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Offroad apps usage on nav screen

StrangeNone

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When using offroad nav apps how does everyone view the real-time maps(where gps/signal is possible)? Can you use the nav screen in the Bronco? I thought of putting the apps on my Microsoft Surface Pro, but I can't seem to do that. I am looking to do Trails Offroad with Gaia Maps. I would like to avoid having my phone tied to the nav screen, if possible. I plan to download maps and have paper maps for when we are offline, etc. We are new to this process. Thanks for any advice.
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BUCKIN6VA

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OnX uses the car’s screen. Has offline maps. Works great on the trails with no cell service.

“I would like to avoid having my phone tied to the nav screen, if possible.”
i don’t know what you mean.
 

Ellishousehold

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I use my iPhone and Apple Car Play for onX, Gaia, and NPS all have apps and downloadable maps that work with gps, just need to download the maps before your out of range.
 

mwdsonny

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I use onX on the airplay screen.
 

RagnarKon

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The answer to your question is "It depends on the application".

If you have a device running Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and the application supports it, then yes, you can do what you want to do.

Most people use their smart phones for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. But you don't have to, you can use a tablet, an old phone, whatever.
 

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B22-2023

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I would like to avoid having my phone tied to the nav screen, if possible. I plan to download maps and have paper maps for when we are offline, etc.
Incidentally the GPS on my i -devices should be enough given OnX functionality; but when I’m not downloaded, I’m sometimes comparing phone to big tablet to mini and onely one of them is tracking Live. So downloading is my preference.

To do it, I have a refurb iPad mini bought on eBay, loaded with OnX and some other trail app I forget. Download all the trails for a given trip to it - especially so I can review maps over lunch or whenever when out of the rig. Once wheeling, a suction cup tablet holder rests it right above the hero switches.
 

Beggsie

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When using offroad nav apps how does everyone view the real-time maps(where gps/signal is possible)? Can you use the nav screen in the Bronco? I thought of putting the apps on my Microsoft Surface Pro, but I can't seem to do that. I am looking to do Trails Offroad with Gaia Maps. I would like to avoid having my phone tied to the nav screen, if possible. I plan to download maps and have paper maps for when we are offline, etc. We are new to this process. Thanks for any advice.
As others have pointed out, you must download " offline maps" of the area you're going to be in before you get there and lose cell service. And the only way the app GPS navigation will work with your offline maps is if you buy a subscription to the app.
 

Brian_B

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Just to return the favor and parrot @RagnarKon :

Showing CarPlay, almost all of these support Android Auto as well.

https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042742234-Gaia-GPS-and-Apple-CarPlay

https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app/features/carplay

Trails Offroad, to the best of my knowledge, does not support CarPlay.

Word of caution - the interfaces will be different when used on Carplay/Android Auto than when you use them on the phone or tablet. CarPlay in particular tends to dumb things down when you use it via the in-car Nav system. But you can use the device screen and CarPlay at the same time if you need to do something a bit more advanced.

Because of the dumbing down, some people prefer to use a phone or tablet to interface with these map programs.

And to also parrot many others on this thread -- Download offline maps is the key no matter which app you use.
 

Mjasi3

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I download offline apps for my iPhone and use Apple Maps and onx then CarPlay to the screen. I thought my iPad would be able to do it also, but it is a WIFI only model, which doesnt come with a GPS chip, :( so just watch if buying a used IPAD for this purpose.
 

vrtical

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I use OnX on display via my Android or Surface Go with suction mount to dash. Also now that I have a Starlink Mini, I wont need to rely on offline maps anymore.
 

Brian_B

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I use OnX on display via my Android or Surface Go with suction mount to dash. Also now that I have a Starlink Mini, I wont need to rely on offline maps anymore.
Starlink Mini is a very nice thing. One of my favorite mods, I have to admit.
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