map apps for adventure riding

R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Apr 6, 2021

• #1

Hello all Bergers out there- I'm new to this stuff, old and social media inept (probably inept at most things.......)

Just finished the adventure setup on the 570, rode it yesterday, feels even better than I hoped.

Have just ordered a new big screen phone, want to use for maps. Remember I'm old and used to paper maps, the satnav in the car annoys me, but surely I can learn how to do it.

Google maps has on offline facility that's supposed to be good- what do you lot reckon? I'm in Aus,as well, not good phone signal most of the places I'm riding.

Rik

 

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3

383hq

Joined Jun 2016

47 Posts | 23+

South of the crocodiles, North of the penguins

• Apr 6, 2021

• #2

I've heard the young'uns swear by HEMA, however those in the know, reckon some tracks that exist get removed from the HEMA maps from time to time.

Depending on your tech, you might have to connect the screen to a GPS though if you want real time positioning.

Somwehere like Barrington tops or Watagans just needs one to stitch the single track starts and finishes to the 4wd HEMA tracks.

I'm a map man myself. No batteries or 12v needed, nothing breakable. I did resort to an old gps for co-ordinates + map once when we couldn't find an overgrown track up the Cape, but with 5 ft grass, needed the 5m accuracy they give, but ordinarily much safer to find someone who knows the area...

If i was to setup today, I"d get a rechargable GPS that holds HEMA maps. If riding solo in Oz and off road adventure trails are you thing, a personal beacon/tracker like a spot or garmin in-reach would be a pretty smart idea - satelite comms could be lifesaving.

Note that the real popular routes probably see enough traffic to reduce the risk a bit.

 

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R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Apr 6, 2021

• #3

the phone uses it's own GPS, I thought, and Hema you can down load offline maps of the aea before you go, as well, like Google maps.

I use Strava for mountain biking, great 'cause you can go back and check where you've been after the ride- I usually compare to a paper map to get a better idea of what else is around.

Only shortcoming I've heard is battery life GPS consumes, so going to hook up USB charger thingy to battery- easy.

 

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383hq

Joined Jun 2016

47 Posts | 23+

South of the crocodiles, North of the penguins

• Apr 6, 2021

• #4

Yes phones have GPS, not sure about the reliability /strength /robustness (durability) out bush, nor whether they use USA/GLONASS/BeiDou or combo like some of the GPS units.

This will depend on the phone you choose ? and may yield different results in different areas? Phones can also triangulate position from multiple phone towers, but thats generally no use where there are no towers.

If you're sticking to places you access with vehicle+mtb, I'd imagine phone would likely be adequate.

If you're heading proper bush, you won't see phone reception for hours/days thus the gps/spot/personal beacon comment.
In SA, you get flakey phone reception 10minutes out of SA's second largest city, let alone places like Canunda NP or Big/Little desert in Vic...

 

Last edited: Apr 6, 2021

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C

Captain Excellent

Joined Jan 2017

11 Posts | 2+

N Van BC

• Apr 6, 2021

• #5

Google for the Drive Mode Dashboard app. It’s an Android app. Version 2 is free and still in beta format with maps downloadable for off line use. IIRC the annual subscription for the maps is $12 CAD per year for worldwide access.
The CarpeIter controller that works with DMD is from Thork Racing racing. Looks like the final version of DMD2 will have way better functionality than a stand alone Garmin device.
There is a forum in ADV Rider with more info and a couple of videos on YouTube

 

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S

steve

Joined May 2002

2K Posts | 140+

Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

• Apr 6, 2021

• #6

A Garmin Montana with Aus/NZ Topo for me, no compromises. I'm just up the hill from Tilba at Numeralla too, so happy to show you sometime, just not next week, I'm off riding for 10 days from dawn tomorrow.

 

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R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Apr 7, 2021

• #7

Have a great ride! I will take you up on that offer, always wanted to do the Postmans track, need local knowledge around there and into the Snowy's- used to ride out of Khancoban years ago- on a WR200!!

