BajaNomad - Baja maps on android tablet?

Baja maps on android tablet?

bajaric - 10-4-2019 at 08:53 AM

I know this has been gone over before but am seeking more information. As a confirmed luddite, I have always relied on paper maps (BCA 2009) and a compass when navigating the back roads of Baja. I do not own a smart phone. I do have a Garmin Nuvi GPS that I got at a yard sale for five bucks that I used to record lat / long coordinates in the field that I write down in a paper notebook. My Nuvi did not come with Mexico maps, the first time I used in in Baja it was somewhat amusing to see a dot showing my location surrounded by a sea of blue nothingness. Then when I get home I enter the coordinates into Google Earth to see where I was!

So it is time for me to get with the program. My first instinct is to upgrade to a newer Garmin and purchase the Cartographia E32 map ($105 US) From screen shots seems like pretty detailed maps of tracks in the back country and the dirt bikers seem to like them, also able to record way points, tracks, etc.

However, I understand that a tablet with a GPS can be used in the same manner, by downloading an "app" such as Back Country Navigator, Guiia, etc. and be used to show your location even in areas without a cell phone signal. This would offer the bonus of being able to use wifi to check email, surf the web, etc. while on the road, a big advantage for me since I do not have a smart phone.

So here is the question; Has anyone tried buying a cheap tablet with GPS and uploading a navigation app to use in areas without a cell phone signal with good results? What app is best for back roads in remote areas? Do you have to sign up for a cell phone plan or could you use wifi in a Starbucks to load the app on the tablet. How do you pay for the app? Specific model of tablet that has actually worked to do this? Can it record waypoints and tracks? thanks for any help.

Mr. Bills - 10-4-2019 at 09:57 AM

Subscribed, by a fellow Luddite.

Nikno - 10-4-2019 at 10:15 AM

I am using a Samsung Galaxy Active 2 tablet running Android. I use Gaia GPS and it works great. The reason I chose this particular tablet is that it is very rugged. It comes in a rubberized case and it is drop resistant, water and dust resistant. I've put that thing through a lot and it has not failed me yet. You have to download detail maps which I usually do ahead of time on WiFi. Gaia GPS is great because it will sync across all of your devices, so your phone, tablet and computer will all have the same information. If your tablet dies, you can still follow along on your phone.

I use it to record my tracks and I can easily import and create tracks to follow and waypoints I want to see. Also, if you take a picture with your phone or your tablet using the app, it automatically creates a waypoint on the map with the picture and the coordinates which is great for remembering a specific location.

Pretty much any newer tablet will work as long as it has a good GPS unit in it. That is the most important thing. Make sure you read the reviews because the GPS does not work equally well on all tablets.

The GPS, Gaia and all navigation features work even if you don't have cell service.

Here is an example of a track that I recorded with my tablet complete with waypoints and pictures:

https://www.gaiagps.com/public/rFYSslDexMqZHhPU6ph17HX5

If you had Gaia you would be able to save that folder directly into your account and then you could follow my track.

HeyMulegeScott - 10-4-2019 at 10:19 AM

I have a cheap Android tablet - Astro Tab A10 - I think I paid about $70 on Amazon a couple of years ago - https://amzn.to/2InHVsN

I pair it with Garmin InReach via Bluetooth and use the Garmin Earthmate app. The maps are great and you download them on Wifi for offline use. I have an Explorer + but you can save a few bucks and just get the cheapest one SE+ for $289 https://amzn.to/31PHUFy

The monthly subscription starts around $12 and enables you to do two-way texting and monitored SOS emergency response. It's a must-have if you do any offroad Baja exploring.

Nikno - 10-4-2019 at 10:32 AM

I have a Garmin InReach as backup and for emergencies. I definitely agree that this is a must have if you are doing anything remote or off the beaten track (which much of Baja is). However the Earthmate App leaves A LOT to be desired and I do not think it is very good for navigation. There are many other apps out there which work way better for that. I recommend playing around with Gaia but there are other ones as well.

