 120

[spookum]

Garmin E-trex 20. Great for satellite photography to find trails that are not marked. Any GPS you get i would recommend at least having expandable memory. All GPS units that have that capbility seem to have most creature features i wanted. I did consider a touch screen GPS but the though of using it at 40 below with out my gloves on.... nah not me man. Dont want to fostbite a finger just to find out where i am! I also use the Garmin Base camp. And ACME mapper 2.0 That seems to do 90% of what i need it to do!