Gear Review – GPS for the iPhone/iPad

For years I have used GPS devices of several kinds. I have owned two or three TomTom navigation devices for my vehicle, a Sony GPS for hiking and geotagging my photographs, GPS vehicle tracking systems, and several iPhone apps that interact with the iPhone.

Recently I began a systematic search for a GPS application that would do both voice navigation while in my vehicle and record tracks while in the field doing photography. It was a long search with lots and lots of issues. Some applications simply don’t work properly. I was frustrated. That is, until I found two splendid iPhone/iPad applications: MotionX GPS (for hiking, biking, walking) and MotionX GPS Drive for voice navigation in my vehicle. Both are the best iPhone/iPad applications available today, in my opinion.

MotionX GPS costs $2.99 at the Apple iTunes store. MotionX GPS Drive costs the same. So, for an investment of about $6.00 what did I get?

MotionX GPS Drive:

Drive and/or Walk to your Destination. MotionX Smart Router calculates the best route. Whether you are driving or walking. MotionX walking routes are designed specifically for pedestrians. If you park your car two blocks away, MotionX will “walk you” to your destination.

MotionX uses Familiar search: Just type and search. With the advanced MotionX Find-N-Go™ technology, you can find anything, anywhere and then just follow the directions. Driving, Walking it’s that simple.

Optimized Compass for situational awareness: At any time know where your destination is, even if you parked your car a few blocks away, MotionX will take you right there.

Fully Integrated with iPhone:

• Address book integration: Find an entry in your iPhone contacts list, and MotionX will get you there.
• iPod integration: Access playlists and listen to your music, audiobooks, and podcasts while using MotionX.
• Phone integration: Place a phone call directly from search results.

If you want live voice directions MotionX even comes with a full free 30 day Live Voice Guidance package. Courtesy of MotionX. Live Voice Guidance gives you access to:

• Live over-the-air maps and routing.
• MotionX 3D geospatial maps.
• Cached routes and maps for optimal performance.
• Simulation mode: See how to get there you before you go.
• Voice guidance, fully integrated with the iPod. Just drive and go.

On a recent trip to Pennsylvania, I used MotionX GPS Drive to find my way through some really complex highway systems from Allentown to Lancaster. The software worked perfectly and got me where I needed to be without a hitch. The first 30 days of voice guidance is free. Thereafter the cost is $24.99 per year for voice guided navigation. This is a bargain when one considers what other voice guided technologies will cost you. I know, if I used an Android cell phone Google Map Voice Navigation would be free. But, it is not available yet for the iPhone.

MotionX GPS:

MotionX-GPS is for your outdoor life: Walking, Hiking, Running, Cycling, Sailing, Skiing, Flying, Racing, Geocaching.

Features include:

• Live Speed and Altitude graphs.
• Ascent / Descent and gradient information.
• Share tracks up to 5MB.
• Map Storage Interface: Downloading and storing maps is faster and easier than ever.
• MotionX Terrain and Road maps can be stored for worldwide use and no data fees.
• High contrast skin style for easy daytime viewing.
• Support for GPX file import enables wirelessly importing of GPS tracks and waypoints from any source, anywhere.

MotionX-GPS shows your position and track at all times on street, topo/terrain and satellite maps. Follow your track back to where you started and email multiple recipients with a single click your position, track, trip statistics (date, start time, elapsed time, distance traveled, average speed, etc.) and a picture taken along the way.

• iPhone 3GS magnetic compass integration.
• Access and control your iPod music directly.

MOTIONX OPEN MAPS:

• See your position and tracks anywhere in the world on fast live MotionX open topographic and road maps.
• MotionX maps can be cached for offline access and lightning fast rendering.
• Option for Course-up maps.
• Direction-up maps integrated with the digital compass for the iPhone 3GS.
• Google and Bing Road, Satellite and Hybrid maps also included, for a total of eight map choices. No other app offers a bigger selection of maps.

303 WAYPOINTS:

• Save up to 303 personal waypoints for your favorite locations like your home, end of a hike or your favorite restaurant.
• Use the MotionX TapTap® tool for easy waypoint creation.
• Post your waypoints directly to Facebook or Twitter, or email them to share using Google Maps and Google Earth.
• View coordinates in UTM, MGRS, DMS, DM, or D format.

101 TRACKS:

• Save up to 101 tracks.
• See your track in real-time with Track Up or North Up, then follow it later if you want to retrace your path.
• Post your tracks to Facebook or Twitter, or email them to share using Google Maps and Google Earth.

INTERACTIVE STOPWATCH:

• Record time, distance, speed and max speed.
• Add a photo during your activity to share the experience!

LIVE NAVIGATION:

• Use the compass for orientation in True or Magnetic bearings.
• While navigating to a waypoint you can visualize your progress and ETA.

Yesterday I went for a ride on my TerraTrike Cruiser. I activated the MotionX GPS application and recorded my trip. I road for nearly two hours with little or no battery drain on my iPhone. I love it and plan to use the software world wide by downloading maps to the iPhone.

And what I really like about the application is that I can output a GPX file, upload it to Everytrail .com and see my treks, no matter where I might be in the world.

In sum, MotionX GPS iPhone/iPad applications are the best available today and I highly recommend them.

Here is the output from my trek yesterday:

TerraTrike Trek at Starkey Park at EveryTrail

Plan your trips with EveryTrail iPhone Travel Guides