HeyMulegeScott - 10-4-2019 at 11:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Nikno

I have a Garmin InReach as backup and for emergencies. I definitely agree that this is a must have if you are doing anything remote or off the beaten track (which much of Baja is). However the Earthmate App leaves A LOT to be desired and I do not think it is very good for navigation. There are many other apps out there which work way better for that. I recommend playing around with Gaia but there are other ones as well.

Yep. That's probably a fair assessment. I haven't tried it but once you've paired the InReach to the tablet you can use the GPS functions with Gaia as shown in this video - https://youtu.be/dkL6MaWCAPA

JZ - 10-4-2019 at 12:13 PM

Exactly what Nikno said is the correct way to go. Samsung Galaxy Active 2 is great. I like it because it can get wet, so good for boating. The screen is much brighter than an iPad which is great for using it in sunlight. You can get a less expensive Samsung Tab as well, and buy a good case for it.

The only thing I would change from Nikno's req, is that I like Back Country Navigator better then Gaia. But you cannot go wrong with either, and they are way better than anything else out there.

You have to make sure you get a tablet that supports cellular. Those are the ones that have built in GPS. You don't need a cell or Wi-Fi connection to use it thought. You download all the maps ahead of time for use when you have no internet connection.

Do not go with Gamin.

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by JZ]

JZ - 10-4-2019 at 12:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Three2tango

He only does that because he bought the wrong tablet. He bought a Wi-Fi only tablet. His setup is a hack to solve that mistake. The Inreach acts as a GPS source. This is an example of what not to do.

Inreach is good for 2 way text communication, not for GPS navigation and maps.

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by JZ]

HeyMulegeScott - 10-4-2019 at 01:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by Three2tango

I don't think the Samsungs would fit the bill as a cheap tablet although I'm sure they're much higher quality than the cheapie I have. Can you back up your claim that's it better to use the internal GPS vs. the Garmin with any facts?

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by Three2tango]

JZ - 10-4-2019 at 02:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Three2tango

I don't think the Samsungs would fit the bill as a cheap tablet although I'm they're much higher quality than the cheapie I have. Can you back up your claim that's it better to use the internal GPS vs. the Garmin with any facts?

$140 with built in GPS. I'm sure you can find a used one for half that.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Tab-16GB-T377A/dp/B01I...

Why would you want an external GPS when you can have an all in one? I was referring to Garmin's UI as total crap. The phone and tablet GPS apps are killer good.

Here's one for $108.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXFXDT3/ref=dp_cr_wdg_tit_rfb

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by JZ]

HeyMulegeScott - 10-4-2019 at 03:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Seems like good prices. Yeah, Garmin does need to work on the UI and overall functionality. Annoying also that you have to do advanced route planning online using their website and sync to the InReach. Still, I think it's a must-have device and you will want to pair it with a phone or tablet and use the Earthmate app at least for communication. The maps are a free included bonus. I found out it can only be paired to one device.

Goyo - 10-4-2019 at 04:38 PM

I have an Asus 7" tablet (android) I bought used on ebay for around $50. It's GPS-enabled and I only use it for my Baja trips. I have GAIA app downloaded and I pay the basic annual fee (not the premium subscription). I also downloaded Earthmate so it will speak to my InReach. And I have a cool tide app.

I also travel with a laptop so when I'm at a hotel with wifi, I can write emails and check other things. Those are better with the laptop's bigger screen and a keyboard. And I download a ton of Netflix content on the laptop so the long, cold winter nights alone aren't as brutal.

I'm pretty low-tech and always seem to do things the wrong way. Having said that, here's how I use my GAIA. It always knows where I am and will show my location on a satellite map (because device is GPS-enabled), but the resolution is not good and gets blurry when I zoom in. But if I know where I'll be going, before I leave the US, I will download a bunch of map sections so I can view "offline" when I'm down there without wifi. The resolution is much better - especially if you download a bunch of smaller chunks. The larger the portion of map you download, the less you can zoom in.

