Best app for GPS?

[Mega Robin]

Hello there!

 

I'm new to geocaching, and I would love to try it, but I don't have a GPS device.

Also, most GPS devices or apps are meant only for car traffic, and won't be able to lead me to exact coördinates (they would lead me to a nearby address instead).

So, what app(s) should I use on my iPad mini to be able to get to the exact location of given coördinates.

I think the official geocaching app is able to do so, but I don't want to spend money on anything before having tried it.

So are there any good, free alternatives?

 

Thanks in advance!

Mega Robin

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Geocaching.com has available a free Intro-app. It is designed specifically for what you desire.

It is intended ONLY to tweek a persons interest in geocaching and "test the waters".

It is limited in use, allowing only 3 caches per 24-hrs and it picks which caches (not you). It will not choose the same cache multiple times, they will be different each time, usually being caches that are fairly easy to find.

 

With that said, there are other apps, both free and paid, that are pretty darn good I hear. I do not use a phone, so I cannot advise which. There will be others along to advise on those apps, I am sure.

 

There is no harm in your downloading and using that Intro-app while waiting for a good supply of responses here. It will allow you to get out and give 'er a whirl in the meantime.

 

Good luck and have fun.

[+L0ne.R]

Hello there!

 

I'm new to geocaching, and I would love to try it, but I don't have a GPS device.

Also, most GPS devices or apps are meant only for car traffic, and won't be able to lead me to exact coördinates (they would lead me to a nearby address instead).

So, what app(s) should I use on my iPad mini to be able to get to the exact location of given coördinates.

I think the official geocaching app is able to do so, but I don't want to spend money on anything before having tried it.

So are there any good, free alternatives?

 

Thanks in advance!

Mega Robin

 

Just checking, do you have 4G cellular coverage on your iPad Mini? The Apple store site says "Only the 4G version has GPS. GPS is necessary to use a mapping application. Things like WiFi triangulation are not reliable enough to navigate with."

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Hello there!

 

I'm new to geocaching, and I would love to try it, but I don't have a GPS device.

Also, most GPS devices or apps are meant only for car traffic, and won't be able to lead me to exact coördinates (they would lead me to a nearby address instead).

So, what app(s) should I use on my iPad mini to be able to get to the exact location of given coördinates.

I think the official geocaching app is able to do so, but I don't want to spend money on anything before having tried it.

So are there any good, free alternatives?

 

Thanks in advance!

Mega Robin

 

Just checking, do you have 4G cellular coverage on your iPad Mini? The Apple store site says "Only the 4G version has GPS. GPS is necessary to use a mapping application. Things like WiFi triangulation are not reliable enough to navigate with."

If such is the case and you do not have 4G capabilities, you should know that your (the OP) statement regarding GPS units is nearly dead-wrong.

There are two types of dedicated GPSr units that are used primarily by consumers... automotive and trail/sports (handhelds).

All handheld units allow for coordinate entries, most all automotive GPSr units will also allow it.

 

So... when push comes to shove, the option to buy/use a dedicated GPSr unit still exists, either automotive or handheld. It is mostly a matter of knowing what you are doing and how to use it.

 

It may well involve less cost should your mini-iPad prove incapable.

Edited January 2, 2014 by Gitchee-Gummee

[Mega Robin]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The only thing I need is an app that does what a handheld gps does: bring me to an exact location of coördinates.

The iPad doesn't have internet everywhere, but it does receive gps signal (I used an automotive gps without having internet everywhere, and it worked, but as I already said, it can only take me to the nearest address in a street, not at the "exact" coördinates when the cache is in a forest or something like that).

 

I've also been searching a bit more, and so far the best app for me that I could find would be:

"GCTools - The geocaching tool collection!"

 

I think I'm gonna give that one a try,

and I hope it works out for me.

 

Should anyone still know something else or something better,

then please let me know!

 

Greetings,

Mega Robin

[+Chief301]

That GC Tools app seems like it's made more for deciphering puzzles in the field and that sort of thing. A good tool for a more advanced cacher who's into puzzles, multis, mystery caches, etc. . Yes, it looks like there's a place to manually enter coordinates but that's about it. You can get any GPS app for that without all the bells and whistles.

 

You really should start out just doing some simple traditional caches, and you're going to want an app that's actually designed to go geocaching with, not work out tricky field puzzles. You might need that later, but that app isn't for basic Geocaching.

 

If you're still leery about spending $10 for the official app (which I don't think you'd regret, though), I've heard of a lot of folks using a free app called GeoBucket. It's designed for basic, paperless Geocaching (which means you'll have all the cache info on the device instead of having to enter coordinates manually in another app). I'd suggest you check that one out.

[Mega Robin]

That GC Tools app seems like it's made more for deciphering puzzles in the field and that sort of thing. A good tool for a more advanced cacher who's into puzzles, multis, mystery caches, etc. . Yes, it looks like there's a place to manually enter coordinates but that's about it. You can get any GPS app for that without all the bells and whistles.

