Gps or phone app? What do you use?

[J_F]

Do you need cell reception in order to use the GPS on the cell?
A dedicated GPS device uses satellite, so it would be better in remote areas?

both types of devices use GPS receiver chips
one way - down - communication to establish location
no cell service is required to determine where you are

the map that is rendered behind your location needs to be present on the device
either pre-loaded or downloaded over cellular data connection as you travel

if using a phone and you haven't pre-loaded the area you happen to find yourself in
and find yourself in a cellular dead zone, or google decided you did something wrong
then yeah, you get a useless blue dot and have no ******* idea where you are

the gang that likes to buy $1,000 phones will tell you this is better
or get a real GPS for half that, and it's also waterproof, and works with gloves on
and includes life time map updates, and needs no cell connection
but only Luddites like them

 

[Evoex]

the gang that likes to buy $1,000 phones will tell you this is better

??

 

[Wingboy]

Useless unless it has a oled screen.

 

[MacDoc]

Do you need cell reception in order to use the GPS on the cell?
A dedicated GPS device uses satellite, so it would be better in remote areas?

No.
A cell phone is a GPS ...period full stop.
You do have to download the maps that the GPS uses in the phone but once the maps are downloaded there is no need for a cell network.
A GPS that is a dedicated unit has the maps installed but in that case any updated maps you still need to load them from a network.

When you buy a Nav app there are some maps that come free...typically for here all of North America and they do not need a cell network to provide turn by turn.
There are many maps available of different types and apps....for phones and the nicest bit is you get a choice of applications and all the other things ( audio books, music, photos that a cell phone can use )
A $50 cell phone without a simm card works fine as a GPS anywhere in the world that you have a map for and you do not need a cell or wifi connection

 

[timtune]

No.
A cell phone is a GPS ...period full stop.
You do have to download the maps that the GPS uses in the phone but once the maps are downloaded there is no need for a cell network.
A GPS that is a dedicated unit has the maps installed but in that case any updated maps you still need to load them from a network.

When you buy a Nav app there are some maps that come free...typically for here all of North America and they do not need a cell network to provide turn by turn.
There are many maps available of different types and apps....for phones and the nicest bit is you get a choice of applications and all the other things ( audio books, music, photos that a cell phone can use )
A $50 cell phone without a simm card works fine as a GPS anywhere in the world that you have a map for and you do not need a cell or wifi connection

How would the phone GPS know where you are without cell service? Does the phone connect directly to the satelites bypassing the cell tower?

 

[J_F]

How would the phone GPS know where you are without cell service? Does the phone connect directly to the satelites bypassing the cell tower?

yes
smartphones have a GPS receiver in them
the sats beam signals to earth
the receiver takes that signals(s) and determine location

 

[Lightcycle]

How would the phone GPS know where you are without cell service? Does the phone connect directly to the satelites bypassing the cell tower?

As JF says, there is a GPS receiver inside the smartphone.

Cell service (or specifically data service) is only required to provide additional benefits like downloading up-to-the-minute data like localized traffic and weather reporting, speed traps, construction, accidents, etc.

A lot of the newer standalone GPS devices do come with traffic and weather reporting on-board.

 

[Sprintrider66]

just got a new android phone. try calimoto.
supports offline maps. finds twisty roads, etc.

I think the slight confusion about gps is due to the fact that your phone also can broadcast its location. combination of cell tower and GPS data, however when it comes to mapping, your phone will know its location whether or not you have location services turned on. that is coming solely from.gps satellite data and is free.

 

[Hack]

yes
smartphones have a GPS receiver in them
the sats beam signals to earth
the receiver takes that signals(s) and determine location

via Triangulation/Trilateration...