GAIA also comes in handy because you can place location markers. So when I'm at home with a real computer, I can check out the dirt roads on Bing or Google maps. Then with this tablet also in front of me, I can figure out on the GAIA map where I need to turn so I'll place markers there. While driving in Baja, I watch the downloaded map on the device and follow my progress. When I come to a fork in the road, I check the markers I placed (while online) to see which way to proceed. I know there are people who always say, "just head for the coast," or "just keep heading East." But I've been in places that have dirt roads that aren't on any topo map that meander in all directions. And I've been pretty lost, which is not a good feeling when traveling solo. And I don't want to burn precious fuel driving 10-20 miles the wrong way!

So I realize that this goes against the adventure purists' rules, but my feeling is that if such technology exists, there's no harm in using it. Perhaps Gary Patton's outcome might have been different if he had some technology with him?

PaulW - 10-4-2019 at 05:53 PM

JZ,
Not a good as your favorite system. but--
Among all the various gps stuff I use is InReach paired with their mapping SW called Earthmate. Get the "InReach Explorer+ or better for full features.
Visually Earthmate is pretty darn good. Good coloring and topo lines and all the roads and trails that Garmin has to offer. Downloads for the area of interest is easy and if your device has lots of memory lots of mapping is available. Updates are noted when needed. Works on all devices with an internal GPS & bluetooth. Easy menu to get needed coords, elevation etc.
Do Not I use it all the time. Other gps are available to play with.

For person that just wants main roads like a tourist with some city detail then "maps.me" or "Google maps, Off line" work just fine with no tech required except to load the desired maps before you head out. With Google maps you have to have "off-line" maps loaded in the situation where you do not have internet. maps.me does not use the internet except to load maps. Both work on all devices with a gps I thot they all had an internal gps? and bluetooth? Both apps are free.

BTW google maps is better than my car navigation Just put in a destination and listen to the complete directions. Good enough to not even need to see the screen on my phone.

bajaric - 10-5-2019 at 12:48 PM

Thanks for advice. I have taken my first tentative, halting steps towards the world of touch screens, and ordered a "Dragon Touch V10" Android tablet, $65US with free ship on eBay. Honestly, I am already hating the whole process. I looked at Google Maps on my PC and the roads are white with a light grey background, really hard on the eyes an you can not change the colors. When my Dragon arrives I am going to have to download maps for offline use for everywhere I go, another learning curve. For my level of tech knowledge I think a dedicated GPS that works out of the box without endless downloading and tweaking and techie crap will be what I eventually go with, but at least I will be able to check my email on the road with my new Dragon 10" tablet!

bajaric - 10-5-2019 at 01:10 PM

On another note, I do like the idea of having an Inreach (now owned by Garmin) I am often by myself, sometimes in places they would find you by watching the buzzards circle. I make a rule to tell someone where I am going and when I will be back but that depends on whoever you told remembering where you said you were going and when you will be back. I think the holy grail of navigation would be a GPS with pre loaded google earth satellite view but that would take a ton of memory and effort to figure it out. All of this stuff is set up to work where you have a cell phone signal, so they can track your every movement, but getting it to work off the cloud is the hard part.

[Edited on 10-5-2019 by bajaric]

PaulW - 10-5-2019 at 01:38 PM

Travel by yourself. The rule has been proven countless times that solo traveling in the outback is very risky. Simple events can trap you where nobody can find you. If you are long time reader of this forum you can find many examples where people were found and some were never found. A tracker means you will be found.
You need a tracker. Or someone to partner with.
The simple tracker is the basic SPOT. Now available for more money with messaging. Inreach is the best. Advantage will be Earthmate with excellent images - quite an improvement from any free App - get explorer or better.
Load your new device at home with fast Internet and you will be good to go with GM or M.Me

AKgringo - 10-5-2019 at 02:06 PM

I almost bought a Spot tracker a couple of years ago, but balked at having to pay for a year subscription for just a couple of months of use. They also annoyed a lot of people by automatically billing the original credit card number annually if you fail to terminate service.

