We're not into the common or typical mapping setup with has all the bells and whistles. So Topography isn't one of those things we excel in wanting to view or even understand. We're so use to Google maps, than one day when we didn't have access to any wifi networks, Google Maps simply stopped working. Sure we've received several suggestions about mapping app via other forum members, but most of those suggestions, simply did not preform as we would like. The main thing we're looking for is an offline mapping setup without all the extras. Here's how we reached our decision.

1st: We tested the old standard, Google Maps, we like this app man because of the how the map actually looks on our screen and it's something we've grow accustom to. However, last weekend while attempting to drive to PA, we didn't get any signal, so our google maps was useless.

2nd: We then moved on to using Maps.me and for a short while the maps was working, by displaying the correct maps and our required interstate avoidance routes. But the last map we tried, it wouldn't allow us to pull, drag the route in the direction we wanted.

3rd: Returning to google maps, I though about "what if" I was to create a google map on line with the saved route and simply send that route to our tablet which was possible. The issue there, was that the route didn't save and once on the tablet, we couldn't edit the route.

4th: At this point we started thinking about a wifi hot spot in the jeep or even tethering to one of our smart phone, But tethering would or could mean IF the prepaid service found out we are tethering, We could lose the tethered smart phone.

5th: The idea came to me this morning, Why hasn't someone created a mapping system/software/app and installed it on a micro flash card.drive.. this way when we need a mapping system, we simply plug the mirco flash into the devices USB port and access the maps.

6th: Along these same lines, I started searching for "offline" maps only & not related to google maps. Rand Mcnally has a full 2018 Road Atlus for android and this could be an option. Up asking the right questions, we located another app which might just work for what we want it for.

7th: This morning, I located Offline Maps & Navigation app via GooglePlay. The main draw for this app is that we can download all of the United States Maps (free) and I've just completed downloading the whole east coast. Which only used about 2GB of our 64GB SD card. So I'm guessing we can Download all of the US and even parts of Canada before we run out of space on the SD card.

We've yet to test the new app, But I ran though a short directional test just now.. The only issue I encountered is that the app (even after adjusting the directions route settings) still wanted to take us a different route which we're not willing to travel. What made this easier, is that with a simple way point (as they call it) the route moved to our desired location and the preferred route. BAM easy as 1, 2, 3.

 

We've opted for the Samsung Tab A 8.0 and purchased this tablet on a whim at a Walmart near North Carolina Outer Banks. Driving around a bit while using Google Maps without issues, Except while crossing the bridge near Mantio, the signal was lost.

We're happy to report that the newly tested app does exactly what we wanted. without all the extras or topography clutter. the new "Offline Maps & Navigation" app via google play store.. We tested the offline app while driving to the eastern shore this morning. This mapping system worked so well, we'll be downloading the rest of the United states. Also, the setup where using is nothing more than placing the TAB A in a leatherette case then sliding the case flap down and through the Jeep's grab handle located on the dash.

Although I wasn't able to see the map while driving, The Navigator (my wife) was very pleased at the over all outcome of the app and the directions. However this wasn't a test for the tablet, mapping app or the position of the tablet, it was also a test involving the new Anker single USB car charger. According to Anker's site, this car charger can charge your device up to 4 x faster that a standard car charger. After this days drive, It's made a believer out of us.

The for instance, 2 weeks ago we tried to use a standard over the counter car charger while having the tablet on and actively searching for our route. The standard car charger kept draining the tablet's power or simply couldn't keep up. The Anker charger on the other hand, charged the tablet & kept the navigation active.

Last bit of info, We've also learn that this app has a Heads Up Display on screen (night driving suggested for viewing) which we tested on the tablet driving during day light hours. Although the tablet wasn't set up for directions, we still could see current speed on the jeep's windshield.

With the successful test of this app from all directions, I'm thinking of installing the app on both of our smart phones and using one or the other just for HUD while driving. Clearly this offline Mapping & Navigation app can do exactly what we wanted without all the fuss. The one main draw back to using the HUD system is that if left on, it will drain your device. Thus must be plugged in at all times. I think the only time we'll have to use the HUD system again is once the new suspension system and larger tires have been installed. We'll just need it to check and celebrate the speedometer.

 

You know that Google will do the offline maps as well? They can also do offline navigation. I used the feature when I was traveling through West Virginia. It also works well off-road. You can combine Google My Tracks in the background to create a plot of where you've been for easy navigating back to where you started (my camping spot, typically).

 

Affirmative, But when I posted this, My second post was sent to the admins and is waiting approval..

 

Nice post. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding on what you're saying about the HUD. How is the information getting getting on the Jeep's windshield?

 

Morn @resharp001

The HUD system displays an image on your device but backwards so that when the device is placed on the dash, it projects or mirrors the image that's on the screen onto your windshield. We've tested this during daylight hours. Although the app suggests this HUD should only be used during night driving, We didn't have an issue with using it during day light hours.Key point here, is that when the HUD is active, one must "flip" the screen backwards (Not turn or rotate the device) so that the displayed data is in it correct orientation on the windshield

Even though the above image shows the speedometer and simple arrow directions, the app can be adjusted to show just the speedometer readings & the mapping system.
Lastly, While using this HUD which is a great way to calibrate your vehicles speed accordance to the tire size, the app does drain your device and it would be suggested that an Anker charger be plugged in at all times.
Another option (yet to be tested) is a solar panels or dash mat located on your dash which the smart device rest on while active. not sure the charge rate of a solar mat would even match the charge rate of the device app.

 

Thanks. Guess that would mean you have to have some velcro or something on the dash as well to keep the unit in place. Considering the JK dash is so small, seems like it might be a little distracting having a glowing unit right in front of you, but it's a novel idea none the less.

 

resharp001

I mean the HUD is ideal for smaller devices as a tablet would obstruct ones view. But I have a smart cover on my phone with anti slip/grip technology, For more than 10 hours the device never moved from the dash. So don't mar up your dash with a velcro strip. Just look for a silicone shield cover with these small grips and place on the dash.

 

I'm an agricultural appraiser and I travel throughout Florida and Georgia, and have always used Google maps. I like the coverage and accuracy and also the ability to save locations/routes from my PC and sync them to the phone/ipad. I do end up in areas with little or no service and have had to resort to my Gazette to get me back on track. I've tried the Google offline option and don't really care for it.

I downloaded HERE WeGo last year and it allows free downloading of street maps to your phone, but not aerials. I'll definitely check out the Offline Maps & Navigation.

FWIW, I purchased this mount for my iPad Mini2, which is my primary nav source, and it works really well. It does bounce a little, but a little piece of foam wedged in against the seat or console solves it. It mounts using the seat bolt and has always stayed where I put it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3F09NU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

jimonfly

We've been in the same boat after the purchase of the Tablet. Google worked sometimes and when we tried to save as well as send maps to our devices, it would either not work, not save the route or reroute in a different direction.

As your name suggests, we travel on the fly without any set direction other then having a destination. This allow the navigator to plan the route as we travel. She hasn't been wrong since. besides I get a kick out of hearing her say.. "What does this dotted line mean" which typically means an old logging trail.

Just to clarify, this app has a walking mode & a highway mode. We've selected the walking mode as this gives us more of the Google type setting when viewing the maps. These maps are created via an open source. So create an account with this open source site and edit your maps there.

Lastly, we're too cheap to have a static connection to the Internet, thus an offline app was our best selection. However even if you don't have a fixed connection, Google location service will always be active on the offline maps.