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iPad2 GPS

Hi

I plan to use my iPad2 WiFi as a navigation plotter when sailing on my Yacht - does the iPad include a GPS so that it knows where it is when not in range of WiFi or 3G.

Thanks

MurrayK@W

iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Feb 4, 2012 8:53 PM

Reply
59 replies

Feb 4, 2012 9:10 PM in response to MurrayK@W

Short answer is yes. You need to understand that iPad uses wifi and/or 3G to first triangulate off of cell towers BEFORE handing off the signal to GPS satellite systems. End result will be slower link times without wifi and 3G. Also you will need to install mapping app because map software like Google Maps rely on wifi and 3G to first connect to their servers regardless of GPS signal.


Read more here ..... http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4995


Good luck and I wish I had a yacht.

Feb 4, 2012 9:16 PM in response to Mobile Blues

Well that's nice Mobile Blues, but not very accurate. The OP stated he has a Wifi version iPad. Wifi only iPads, do not have a GPS chip, which is only included in the 3G chip. Now, if he has satellite access to wifi on his yacht, he'd have location services, but not true GPS. Here are some links the OP might want to read....


The iPad 2 Wifi does not have a GPS. The GPS capability is part of the 3G chipset, and is only present in the 3G iPads.

The iPad DOES have a digital compass

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/


The iPad 2 Wifi DOES have location services. It just doesn't use cellular/GPS data to find locations-just wi-fi where available.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4084

Feb 4, 2012 9:29 PM in response to MurrayK@W


GPS signals are separate from and completely unrelated to WiFi, 3G and the Internet. GPS signals come directly from the GPS satellites. They provide latitude and longitude information to GPS receivers. Navigation software then takes that latitude/longitude info and converts it to land mass, roads, bridges, highways, buildings, rivers, oceans, Angelina Jolie, etc.


Most navigation software stores the maps right in the iPad/iPod/iPhone but a disadvantage is that the maps must be periodically updated (perhaps once every two years). The Internet is not required to use the system but it is required to update the maps.


Some navigation software gets the maps from the Internet and requires an Internet connection to function but an advantage is that the maps are always up-to-date.


The WiFi+3G iPad and the iPhone both have a GPS receiver. The WiFi-only iPad and the iPod do not and these devices require an accessory as described in my previous post.


Feb 4, 2012 9:39 PM in response to lobsterghost1

rbrylawski wrote:


Philly_Phan wrote:


rbrylawski wrote:


ETA: Um, I don't have one either......but since we've offered to help the OP, don't you think he should invite us on his outing??

Now, don't beg... He's taking me!

Well as your buddy, you should invite me, don't you think?!

Well, we were best buds but then you wouldn't take me on the yacht!

iPad2 GPS

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