I see that they now have temporary plans (like inreach does) so I may finally get one. From what I have read, Inreach seems like the best unit, but my needs are simple, and the spot could meet them at a lower cost.

I know, I know....I am getting cheap with a potentially life saving item, but the K.I.S.S. discipline is also ingrained in me!

JZ - 10-5-2019 at 02:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Thanks for advice. I have taken my first tentative, halting steps towards the world of touch screens, and ordered a "Dragon Touch V10" Android tablet, $65US with free ship on eBay. Honestly, I am already hating the whole process. I looked at Google Maps on my PC and the roads are white with a light grey background, really hard on the eyes an you can not change the colors. When my Dragon arrives I am going to have to download maps for offline use for everywhere I go, another learning curve. For my level of tech knowledge I think a dedicated GPS that works out of the box without endless downloading and tweaking and techie crap will be what I eventually go with, but at least I will be able to check my email on the road with my new Dragon 10" tablet!

It's pretty easy to do. Your number one source for info is Youtube. There are a lot of videos on BCN and Gaia. Let me know if you want me to post some.

If you spent a couple days playing with it you'll be a pro soon enough.

I have 100's of miles of 4x4 trails for Baja. They load on BCN or Gaia in seconds. PM me if you want me to share some.

Standalone GPS's are not good.

Pacifico - 10-6-2019 at 07:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

I almost bought a Spot tracker a couple of years ago, but balked at having to pay for a year subscription for just a couple of months of use. They also annoyed a lot of people by automatically billing the original credit card number annually if you fail to terminate service.

I see that they now have temporary plans (like inreach does) so I may finally get one. From what I have read, Inreach seems like the best unit, but my needs are simple, and the spot could meet them at a lower cost.

I know, I know....I am getting cheap with a potentially life saving item, but the K.I.S.S. discipline is also ingrained in me!

I highly recommend getting a device with 2 way communication such as the inReach SE or the Spot X. I have an inReach Explorer which I love. I bought an epirb after a horrible incident that I had years ago, but then the inReach Explorer came out so I later bought one of those. So now I carry both while on my boat anyways.

Trust me on this, If you ever REALLY NEED your butt saved, you would happily spend thousands for one of these devices. I know I would have.... Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

I would definitely get something that has 2 way satellite communication. You might have a minor issue where you need help but don't necessarily want to activate the SOS signal and get the whole Calvary coming.

David K - 10-6-2019 at 08:34 AM

As many of you know, I had an inReach device during all my solo trips researching for the Baja Bound road guide in 2017 and 2018. It was so nice to communicate via text or email to my wife and some Nomads while I was in the backcountry. StuckSucks (and others) would watch my moving location on their screens, ask questions, or give advice. It was very reassuring!

With the inReach paired to my cell phone, I had a larger, color map as I was driving as well as an easier to type on keyboard for communicating. The Earthmate app that it uses to mate with the cell phone worked everywhere via Bluetooth with the inReach. The inReach needs a clear view of the sky (it does work inside the car) so if I was at a motel and wanted to text my wife, I would leave the inReach in my truck and type on my phone in the room. The Bluetooth was good to about 50 feet.
It is a winner for Baja travelers!

matthew_mangus - 10-7-2019 at 12:15 PM

As others have noted, using Gaia on a tablet works well for following tracks and looking at downloaded map tiles. I'd add that I use Google Earth, Maps and especially Google MyMaps to do most of my research and planning. MyMaps is useful bc it has layers. I create layers for each day's route, POIs, camp spots, etc. I then export the route as a KML file and bring it into Gaia for offline use. I'm always on the lookout for new tech and better tools and have occasionally tried other methods but keep coming back to this workflow.

PaulW - 10-7-2019 at 03:42 PM

Yes, the more advanced tools do work better than the basic tool request that bajaric asked for.
Lots of threads on how to deal with Gaia. Send your comments over there where they would be desired.

geronimo21 - 10-12-2019 at 12:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

You have to make sure you get a tablet that supports cellular. Those are the ones that have built in GPS.

