iPhone 3G - GPS where there is no cell service?

[rayward]

- Turn by turn directions is "simply" a matter of live location update against the routing from point A to point B that you can already do.

The Google Maps app already does turn-by-turn directions but, because it doesn't know where you are, you have to indicate that you've made a turn and it will give you the next one. Of course, if you mess up, there's no re-routing.

It seems a simple step to automate the turn-by-turn once GPS is added.

 

[rayward]

do you think TomTom will release their maps for the iPhone anytime soon?

just so we dont have to keep using google maps.

I imaging they will. Each one for a small fee...

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

The biggest headache with the GPS/Location stuff in the iPhone to me is the lack of background application operation. If you wanted to write something that did somethign to the effect of "breadcrumb" trails on a map, it will work, but the second you switch to some other app on the phone (take a call, go to the music player, etc.) your breadcrumb app goes away and stops getting updated data. Whoops!

 

[j26]

It seems a simple step to automate the turn-by-turn once GPS is added.

I'm sure that TeleAtlas and Navteq (the map providers) might have something to say about that. My guess is that licence restriction is there because the map providers don't want Google becoming a GPS and killing of TomTom, Garmin etc.

 

[hamtaro]

I have a 3G iphone from ATT. Now I am in Japan and GPS is not working...

I was in front of my building to see the sky while I am still in wifi coverage. GPS could not locate where I was...

EDIT: I managed it to work finally. It took like 5 min to connect to a GPS satellite.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

You will indeed be able to use the GPS even when there is no service. Assisted GPS is just help from the cell towers for quicker results.

That's why with normal GPS devices you don't pay a monthly service.

If I remember correctly, the GPS does have the power to connect to the satellites. So yes. but the Assisted part comes from the maps. So you won't have any maps.

Now if TomTom or Garmin comes out with a MAP PACK, then we might be talking here.

 

[73CortinaV8]

Adding all of the above would be relatively simple enhancements to Google Maps.

You obviously aren't a software engineer.

 

[texn]

We have this figured out yet?

I know this is a super old thread, so I am hoping that there is a concrete answer out there by now.

I have an iphone 3GS. I use several different A-GPS or GPS apps. Whatever you want to call it. The main app I rely on ALL the time is GPS kit by garafa. Its awesome.

Anyhow. I have SAT maps, topo maps, etc. all downloaded on my phone. I am usually never in places that have cellular signals when I use it. I have used the tracking features and gps locator, etc for over a year now. Last week, I noticed that while driving in San Antonio, my MotionX gps driving app couldn't find a gps signal. I tried other apps as well. Nothing. I rebooted my iphone and everything seem to work alright. That happened twice in the same day.

The next day, I was out in the boonies without any kind of cell coverage and it couldn't locate me. Nothing. I rebooted like the time before, but nothing improved. I tried other gps apps as well. Same. It seem to display my relative position, which was several miles away, but never "acquired a gps signal". The position it did have was probably due to me turning it on when I was last there.

I swear I have used my gps tracking features before without any form of cellular service. I of course already have all the maps I need downloaded onto the phone. Being able to use it is a huge deal for me. I replaced my Lowrance Safari with the iphonegps apps.

Here is the issue. I called AT&T and Apple. Both of them told me that a cellular signal is required in order to use the gps on my iphone 3GS. I made them repeat it twice and confirm it. Everything but putting it in writing with an affidavit.

This isnt right is it? I must be losing my mind because I swear it worked flawlessly without a signal before hand. Am I missing something here?

 

[wordoflife]

Apple and AT&T have told you false information; cellular service not technically required.

Have you considered that perhaps the GPS chip on your phone is dying? Does the GPS work when you do have cellular service?

 

[texn]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I am relieved to know that I was right about the GPS function on it. You would think that ATT/Apple customer service would know what their product does or doesn't do. It seems like you have to get past their knuckle dragging support staff in order to obtain informative technical support.

Yes, the gps did seem to work fine today when I had cell coverage. Although, it was acting weird while in San Antonio the other day. I am going to test out the GPS function on it tomorrow. I did find an article on here on how to specifically test the gps on the phone. Ill paste the majority of it below in case anyone else needs it. Besides the testing procedure below, is there anything else I can do to narrow down this issue?



To ensure you are using satellite GPS, you can take out your SIM card (turn off 3G as well), turn off Wi-Fi, and turn on Location Services. Then turn off and on your iPhone, and go into Google Maps app. It should complain with a popup after a while. Close the popup and hit the bottom left location button, and it should start spinning. After about two minutes you should get your first satellite signal, and you should see a blue dot, a transparent grayish circle covering the map, and an animated blue circle outline. About every 100 seconds after, you should pickup more satellite data, which will make the transparent circle smaller. If you lose a satellite, it should make the circle bigger. The smallest can probably circle a tiny house. On average, it can circle an apartment complex.