Turn the phone off to further reduce battery drain. This prevents Gaia from continually updating your location. I only use the app to confirm my GPS location or navigate in bad weather.Ĭlose the Gaia app after each use (double tap the home button and swipe the app up to close). Gaia GPS also allows you to record tracks as you hike, but don’t do this unless you have a specific need, because it drains battery life and requires the phone to be powered on the whole time. Pre-downloading maps is explained in the YouTube tutorial below. If hiking somewhere without cell service, make sure to pre-download sections of the map that cover the area where you’ll be. The Open Hiking Map includes basic topographical features along with known hiking trails, while Satellite Imagery gives you a better picture of the landscape. These are probably the best maps for hiking. The two I use most often are the Open Hiking Map and Google’s satellite view called Imagery + Roads. First, there are many different map layers you can use within the app. To get the most out of Gaia GPS, there are few settings you need to be aware of. Pre-Downloading a Section of Map Gaia GPS Settings Using your smartphone as a GPS unit saves you money, reduces the amount of weight you pack, and is multi-use (taking photos, keeping a journal, etc.).Ī GPS app like this is a wonderful backup along with regular paper maps, and can save your butt if you happen to lose the trail or get caught in bad weather.īoth have happened to me a few times over the years, and whipping out your phone is far easier than pulling out paper maps during a wind and/or rainstorm! Why spend hundreds of dollars on a dedicated GPS device for hiking when you can get the same functionality with a $20 app for your smartphone? You can also record altitude, speed, leave waypoints, create tracks, and produce all sorts of other detailed information about your backcountry trips. This amazing app allows hikers to pre-download different types of maps from around the world for use with your iPhone’s GPS. There are a few different smartphone GPS mapping apps out there, but my favorite (and the most used) is called Gaia GPS. Gaia GPS in Greenland Smartphone GPS For Hikingĭid you know that cell service is not necessary to use your smartphone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) chip? However to track your progress effectively without cell service, you must pre-download maps of the area you’ll be hiking before the journey.
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