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by JZ]

I think you can buy tablets that don't support cellular but that do have GPS functionality. Looking at them online now.

Mr. Bills - 10-12-2019 at 03:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by geronimo21

I think you can buy tablets that don't support cellular but that do have GPS functionality. Looking at them online now.

Please report back with what you find and which ones are "best buys."

JZ - 10-12-2019 at 06:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by geronimo21

I think you can buy tablets that don't support cellular but that do have GPS functionality. Looking at them online now.

Link one. I see a bunch of tablets that support only 3G that have GPS. The are only $75.

To clarify, you don't have to get cellular service (i.e. you don't have to have an active plan or anything) for it to use the GPS. But I've never seen a W-Fi only tablet have GPS.

bajaric - 10-17-2019 at 09:45 AM

Update on my progress, not good. To recap, I got a Dragon Touch 10" tablet. This is a wifi only tablet; no cell phone, no way to connect to hi speed modem with cord. OK, so my house does not have wifi, so took it to Starbucks, would not connect, error message "your connection is not private, hackers may be trying to steal your credit card information" OK back home, watched several youtube videos in heavy Indian accents, determine that clock must be set for local time. (none of this is in owners manual, which is the size of three large postage stamps) back to Starbucks, yay, error message gone, but still can not connect to wifi. Starbucks is weird, bunch of people sitting there next to each other staring at lap tops, not talking to each other. Order a small coffee, and informed that it is called a "tall" coffee. Anyways, do not want to turn this into a wifi help desk, just basically want to say that the learning curve involved with this is too stiff for me, every time I try to do anything with this tablet I feel my blood pressure going up and my head starts to hurt, and I fantasize about laying it on the grass, removing the revolver from the safe, and discharging several rounds into it, except I would get arrested. do not recommend. This tablet does have one functionality that I can use; it has a slot for a micro sd card, so I can snip sections of maps from the internet on my pc, then insert the sd card in the tablet, and it will shown the map. whoo hooo! no gps functionality or internet connectivity I guess what did I expect from a fifty dollar refurbished tablet. I suppose some 8 year old kid could show me how to use this, raised up from infancy staring at a touch screen but my work here is done. I just want a f-ing gps with a map to show where I am without spending a thousand hours figuring out how it works. Garmin here I come. end of rant. edit: this tabled DOES have GPS, but I can't get it to connect to the wifi at Starbucks to download the app to make the GPS work. Also, it can be connected to a PC with USB cord, but the only thing you can do is transfer files like pictures, you can not use it to do anything else while connected to the PC

[Edited on 10-17-2019 by bajaric]

chippy - 10-17-2019 at 09:56 AM

My Garmin Nuvi with e32 maps works great! I´ve used it all over Baja and Mainland. Baja and Copper Canyon have the most detailed tracks. Oh and if you don´t already have one the Garmin bc30 back up camera is a nice add on!

[Edited on 10-17-2019 by chippy]

Nikno - 10-17-2019 at 10:39 AM

I would recommend returning the Dragon Touch and getting a Samsung. It will cost you $150 - 200 more, but you will save yourself so much in stress, time and aggravation that it will be worth it. This is one area that is not really worth going on the cheap. Also, I really suggest getting a cellular enabled device. It will cost a bit more but it is so worth it. The device can even act as a back up in case you lose your phone or it gets damaged. I have ATT and I was able to get a SIM card for $20. There is no monthly fee. All of the data that I use just counts against the regular data on my phone. So if I don't use cellular data on the tablet, no charge. It depends on your cellular plan, but it is worth it in my opinion for peace of mind and safety. Plus downloading maps and getting online directions are way easier.

HeyMulegeScott - 10-17-2019 at 11:01 AM

You can try bypassing the message. Sounds like a Chrome browser - https://whatsabyte.com/featured/your-connection-is-not-priva...

