Exploring off the beaten track is like nothing else, but that doesn’t mean that you want to get lost in the middle of nowhere.
Modern technology has made navigating anywhere on the planet really easy. When navigating off-road you may want to consider using a Tablet computer. Tablets have larger screen sizes which can make it simple to identify key landmarks.
Overland navigation should mean that you won’t ever find yourself scratching your head wondering where you are. So do you need a tablet for overland navigation? Well, let’s find out.
Reasons to Use a Tablet for Overland Navigation
Navigating on main roads is difficult enough, with smooth roads, and signposts to guide you. Satellite navigation has made on-road navigation much easier and less stressful. Standard satellite navigation systems such as tomtom aren’t really suitable for overland navigation since they include very little information about off-road landmarks and features, these are designed for use only on the road. But there are plenty of reasons why you would want to use a tablet for overland navigation, these include:
- Simplify Navigation – You already have plenty to think about when driving off-road, a tablet can offer voice prompts and warn you about any parts of the course which could cause you danger.
- Large screen – Tablets are available in 7 inch, 10 inch, and 12-inch screen sizes. The large screen size is very useful since you can zoom in and out to take a look at different features. The tablet should identify where lakes, and rivers are. By zooming you can plan your route through the terrain you are trying to navigate.
- Easier than a Map Book – Trying to handle a large-scale map while driving is dangerous and very difficult. It will be much easier to plot a route through the area on a tablet.
- Maps can be updated – Unlike printed map books, it’s very straightforward to update the maps and install new areas and regions. Even if you are planning an international holiday, you can download mapping data for the country you are visiting and take your tablet with you.
Repurposing an Old Tablet
If you, like many other people around the country, have an unused tablet gathering dust or cluttering up a drawer, then you might consider using this. Reset your tablet to factory defaults and check that everything works as expected. You will also want to check that the tablet has a GPS navigation chip. You can browse through the settings of the tablet to see if it includes GPS navigation. A simple way to check:
- Apple tablets – If you have an iOS tablet then it’s very easy to find out if it has GPS navigation. Take a look at the outside. If it is a cellular model and has a Simcard slot then it will have GPS navigation. On the other hand, if it’s a wifi only iPad then it won’t have GPS, and so won’t be suitable for navigation.
- Android Tablets – Checking whether an android tablet has GPS will be more complicated since there are so many different types of android tablets available. The easiest way is to read the specifications of the model of tablet you plan on using. Otherwise, another fairly easy way is to install a GPS application on your tablet. Take it outside and see whether or not it is capable of locking onto any of the GPS satellites.
It’s always better to try to re-use a tablet you already have, than having to buy a new one. But you do need to check that it is suitable for overland navigation. If the tablet you already have isn’t suitable for navigation, then you will need to buy a new one.
What to Look for When Choosing a Tablet for Navigation
When you are choosing a tablet for overland navigation you will want to be on the lookout for a few different features which may be useful. Consider the following:
- Screen Size – Tablets are available in a few different sizes. Generally the larger the screen, the more real estate you have for displaying the mapping data. Some tablets also have a split-screen feature where you can display two apps side by side, in which case the larger the screen the better.
- Cellular Connectivity – Tablets that have a Simcard slot can connect to the cellular LTE network. This is helpful since they can download new maps while you are out. It’s also possible to use a cellular tablet to send a text message or make a phone call just in case you need help or assistance. – Cellular tablets will be more expensive than wifi-only tablets, so consider whether or not you need this feature.
- GPS Chip – Almost all phones have GPS navigation built-in, but tablets are not like this. You need to read up on the specs of the tablet to check that it features GPS.
- Bluetooth – Bluetooth is a nice feature you will want to have on a tablet since it can be used to connect to your car’s entertainment system. You can use this to play music through your car’s speakers and listen to any directions.
- Charging Port – If you are using an Android tablet then if at all possible try to choose a tablet that has a USB C port for charging. These are much more reliable than the older micro-USB ports. If you are using an Apple tablet then the lightning connector will be fine for in-car use.
- Storage Size – Make sure that the tablet has plenty of storage space, this is especially important if you are considering using offline navigation. With Android tablets, it is normally possible to add a microSD memory card, but Apple Ipads cannot have their storage upgraded.
Offline Navigation
Even if you choose a tablet that has a cellular connection, it’s wise to choose an app that supports offline navigation. Offline simply means that the maps are downloaded directly to your device so that even if you don’t have a cell phone signal, you can still get around using the GPS satellite connection which is almost always available.
You might also find it is a lot cheaper to buy a wifi-only tablet and use offline only maps. This may however mean that you will have to update the maps or install new maps on a regular basis. Depending on the app you are using, you may have to pay additional fees to purchase new map regions.
Apps like Google Maps are ideal for a free mapping solution on an android tablet. However, be aware that this is aimed mainly at on-road navigation. It may be possible to use this as there is an active community in some areas where proposed offroad routes are suggested by members.
Apple or Android Tablet for Overland Navigation
So by now, you have hopefully decided that a tablet is the best solution for overland navigation. But what type of tablet should you choose? Apple, Android, or Windows? Well the choice is normally up to you, but you will probably want to avoid windows based tablets, these could potentially be used, but have features you won’t want and are also more expensive and complicated.
Either Apple iOS tablets or Android tablets are perfectly suited for use in off-road vehicles for navigation. The large screen size is perfect and it makes it very simple to zoom in and out to try to get your bearings. Whichever tablet you choose, you must make sure it has a GPS chip. This isn’t standard on all tablets. If you are looking at an iPad then you will want to make sure you are selecting a cellular model, these have built-in GPS.
It is possible to add GPS navigation to some tablets using a dongle that is plugged into the tablet. However, it will be a much easier and simpler option to buy a tablet that already has GPS built-in. Working out which GPS receivers are compatible with which tablets can be very confusing.
Safely Mounting a Tablet in your Vehicle
As with everything, safety is the number one priority. Putting a tablet into your vehicle to use while offroading might seem like a great idea, but it must be done carefully and safely. Trying to balance a tablet on your dashboard is pretty unsafe since it can slide all over the place and be a distraction. The tablet must be mounted securely using a specialist tablet mount. As tablets are heavier than cell phones, it’s not really a good idea to support these on the air vents of your vehicle. Instead, you should secure the brackets onto your dash using either adhesive pads or by drilling and fixing. Then install a charging cable and route this to the cigarette lighter, or USB port in your vehicle.
A tablet will make overland navigation much easier and simpler. Tablets are not an expensive purchase and you will quickly discover what a good investment one is. The large screen and detailed maps will make navigating while driving offroad much easier and more straightforward. What’s more, should you ever get stranded or break down you can use the tablet to call for help and watch TV while you are waiting to be rescued. Take a look at some suitable tablets for overland navigation today.