 

You really should start out just doing some simple traditional caches, and you're going to want an app that's actually designed to go geocaching with, not work out tricky field puzzles. You might need that later, but that app isn't for basic Geocaching.

 

If you're still leery about spending $10 for the official app (which I don't think you'd regret, though), I've heard of a lot of folks using a free app called GeoBucket. It's designed for basic, paperless Geocaching (which means you'll have all the cache info on the device instead of having to enter coordinates manually in another app). I'd suggest you check that one out.

Yes, but what GPS app should I get then?

So far, I didn't manage to find a free gps app that brings me to exact coördinates instead of a nearby address...

Also, I wanted to try NavFree Benelux, but it kept crashing on the iPad mini of my mom...

[+L0ne.R]

That GC Tools app seems like it's made more for deciphering puzzles in the field and that sort of thing. A good tool for a more advanced cacher who's into puzzles, multis, mystery caches, etc. . Yes, it looks like there's a place to manually enter coordinates but that's about it. You can get any GPS app for that without all the bells and whistles.

 

You really should start out just doing some simple traditional caches, and you're going to want an app that's actually designed to go geocaching with, not work out tricky field puzzles. You might need that later, but that app isn't for basic Geocaching.

 

If you're still leery about spending $10 for the official app (which I don't think you'd regret, though), I've heard of a lot of folks using a free app called GeoBucket. It's designed for basic, paperless Geocaching (which means you'll have all the cache info on the device instead of having to enter coordinates manually in another app). I'd suggest you check that one out.

Yes, but what GPS app should I get then?

So far, I didn't manage to find a free gps app that brings me to exact coördinates instead of a nearby address...

Also, I wanted to try NavFree Benelux, but it kept crashing on the iPad mini of my mom...

 

If you have the 4G version of the iPad mini, it has a GPS. You would then get GeoBucket in order to use the GPS on your iPad for geocaching.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Yes, but what GPS app should I get then?

So far, I didn't manage to find a free gps app that brings me to exact coördinates instead of a nearby address...

Also, I wanted to try NavFree Benelux, but it kept crashing on the iPad mini of my mom...

Argh... I'm not so sure that you are listening to what you are being told. Chief provides a couple of fine suggestions in the last paragraph, but you swing back to something like NavFree Benelux. From what I can ascertain, that app is for DRIVING, not something like geocaching -- of course it is going to work off of addresses instead of coordinates, it is designed to take you to the restaurant, stadium, grandmama's house and the like, not someplace along the river, in the meadow or to a mountain peak.

 

You know, geocaching.com has a free Intro-app. It is limited in scope and functionality as it is designed only to introduce somebody to geocaching, but at least it gives one a "heads-up" and a bit of knowledge (not much, but some) of geocaching. The idea behind the Intro-app is to let somebody "test the water" to see if geocaching would be something they would like to do.

 

Want to look for more? Simply search "geocaching apps free" from Google or any other web search engine. The key word, I think, would be "geocaching", not something like "navigation" or "GPS". Lots of options came up when I searched that.

[+geodarts]

In addition to geobucket and the intro app, looking4cache has a free version. All of these apps are somewhat limited - geobucket and looking4caches have certain restrictions for basic members of this site - but would give you a feel for the game.

Edited January 3, 2014 by geodarts

[+Z_Statman]

C:GEO

 

Another great app

[+Chief301]

C:GEO

 

Another great app

 

So I've heard, but since it violates the terms of use agreement of the website I wasn't going to suggest it. Now that it's out there, OP, do with it what you will.

[+JesandTodd]

C:GEO

 

Another great app

 

So I've heard, but since it violates the terms of use agreement of the website I wasn't going to suggest it. Now that it's out there, OP, do with it what you will.

 

And it's for androids, not apples.

[Mega Robin]

Argh... I'm not so sure that you are listening to what you are being told. Chief provides a couple of fine suggestions in the last paragraph, but you swing back to something like NavFree Benelux. From what I can ascertain, that app is for DRIVING, not something like geocaching -- of course it is going to work off of addresses instead of coordinates, it is designed to take you to the restaurant, stadium, grandmama's house and the like, not someplace along the river, in the meadow or to a mountain peak.

 

You know, geocaching.com has a free Intro-app. It is limited in scope and functionality as it is designed only to introduce somebody to geocaching, but at least it gives one a "heads-up" and a bit of knowledge (not much, but some) of geocaching. The idea behind the Intro-app is to let somebody "test the water" to see if geocaching would be something they would like to do.

 

Want to look for more? Simply search "geocaching apps free" from Google or any other web search engine. The key word, I think, would be "geocaching", not something like "navigation" or "GPS". Lots of options came up when I searched that.