If you have Internet at home, you might contact your provider and ask about getting wifi or go to Best Buy and have the Geek Squad come out and set you up.

JZ - 10-17-2019 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Update on my progress, not good. To recap, I got a Dragon Touch 10" tablet. This is a wifi only tablet; no cell phone, no way to connect to hi speed modem with cord. OK, so my house does not have wifi, so took it to Starbucks, would not connect, error message "your connection is not private, hackers may be trying to steal your credit card information" OK back home, watched several youtube videos in heavy Indian accents, determine that clock must be set for local time. (none of this is in owners manual, which is the size of three large postage stamps) back to Starbucks, yay, error message gone, but still can not connect to wifi. Starbucks is weird, bunch of people sitting there next to each other staring at lap tops, not talking to each other. Order a small coffee, and informed that it is called a "tall" coffee. Anyways, do not want to turn this into a wifi help desk, just basically want to say that the learning curve involved with this is too stiff for me, every time I try to do anything with this tablet I feel my blood pressure going up and my head starts to hurt, and I fantasize about laying it on the grass, removing the revolver from the safe, and discharging several rounds into it, except I would get arrested. do not recommend. This tablet does have one functionality that I can use; it has a slot for a micro sd card, so I can snip sections of maps from the internet on my pc, then insert the sd card in the tablet, and it will shown the map. whoo hooo! no gps functionality or internet connectivity I guess what did I expect from a fifty dollar refurbished tablet. I suppose some 8 year old kid could show me how to use this, raised up from infancy staring at a touch screen but my work here is done. I just want a f-ing gps with a map to show where I am without spending a thousand hours figuring out how it works. Garmin here I come. end of rant. edit: this tabled DOES have GPS, but I can't get it to connect to the wifi at Starbucks to download the app to make the GPS work. Also, it can be connected to a PC with USB cord, but the only thing you can do is transfer files like pictures, you can not use it to do anything else while connected to the PC

[Edited on 10-17-2019 by bajaric]

Get a Samsung Tab. One that supports cellular. You don't need a cellular plan. The Wi-Fi only ones don't have GPS.

If you have a Samsung phone, it will automatically load all the apps you have on your phone to your tablet. It's awesome. It also automatically transfers all your Wi-Fi logins. Meaning my tablet automatically connected to the Wi-Fi at my house.

Pro tip, put all the map downloads on a micro SD. You can copy it from one card to another. I.e. download it on one device and then share it to other devices (your tablet, your kid's phone, a friend you are traveling with, etc.).

bajaric - 10-17-2019 at 11:55 AM

I have not given up on this yet, but agree Garmin Nuvi is a workhorse tested and true - I have one, but it does not have backcountry tracks.
Nikno, good advice to get a quality brand with cellular capability, I am definitely trying to do this on the cheap.

three2, yes. its a Google thing. I am not familiar with the OS or with touch screens, so having to go to Starbucks every time to test the wifi gets kind of old, especially when the cute girl says to her friend Why is that bald man turning red and cursing.. So I got a wireless router to test the thing at home now have to figure out how to hook that up (shudder..) and can keep working on it. Its not so easy but the dream is alive!

DouglasP - 10-17-2019 at 12:32 PM

bajaric, can you hotspot with your cell phone for WIFI? Might be easier than dorking with a router. :light:

Also I have an Asus brand tablet, model P01M. Punch that into Amazon. $120.

PaulW - 10-18-2019 at 09:46 AM

Has anyone put Murdock maps on a Nuvi?

HeyMulegeScott - 10-18-2019 at 11:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

Has anyone put Murdock maps on a Nuvi?

Haven't tried those but have loaded US topo maps on my 10-year-old unit free from here - https://www.gpsfiledepot.com/ The maps aren't routable which I imagine would be the case for any non Garmin. I have successfully added POI data for Baja from http://app.ioverlander.com/ camgrounds, gas stations, water, restaurants etc.

Hook - 10-21-2019 at 02:52 PM

Quote: Originally posted by geronimo21

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

You have to make sure you get a tablet that supports cellular. Those are the ones that have built in GPS.

