The iPad Mini WiFi Cellular GPS works without a data plan?

Vinicius Alves wrote:

So, If I buy some app, like Garmin or Tomtom, that have all the maps saved on the iPad, it will work without the data plan?

Yes.

I will not continue posting to this thread. There is so much incorrect information being posted here that it is difficult to continue without having to correct each erroneous post.

GPS is independent of cell or wifi.

GPS works with GPS satellites not with cell or wifi networks.

GPS provides the most reliable and accurate location possible.

GPS does not require a data plan.

Vinicius ~ Welcome to the Support Communities.

Vinicius Alves wrote:

Im planning to buy one iPad Mini with cellular,Im in San Francisco right now but Im from Brazil, so I do not intend to get a data plan here but I will use it as a GPS for a road trip, thats why Im asking

You don’t need a data plan/connection to use Apple's Maps app:

"...the vector graphics used in Apple Maps don't require extra downloads. You can confirm this by loading a page (choose your own location, for simplicity), and then turning the data connections off. Now try scrolling across the page: it will load. You'll be able to see detail in your surrounding area. You'll be able to zoom in and out. If you're in a car or train, you should find that you can track your travel - even plan your route, to some extent - with zero extra data. The whole of the UK is encapsulated in less than 200MB, according to data from CoPilot.

That was certainly my experience earlier this week in Korea, where on a visit to Samsung I had an iPhone running iOS 6 which had no data contract. One evening I looked at the overview of North and South Korea (it turns out Apple’s Maps offer more detail than Google does for North Korea; the latter’s is just a white blank). The next day, with zero data coverage, we were taken on a coach trip to a Samsung production facility. The phone tracked our entire journey, with street-level data including the names of shops, all the way. And all the way back. And then, later, out to the airport. All that, without getting a single extra drop of data. (...) this is all done by the vector data that came with the original download the night before." (Source)

Also see these Apple docs:

iOS 6: Understanding Location Services

Apple Q&A on Location Data

Yes.

Yes. And BobTheFisherman is absolutely correct.

You do need to download maps (or use one of the offline navigation programs like NavFree USA which is available from the App Store), but you don't need 3G or anything else to use the GPS in the iPad.

I have a WiFi iPad Mini. Testing with NavFree, I didn't any problems using it, one I downloaded the California map. The ONLY issue is that - without an external GPS receiver - the accuracy of the iPad is only reasonably accurate, and the refresh rate isn't as quick as I'd like. I found the accuracy to be within about 20 meters. Not terribly inaccurate within a city, but not accurate enough that I'd use it to geocache.

A mini-education:

GPS signals are separate from and completely unrelated to both the Internet and the cellular telephone network. GPS signals come directly from the GPS satellites. They provide signals that allow GPS receivers to calculate latitude and longitude information. Navigation software then takes that latitude/longitude info and converts it to land mass, roads, bridges, highways, buildings, 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/year). 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/4G iPad and the iPhone both have a GPS receiver. The WiFi-only iPad and the iPod do not and these devices require an accessory.

hey ckuan, I use Metroview navigation app and in the app store for the app it says that no internet connection is required as map data is stored off line within the app

Oh, goody. A mini-education repost.

Weird thing, though. I don't have a WiFi+3G/4G. I only have the WiFi iPad Mini. So, I don't have the AGPS bits. I'm sure I'm using local towers & WiFi to 'best guess' where I am. Doesn't explain how it works in 29 Palms, where there aren't any people, no WiFi sources, no cell reception and not a tower for miles, but ... whatever.

But - just so what we're all on the same "mini-education" repost:

The same person who originally posted the "mini-education" thing also posted this: "You need GPS for compass to function."

The specs for the WiFi iPad Mini notes that it's got a digital compass.

Which is it, then? Do i have the GPS because the the source of the 'mini-education' also says if I've got a digital compass I've got GPS, or do I not have GPS ... which means the source of the 'mini-education' is wrong. And IF the source of the 'mini-education' is wrong ... then I must have GPS.

In any case, reposting the 'mini-education' without full disclosure is doing a disservice to everyone who does or doesn't have GPS. Or AGPS. Or whatever. 😀

shawnebell wrote:

The same person who originally posted the "mini-education" thing also posted this: "You need GPS for compass to function."

No, that's not true.

You're obviously not interested in learning. You're here to argue. Cheers!

Yeah, actually, it IS true. Look it up. I did.

I'm very interested in learning, I'm just not interested in answers that parrot other answers without adding any content or proper reference to the discussion.

Thanks for your ... 'help' ... though! 😀

Have a nice day.

I have an iPad 3 Wifi only as well and the gps suddenly started working on it after upgrading to iOS 7. I really can't explain it either. I know my iPad doesn't have cellular abilities and isn't connected to anything.

I would often goto the maps application to look something up without getting any location (which I knew). However, one day recently (within the last two weeks) when I was on the train and looking at it, the location was actually working and moving with the train (hence not just marking my last position when I was connected to Wifi). I've used it a number of times now to use for turn by turn directions while driving.

So, its possible that the Wifi only models have the capablility and apple recently turned it on. Again, I don't know how, but proof's in the pudding because somehow my Wifi only model suddenly has gps working in all the maps apps (apple maps, google maps, maps with me, etc). Its not connected to any Wifi or gps device either.

Great news since I replaced a Nexus 7 with it and was disappointed with lack of any gps... since I have issues with turning down the right street.

jspan wrote:

I have an iPad 3 Wifi only as well and the gps suddenly started working on it...

No. You do not have GPS.

jspan wrote:

So, its possible that the Wifi only models have the capablility and apple recently turned it on.

No, it's not possible for a software update to cause the installation of hardware.

jspan wrote:

Its not connected to any Wifi or gps device either...

That means nothing. Connection is not required. It is, however, within range of identifiable WiFi systems.

Yes, I know I don't have gps technically... I'm telling you that's what I'm experiencing.

Yes, I know that hardware can't be updated with a software update.

NO, NO, NO... I'm riding on a f*ing train. In the middle of nowhere. Without connection to a Wifi. EXPLAIN THAT!!!

jspan wrote:

EXPLAIN THAT!!!

Your iPad has picked up an identifiable WiFi signal from somewhere. Not being on the train with you, I can't provide any more details. However, that's how the iPad determines location.