Why does my gps on my new iPad Pro 11 - wifi not work while at sea?
gps only works on land!!!
I was told when I purchased iPad that gps would work while sailing at sea for navigation
iPad Pro, iOS 13
iPads with cellular radio have GPS.
Wifi only ipads use a database of wifi hotspots to give you an approximate location.
Sorry the Staples people were unaware of this.
As others have already commented, the WiFi-Only iPad models do not have any built-in GPS capabilities - but are entirely dependent upon (a) lookup of WiFi networks against a database of networks with known geographic locations and (b) lookup of your public network IP Address.
If you have a need for GPS on an iPad, you should always purchase the Cellular model - whether you intend to use the Cellular capabilities of the iPad or not. Unfortunately, Apple have never clearly publicised this to purchasers, such as you, who often only discover this the hard way. Most retailers also seem to lack adequate competence in accurately representing goods to customers!
If you can, I’d recommend returning your WiFi iPad to the retailer to seek replacement with a WiFi & Cellular model. If this is not possible, all is not lost - as you can use an external GPS receiver with your iPad. Here is a website to get you started:
https://ipadpilotnews.com/2019/12/how-to-choose-the-best-gps-ipad/
I hope you find this to be helpful in resolving your difficulties.
Skydiver119 wrote:
In addition to that, cellular only goes so far out to sea. So even a cellular ipad will only work for GPS close to shore (however many miles a cell signal works)
The only GPS that works everywhere is a real one that communicates with satellites
Cellular iPads do have "real" GPS that communicates with satellites. Like phones, they cellular and WiFi networks to speed up location acquisition and to improve accuracy when the GPS signal is weak. But, the iPad can still get a location even if there is no WiFi or cellular network available.
iPads with wifi only don't have GPS.
In addition to that, cellular only goes so far out to sea. So even a cellular ipad will only work for GPS close to shore (however many miles a cell signal works)
The only GPS that works everywhere is a real one that communicates with satellites
The whole assisted-GPS can be quite confusing. Pair it with the lack of actual GPS in the non-cellular iPads and it becomes even more confusing. ;-)
Johnathan ,thank you thank you for responding
Wow, we were very explicit with the sales representative at staples when we were purchasing new iPad advising that we required an iPad that would provide gps while sailing at sea and they advised this iPad Pro 11 wifi was the most suitable iPad for this! We believed him
now this iPad is of zero use to us !!!
Thank you for correcting me.
iPad Pro 11 - gps only works on land not at sea