[Edited on 10-4-2019 by JZ]

I think you can buy tablets that don't support cellular but that do have GPS functionality. Looking at them online now.

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a wifi-only Android tablet that DOESNT have GPS, these days, outside of the Fire HD tablets. Virtually every Samsung has it. It's the wifi-only Ipads that generally dont have GPS.

Plug "wifi tablet gps" into the Amazon search engine and you will get dozens and dozens of returns.

My five year old Samsung Tab Pro 8.4, wifi-only tablet has GPS. I use it as a GPS with mapping software in Europe and N.A., whenever I travel and rent a car. Still running Kit Kat.

castone001 - 10-29-2019 at 09:56 AM

I use a couple different options depending on where I go. Let me recap a couple that I have used over the years. One thing to note is that I always carry a Map and Compass as a last resort option. Electronics are awesome but they can and will fail

SAFETY/Communication:
1) I have the Inreach Explorer+ Paired to my Samsung Note phone or Galaxy Tab. Having the SOS feature and the two way communication features or a MUST HAVE. I also use the mapping feature of Earthmate but find its pretty much OK not a ton of detail but you will always know where you are

Navigation:
2) For Baja: E32 maps: available on Garmin or iPhone. Pricey but the detail is pretty amazing. I used it primarily on a Garmin Montana while exploring on my DR650 with a handle bar mount.
I stopped using e32 until they release the Android version and I am sure I will buy that one for all my Baja explorations.

3) Earthmate App loaded on my Samsung Galaxy Tab3 and Note phone with Baja Maps downloaded. I can track where I am and see the main points of interest/waypoints I can pre load using the desktop app or the tab app. Not a lot of detail for enough to safely navigate around Baja.

4) for any California exploring/trails/POI's etc I use California Trail Maps and LocusMaps PRO application on my Tablet or my phone. Pretty featured driven Mapping app and the Maps from California Trail maps are extensive/detailed and great to use

So in my humble opinion if exploring anywhere in the back country you really should have at least a Paper Map and Compass as well as #1 above at a minimum. Then try out a couple different options. They will all do about the same thing, show you where you are and where you been and where you are going. Its really a personal choice with how much detail, ease of use and for some cost.

im no expert but happy to share what little knowledge I have gained and try and answer any questions you may have.

Mr. Bills - 10-29-2019 at 11:25 AM

Has anyone loaded the e32 map onto a Garmin Nuvi, whether generally or specifically the 2460?

Any issues that I should be aware of before making my purchase of the map?

Preferred vendors?

PaulW - 10-29-2019 at 11:28 AM

Earthmate comment:
Currently they have a huge void for portions of Baja. It worked fine last winter now it is broken.
The other InReach features seem to be working.

The next best alternative would be Google maps, or maps.me with offline maps loaded.

HeyMulegeScott - 10-29-2019 at 01:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW

Earthmate comment:
Currently they have a huge void for portions of Baja. It worked fine last winter now it is broken.
The other InReach features seem to be working.

The next best alternative would be Google maps, or maps.me with offline maps loaded.

It looks like you can only get the Open Street Map and Digital Atlas of Earth for Mexico now.

bajaric - 10-29-2019 at 02:53 PM

Update! To recap, cheap Dragon Touch tablet - wifi only, with GPS. Refurbished tablet seemed to have error issues right out of the box (do not recommend maybe Asus better) but once I got it connected to wifi I got it to work! Thing is really almost a toy, for a child to use but that is the cheap factor.

