Trail maps on an iPhone app?

[Soldier'spapa]

I am aware of some guys here using Garmin "Montana" GPS units. I'm wondering if anyone is using any of the iPhone apps available for backwoods navigation.

I have a waterproof case for my iPhone and a handlebar mount for it that I use on my bike for recording cycling trips. I could mount the phone on the bars of my sled too and thought it would be cool to use it this way while riding.

Anyone have any experience?

 

[Jeffz]

Polaris Trail Map app. I have it on my Android device, and I believe there is a version for iOS.

 

[roostinraptor]

yes the polaris app is also available for iphone

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Just downloaded it.

Nice...Thanks!

 

[lawmanbsi]

take a gps unit with you and or maps. Phone aps are solely dependent on cell tower/signal availability. I have a Garmin Oregon 200 water/wheather proof. my buddy has his nuvi 40lm car navigation unit mounted to his sled. Both worked fine even at -15*f. If you ride Mi trails check out VVmapping.com. Check out craigslist for garmins for sale. you can easily get one for $50 or less. just make sure it has a sd card slot and vvmapping will hook you up.

Even if it gets messed up just get another cheapy, through in the card and away you go.

 

[Mooseman]

I just downloaded the Polaris app, seems useless to Canadians as I don't see any trails. Can see US trails though.

 

[Fourcam281]

take a gps unit with you and or maps. Phone aps are solely dependent on cell tower/signal availability. I have a Garmin Oregon 200 water/wheather proof. my buddy has his nuvi 40lm car navigation unit mounted to his sled. Both worked fine even at -15*f. If you ride Mi trails check out VVmapping.com. Check out craigslist for garmins for sale. you can easily get one for $50 or less. just make sure it has a sd card slot and vvmapping will hook you up.

Even if it gets messed up just get another cheapy, through in the card and away you go.

While I agree about a GPS the Polaris app doesn't need a cell signal. The map is downloaded and stored on your phone just like on a Garmin GPS. So all it needs is GPS signal.

 

[ruffrider]

Your iphone case may be waterproof but I'd be worried about it being exposed to the cold and possibly freezing up or something, especially on the handlebars. Maybe mount it on the dash? I have the Polaris App on my iphone but I rarely use it for anything. It is very nice though. The NH sled assoc. has a great app as well that shows individual clubs' maps on it. I don't think any other states have something like this.

For navigation on the trails I use regular trail maps as well as my Delorme GPS, and my dad has a Nuvi 500 with a SledGPS program that shows trails all over the east coast. Its very convenient but I wouldn't rely on it solely because its not always up to date on the trails.

 

[lawmanbsi]

take a gps unit with you and or maps. Phone aps are solely dependent on cell tower/signal availability. I have a Garmin Oregon 200 water/wheather proof. my buddy has his nuvi 40lm car navigation unit mounted to his sled. Both worked fine even at -15*f. If you ride Mi trails check out VVmapping.com. Check out craigslist for garmins for sale. you can easily get one for $50 or less. just make sure it has a sd card slot and vvmapping will hook you up.

Even if it gets messed up just get another cheapy, through in the card and away you go.

While I agree about a GPS the Polaris app doesn't need a cell signal. The map is downloaded and stored on your phone just like on a Garmin GPS. So all it needs is GPS signal.

I'll have to mess with. I had many occasions when it wouldn't load the map if I didn't have any service or off 3G or 4G networks.

Don't get me wrong cool app. I just wouldn't use it as a primary navigation tool.

 

[FloridaBoy22]

There was a recent write up about phone apps in dirtwheels mag. I will try to find it and see what they recommend... I do remember the polaris app being high on the list.

They said they use the Polaris Trail app and the Trimble Outdoor Navigator

 

[Daranello]

I just downloaded the Polaris app, seems useless to Canadians as I don't see any trails. Can see US trails though.

Who needs a map in Ontario. Signs are every 30feet

 

[Dano]

I just downloaded the Polaris app, seems useless to Canadians as I don't see any trails. Can see US trails though.

Who needs a map in Ontario. Signs are every 30feet

Come down my end lol

Dan