iPad and google maps

[chrisinplymouth]

I have access to a Bluetooth GPS receiver to use with my iPad. Is anyone here using google maps as their sat nav? I am aware that you can’t put in vehicle dimensions but to be fair my Motorhome Sat nav still takes me down roads I would prefer not to use.

I see there is a facility to download maps to use offline but not sure if you can download all the maps you need before setting out or you have to wait until you reach that country..

anybody’s experiences would be helpful. Chris

 

[Figaro]

I've been experimenting using a samsung tablet as a replacement for my tomtom.
I hadn't appreciated google maps needed access to data in addition to gps.
You can download maps for offline use but after trying to download UK, and seen the Gb needed for storage I gave up. The process isn't really suitable for travelling in EU where you cross multiple countries.
Tethering to my phone was also a bit of a faf, made it heat up and drained the battery quickly.
So I'm getting a new data card for my mifi and I'll connect it to that then see how that works.
I've no idea how much data it uses but hopefully not too much.

 

[chrisinplymouth]

I just went on download map and it says 35mb ( not Gb ). But not how much map is downloaded...... (all uk or just local area)

 

[Clarky]

Robert Clark uses it extensively all over Europe and sings its praises.
I assume he has a decent data plan on phone/iPad.

Richard.

 

[Robert Clark]

Robert Clark uses it extensively all over Europe and sings its praises.
I assume he has a decent data plan on phone/iPad.

Richard.

Googie maps uses very little data

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[BwB]

I've been using Google Maps almost exclusively for the past couple of years and it works very well. Shows road works, slow traffic etc. Doesn't seem to impact my data in the UK or Europe to any noticeable extent. You can download fragments of map areas but you can't (I don't think) load whole countries. I do have other satnavs available but always navigate (ha!) back to Google. I don't mind the Apple Maps if I have to ask Siri by voice while I'm driving but it's not quite as good - although it does turn off the screen during long stretches of not needing to tell you anything which was a bit disconcerting at first but does stop the phone from getting too warm with the screen on bright all the time. If you have any sort of roaming data plan I think you'll be fine.

 

[chrisinplymouth]

Thanks ... I have Vodafone max or whatever it’s called working in a mifi box, so unlimited in uk and 25gb in most other country’s. I think I’ll give it a try. I like the idea of using the larger screen (iPad mini)