This had pre loaded Android apps on it like YouTube and Chrome search engine, plus Google Maps. On Google maps if you touch the little three bars and select "offline areas" then use your fingers to outline a rectangle, then save it. it downloads it so later you can use the GPS on the map when out of range of wifi. And, it worked. I downloaded by neighborhood and drove a few miles away an the GPS showed a dot on the map where I was.

caveats: you must have the GPS on by sliding the touchscreen toggle. YouTube and Chrome worked on w fi without logging in but to download maps you must have google email account. also the larger the area you select the less detail, although I did get Mexicali map in good detail This Also has satellite map view, so you can switch back and forth between street map and satellite view although it is blurry if you select a large area. all and all ok and you can surf the web and check email if you can get the wifi to work. this one never did work at starbucks, next time I think I will try for a better quality tab--

[Edited on 10-29-2019 by bajaric]

blue.yota - 12-18-2019 at 09:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Get a Samsung Tab. One that supports cellular. You don't need a cellular plan. The Wi-Fi only ones don't have

Newbie and first time post.

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 from Costco for approximately $230 after a $100 rebate. It's WiFi only and has gps and works great!

To the original poster: If what I'm about to say has been said please disregard.
1. Tech can be frustrating, I bought a Garmin edge 2 for my bike and wanted to throw it off a cliff!! There's a logic though to computers, smartphones and tablets it takes time to acquaint yourself with the workflow.

2. Get yourself an inexpensive smartphone like a moto made by Motorola and inexpensive cellular plan from someplace like Page Plus that back bones on the 4G Verizon network. This way when you purchase the number 3 item you just open the Google Wi-Fi app which connects your wi-fi very simply.

3. I suggest a Google Wi-Fi for $100 for home Wi-Fi.

4. I use Backcountry Navigator and Gaia my preference is Backcountry Navigator though Gaia is ok.

It took me messing with BFN but as others have said you download map packages for offline use. When on the trail you can drop pins at interesting places to assist in recalling places. You can record tracks too. Later at home you can continue to work on your trip data. I recommend you make sure all map packages are deleted from your device prior to downloading New maps for a new area as you'll have more memory.

If you can buy a tablet with the most built-in memory you can afford and have the capability to add a micro sd card.

As others have said a Garmin inreach (I have the mini) is paramount. I can send tracking info to family and friends and send short text messages via the smartphone estimate app. The inreach has taken me time to get used to but now I understand it. Main thing with it is to either have it unplugged from a power source while using it or have a power source that doesn't shut off when you shut off your engine.

I don't know where you live but if you live in So cal I'd be happy to show you my system and demonstrate how I use it. I live in Los Angeles and visit family in San Diego often.

If you are retired and don't want WiFi in your house Starbucks or any coffee house with WiFi will do fine with these devices.

Anyway, lots of info.

Happy Holidays

Hugh

[Edited on 12-19-2019 by blue.yota]

[Edited on 12-20-2019 by BajaNomad]

bajaric - 12-19-2019 at 09:09 AM

Welcome, you got part of a quote from JZ, one of our resident GPS gurus, at the bottom of your post.

I was finally able to load Google Maps for offline use on to the POS Dragon Touch, using wifi, and the GPS worked. Later, in Mexicali, I discovered that Google Maps disappear after 30 days, like the tape recording on Mission Impossible "This map will self destruct in 30 days" By then I had figured out how to get through the new border crossing in Mexicali without getting lost and did need GPS any more.

Samsung seems to be the preferred device, although I will say using Android allows Google to know your every movement, and pretty soon you start getting targeted ads that are almost spooky at how specific they are to where you have been and your search history.

PaulW - 12-19-2019 at 10:06 AM

Google maps will automatically update at or near the expiration period if you are at a cell or wi-fi location. I get an reminder on my device that says leave GM open (device on) to have faster update.
The maps will not disappear just not be updated. Definitely not a big deal if not updated.

advrider - 12-19-2019 at 07:20 PM

I really like OSMAND app on my phone and tablet, when I build my new Baja ride I will run the tablet on a dash mount, I like the bigger screen.

PaulW - 12-20-2019 at 07:41 AM

Tablets are good and mentioned my many posts on Nomad. Seems like Android is the favorite. New models have a darn good image with acceptable touch screen.
Bigger is always better to a limit. I like an 8" as my size limit. Bigger is size results in a big mounting issue and resulting shaking on bad roads.