iPad maps

Do you have a WiFi Only model of iPad, or WiFi+Cellular?

Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GPS - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.

WiFi Only models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate. 

When Location Services are deriving location using WiFi and network addresses, apparent location changes will experience considerable latency.

All this has significant implications for non-static mapping applications. If you need to have moving maps, or have future flexibility to do so, you’ll need to consider a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad. Choosing a cellular model does not commit you to adding a cellular service plan for the iPad, but ensures that you have immediate access to GPS/GNSS positioning services.

Unlike iPhone models, of which all have GNSS/GPS capabilities, only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have the necessary chipset for satellite derived position derivation.

If you have a WiFi-Only model iPad - and require accurate GPS-derived location - your available options are:

• Substitute your WiFi Only iPad for a WiFi+Cellular model; this does not commit you to provisioning Cellular service for your iPad, but does provide the needed GPS functionality for the iPad.
• Add an external GPS receiver to your WiFi Only iPad. These are often used in marine, aviation and vehicular applications - and can be either directly connected via Lightning or via Bluetooth. Their are various third-party manufacturers, of which two are BadElf and Garmin Glo.

Footnote:

Many iPad owners choose a WiFi+Cellular model iPad - not because they have any intention of ever using Cellular communications, but instead to specifically benefit from accurate GNSS/GPS location services.

As far as i know, iPhones have generally better gps systems because it is used more than iPad applications. So your iPad may take time to update your location rather than your iPhone. It also depends on motion in your iPhone