Will ipad give directions in Europe?

Without cellular service you cannot triangulate between towers, nor receive satelite data for GPS. Location service works when you have a WiFi signal, but if you are traveling around it is not likely that will be the case.

Even with an iPhone you still need to be receiving cell data to get the loaction.

A rental GPS would be the best bet if you plan on turning off the cell data service.

When you rent your car ask for a SatNav. You will get very poor location info via Wi-Fi.

The gps will work no matter where you are. Regarding the maps. I think that the Apple (default) maps app can cache maps if you browse the locations you will visit before you leave. Otherwise I would recommend an app for which you can download maps for particular places. In case you need internet, you can always buy prepaid sim-cards (for instance 1 GB).

I second that. Tried disabling wifi and cellular, and it still works. Enabling wifi only improves accuracy.

glovere wrote:

I can use my ipad in US to find where I am and get directions to another location. The ipad has both wifi and cellular capabilities. When I take it to Europe next week, the cellular will be turned off. Will it work the same? Is it using local wifi sites to position itself or does it work like my mobile GPS device, with the satellites. If it uses just wifi, then it probably won't work in the country? Any insights into how ipads locate themselves would be appreciated. Am also taking an ipod touch. Any info on their differences would also be appreciated.

thanks much, in advance,

Location services and navigation will work using only GPS. Wifi and cell data are not required. As long as your iPad can see the GPS satellites it will work.

Ralph Landry1 wrote:

Without cellular service you cannot triangulate between towers, nor receive satelite data for GPS. Location service works when you have a WiFi signal, but if you are traveling around it is not likely that will be the case.

Even with an iPhone you still need to be receiving cell data to get the loaction.

A rental GPS would be the best bet if you plan on turning off the cell data service.

A cellular iPad works the same as a "rental GPS" so getting a "rental GPS" would be redundant. A cellular iPad has a GPS receiver and works with GPS satellites for location and navigation. Cell data and wifi are not required.

Chamar wrote:

When you rent your car ask for a SatNav. You will get very poor location info via Wi-Fi.

The original poster has GPS in his iPad. Renting SatNav would be redundant and of no value. His iPad can do the same thing.

I agree. GPS itself uses triangulation from satellites (height, 2D position and timestamps). Cellular or wifi is not necessary as long as you have any maps downloaded.

There are a multitude of apps which provides this service and renting a SatNav is definitely not necessary in this case. Even Apple maps can cache maps.

Sounds like a great plan, fully covered and a backup in place...have a great trip.

glovere wrote:

I took this question to the Apple Store in Reston, VA today. Here's what I got from them:

1. iPad mini does have GPS, but it only works along w/ a cellular connection.

2. In Europe, my Verizon plan would not be of use - unless I worked some new deal w/ Verizon before going.

3. Use of the Apple map app would only work if I had an internet connection.

4. I should get a micro sim card for my ipad when I get to Europe. That way I would have GPS along w/ internet connection for the use of the Apple map app.

Thanks for all of your comments. I'm going to take my GPS along with all of my "i" products and find out for myself in Amserdam next week.

You got incorrect information from the Apple store.