Yes, I have read everything and I do understand it.

But it wasn't what I was looking for, it wasn't my question.

I don't want the free trial app or other geocaching apps which are limited in number of cache finds per day. I only want a gps/navigiation app that isn't for driving. I don't want to be able to see which caches are near me, I want to manually enter coördinates that I find on the geocaching website.

And I was wondering if other people here also used an app like that, and which would be the best choice.

Because if you google for apps, every app's page claims that their app is the better one.

 

In addition to geobucket and the intro app, looking4cache has a free version. All of these apps are somewhat limited - geobucket and looking4caches have certain restrictions for basic members of this site - but would give you a feel for the game.

Thanks.

 

C:GEO

 

Another great app

I'm going to check this one out ASAP.

Thank you very much!

 

C:GEO

 

Another great app

 

So I've heard, but since it violates the terms of use agreement of the website I wasn't going to suggest it. Now that it's out there, OP, do with it what you will.

Oh, that's not good news.

I guess I won't be using this one then...

Don't want to get my account banned or something.

[+L0ne.R]

 

I only want a gps/navigiation app that isn't for driving. I don't want to be able to see which caches are near me, I want to manually enter coördinates that I find on the geocaching website.

 

 

Thanks for clarifying. You might be interested in Commander Compass http://happymagenta.com/compass/

I have the app on my iPhone but confess to not using it, since I use the Geocaching app and haven't had a need to use Commander Compass. So I can't give you any good feedback on how to use it. But I think it may be what you want.

 

 

[Mega Robin]

C:GEO

 

Another great app

 

So I've heard, but since it violates the terms of use agreement of the website I wasn't going to suggest it. Now that it's out there, OP, do with it what you will.

 

And it's for androids, not apples.

Well, I guess it's not what I'm looking for. Thanks anyway.

 

 

I only want a gps/navigiation app that isn't for driving. I don't want to be able to see which caches are near me, I want to manually enter coördinates that I find on the geocaching website.

 

 

Thanks for clarifying. You might be interested in Commander Compass http://happymagenta.com/compass/

I have the app on my iPhone but confess to not using it, since I use the Geocaching app and haven't had a need to use Commander Compass. So I can't give you any good feedback on how to use it. But I think it may be what you want.

I've looked this one up and it seems indeed quite what I'm looking for, thank you!

Going to test it ASAP.

[+Chief301]

Motion X is also a good general purpose GPS app. I don't know if they still offer a free version or not (used to be there was the free Motion X Lite)

[+colleda]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The only thing I need is an app that does what a handheld gps does: bring me to an exact location of coördinates.

The iPad doesn't have internet everywhere, but it does receive gps signal (I used an automotive gps without having internet everywhere, and it worked, but as I already said, it can only take me to the nearest address in a street, not at the "exact" coördinates when the cache is in a forest or something like that).

 

I've also been searching a bit more, and so far the best app for me that I could find would be:

"GCTools - The geocaching tool collection!"

 

I think I'm gonna give that one a try,

and I hope it works out for me.

 

Should anyone still know something else or something better,

then please let me know!

 

Greetings,

Mega Robin

 

We used a car GPSr (Garmin Nuvi) with success for several months before buying a dedicated GPSr( Etrex 10 & 20). We could navigate in car then switch over to off road to find the cache in the bush, forest or wherever. We could download lots of waypoints, with hints, using PQs and GSAK. It was very accurate. The only drawback was battery life.

[+JohnCNA]

Geosphere is exceptional on Apple devices for geocaching. Not free, but reasonable. You can download caches with full descriptions and logs or enter your own.

[+SirDonB]

Hello there!

 

I'm new to geocaching, and I would love to try it, but I don't have a GPS device.

Also, most GPS devices or apps are meant only for car traffic, and won't be able to lead me to exact coördinates (they would lead me to a nearby address instead).

So, what app(s) should I use on my iPad mini to be able to get to the exact location of given coördinates.

I think the official geocaching app is able to do so, but I don't want to spend money on anything before having tried it.

So are there any good, free alternatives?

 

Thanks in advance!

Mega Robin

 

Since you use an Apple product, I can not help you, I can advise you to get an Android then give you the list of apps I use personally for geocaching. Short of that, see what everyone else has suggested. Good luck.

[+geocat_]

Just curious, why are you so intent on "a gps/navigiation app that isn't for driving?" You are wanting to use the device to find geocaches, right? So why would you say, "I don't want to be able to see which caches are near me, I want to manually enter coördinates that I find on the geocaching website." Seems like a lot more work to me.

[+popokiiti]

I also have an iPad mini and have the $10 geocaching app from Groundspeak. There is a free app, also from Groundspeak which allows 3 caches a day, I believe. I do use a GPS usually though. The app is handy when we are away from home. Don't drop your iPad Mini, or get it wet. The GPS device I use can have all the cache info downloaded to it, has way better battery life, is waterproof and won't break if dropped. An auto GPS can be put in pedestrian mode and some folks start caching with one.