 

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F

Franco celis

Joined Dec 2020

4 Posts | 2+

Lithuania

• Apr 12, 2021

• #8

Hi, I just wated to mention that If you are looking for a offline, free and updated map app for the phone, you shall try "Navigator", you first download the app, then inside you get to the menu to download country maps. All can be stored in SDcard instead of internal memory (in android phones). The only thing is that I used its map for roads and alternatives roads (could also be dirt roads) but there are no singletracks or offroad routes for enduro.
Ive used it for more than 10 years, in Chile, Argentina, almost all Europe, never let me down. Only use your GPS, not mobile data (only needed for downloading maps).
Can be used with offscreen for saving battery and will play music with it while having the directions.
Plus side, its speed cameras functionality although a bit annoying, it will advice properly on proximity, is a great way to travel through countries with tough fines like Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

Big hugs, and enjoy riding

 

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R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Apr 13, 2021

• #9

Thanks mate- admit I had to look up where Lithuania was- I was close!

Much off road riding there? A Swedish born mate went back a few years ago to be disappointed with the places that had been closed off.

I'll check out Navigator but need it for dirt tracks- I can ride for days from here and not see a traffic light or paved road!

How did you go with battery life using GPS constantly?

 

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Franco celis

Joined Dec 2020

4 Posts | 2+

Lithuania

• Apr 16, 2021

• #10

There is a lot of offroad but in the forest, but you cannot go into places designated as reserve or National Parks (reasonable), hence the problem not having the proper maps and knowledge, avoiding fines.
The Problem is that a lot of terrain is being sold to housing, leaving less space for adventures, as such terrains where rideable and not national parks, often frequented by cyclists and neighbors with their dogs.

I understand it, I also have been in the other side of the coin and Lithuanians love the forest as much as we do, they deserve to enjoy it without some crazy guys going full send in the woods. We shall look for places less visited thats all.

Not many hills, which is a bit dissapointing coming from Chile , but a lot of mud, singletracks and woods to look at

Battery life was a bit concerning but what I did was go to full aeroplane mode, then engage GPS only, close all apps and only trigger Navigator, lasting some 6 to 8 hrs of continuous life, with screen on at all times.

Cheers

 

Last edited: Apr 16, 2021

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S

steve

Joined May 2002

2K Posts | 140+

Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

• Apr 17, 2021

• #11

rikschipp said:

Have a great ride! I will take you up on that offer, always wanted to do the Postmans track, need local knowledge around there and into the Snowy's- used to ride out of Khancoban years ago- on a WR200!!

Click to expand...

I'm back, top ride up to Brissy via an interesting way to and from to see the GoMA exhibit, the Art of the Motorcycle, which was most excellent.

I worked at Snowy for 31 yrs, so spent time at Khancoban and all around the mountains, so we may even know each other.

Just on 3800 kms there and back, on my DR. Route all plotted up on the computer with Basecamp and navigated with the Montana.

 

S

steve

Joined May 2002

2K Posts | 140+

Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

• Apr 17, 2021

• #12

A few of my mates who use their phone for nav like Gaia; https://www.gaiagps.com

Phones often have issues with power connections and other issues, they're often not real rugged.

 

R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Mar 23, 2022

• #13

Thanks mate, didn't see this post!
Looks like a great ride you had.
We'll have to catch up for a ride- soon as it stops raining! At least no dust!
Been hassling Wazza Jack to come for a ride, should tee up to meet somewhere
Rik

 

S

steve

Joined May 2002

2K Posts | 140+

Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

• Mar 24, 2022

• #14

So Rik, are you Greg from Bodalla's mate? If so, we've already met.

 

R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Mar 24, 2022

• #15

Greg with the 570? Yep, that's me, tall and skinny with mo.
When did we meet?

 

S

steve

Joined May 2002

2K Posts | 140+

Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

• Mar 25, 2022

• #16

Must be a different Rik, or Rick. It was last year inspecting Greg's new house that he purchased from my uncle. Rik/Rick said he had a 570 and lived south of Narooma.

 

R

rikschipp

Joined Jul 2020

146 Posts | 31+

tilba nsw australia

Discussion Starter
• Mar 26, 2022

• #17

Spooky. Could be Rick Hay, he's got a 690, had a 570. Haven't been to Gregs place, only saw him a couple of weeks ago at Bermi pub. That was the first time since we were both Sydney people!
We must catch up for a ride, though!
Rik