[+Chief301]

Just curious, why are you so intent on "a gps/navigiation app that isn't for driving?" You are wanting to use the device to find geocaches, right? So why would you say, "I don't want to be able to see which caches are near me, I want to manually enter coördinates that I find on the geocaching website." Seems like a lot more work to me.

 

I was sort of wondering about that myself....OP seems intent on adding some extra steps to the process. To each his own, I guess.

[Mega Robin]

Thanks for all the responses,

I think I know what to use now.

 

And I know it might seem strange to a lot of you guys,

but I think it's more fun to look for something with just a device to find the coördinates and some sheets of paper where I wrote the hints down.

To me it just seems less fun to see a map where all nearby geocaches are listed, and where you see more info than you decide to write down...

 

Thanks guys.

[+Chief301]

Thanks for all the responses,

I think I know what to use now.

 

And I know it might seem strange to a lot of you guys,

but I think it's more fun to look for something with just a device to find the coördinates and some sheets of paper where I wrote the hints down.

To me it just seems less fun to see a map where all nearby geocaches are listed, and where you see more info than you decide to write down...

 

Thanks guys.

 

Hey. If that's the way you prefer to do it, more power to ya. There are some folks who like the challenge of navigating with map and compass and don't use a GPS at all. Play the game how you wanna play it

[+StripyJules]

If you want an app which offers maps to which you can input co-ordinates (ANY co-ordinates, not just those relating to geocaches) to which you can navigate using GPS, you could try Viewranger.

 

There are a number of free online maps available and you can also select and buy maps to store offline.

 

I use it as a adjunct to dedicated caching apps and find it very useful.

[+cerberus1]

Thanks for all the responses,

I think I know what to use now.

 

And I know it might seem strange to a lot of you guys,

but I think it's more fun to look for something with just a device to find the coördinates and some sheets of paper where I wrote the hints down.

To me it just seems less fun to see a map where all nearby geocaches are listed, and where you see more info than you decide to write down...

 

Thanks guys.

Cool.

Unless my other 2/3rds is with me, that's how I've played since we started.

I use a mini composition book for notes.

[+GreenLight.]

I'm new to geocaching, and I would love to try it, but I don't have a GPS device.... So, what app(s) should I use on my iPad mini to be able to get to the exact location of given coordinates?

I think the official geocaching app is able to do so, but I don't want to spend money on anything before having tried it.

So are there any good, free alternatives?

 

You might be interested in Commander Compass http://happymagenta.com/compass/

Since I use the Geocaching app and haven't had a need to use Commander Compass, I can't give you any good feedback on how to use it. But I think it may be what you want.

 

Hi All

 

Like the OP, I'm new to geocaching and wanted to start out simple, without having to spend any money. I already own an iPad, and figured I could download a free GPS app and use the iPad for navigating.

 

I would like to save people some time and effort, so that's why I'm making this post. I initially went straight to the Apple store and searched "free GPS" and downloaded and trialled several different free GPS apps. None of them were right. So I started using Google to make a broader search, which is how I found this forum and this thread.

 

This thread has been very useful, and I wanted to particularly thank Mega Robin (the OP) and L0ne.R, who suggested Commander Compass (details of which are at the 'happymagenta.com' link I have quoted above, which is also where you'll find the instruction manual for the app). Commander Compass Lite is excellent! It's a little tricky to learn initially because it has so many functions, but once you know your way around it, it does the job perfectly.

 

So, in summary, I'd recommend the Commander Compass Lite app for anyone who:

 

- Wants to try geocaching but doesn't want to spend any money

- Already owns a mobile device, and just needs a good GPS app to use their mobile device for navigating.

 

And finally, just to clarify an important tip: you DO NOT NEED the official Geocaching app to start geocaching! If you want to buy it later, then fine Maybe I'll buy it too. But it's certainly not essential, contrary to what you'll read elsewhere.

 

I hope this post helps other newbie geocachers!

 

Regards

GreenLight.

[+Ben0w]

"Looking4Cache" is available in a free version. Only restriction is, you can't use the offline map feature, only the online maps.

 

The "3 traditional only caches per day"-restriction is a non-PM- restriction by the Groundspeak-API, not by the app.

 

Have fun!

[+T.D.M.22]

"Looking4Cache" is available in a free version. Only restriction is, you can't use the offline map feature, only the online maps.

 

The "3 traditional only caches per day"-restriction is a non-PM- restriction by the Groundspeak-API, not by the app.

 

Have fun!

 

No, it's a restriction on the actual app. The app selects caches that are suitable for beginners. It's an intro- you like it and want more you get the full app(or a different one) your PM status on the website will not change anything on the free app.