Discussion:
2nd attempt: Does *any* iOS app do off-trail hiking tracks with "decent" topo maps?
(too old to reply)
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 06:13:23 UTC
Permalink
Does any iOS app (free or otherwise) do this one task well?
- GPS tracking overlaid realtime on a decent USGS quadrangle map.
MotionX GPS HD, by MotionX, Version 22.0
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motionx-gps-hd/id370488535?mt=8

I hike off trail in mountainous country every day, and I really
would like to find a usable app for iOS that does at least this
ONE critical off-trail task, which is to show the current track
on a decent USGS topographical map.

I tried MotionX GPS HD, but the underlying default topographical
maps are not even close to USGS quality; but, otherwise, that app
has many hiking bells & whistles (but none of the substance) you'd
need for off-trail hiking in mountainous country.

The type of hiking I do can be shown by the ten pictures appended,
snapped today, while on a daily hike from arbitrary point A to
arbitrary point B. The slopes are often 45 degrees and tightly
spaced, such that the topography is critical; plus it's hard to
map where I've been (I use old-fashioned surveyor's tape, but
I'd prefer watching, saving, and following a KML track).

The best (so far) *USGS topo map* has been from the freeware iOS app:
Topo Reader, by Dennis Lindsey
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/topo-reader/id940309979?mt=8
So, that's the standard we will compare the apps by.

The best (so far) KML *real-time tracking* has been from the app:
Map Plus (Offline Map + GPS Track + KML Editing), by Zax
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/map-plus-offline-map-+-gps/id438868200?mt=8

Examples of a substandard underlying maps *abound* for those items
which track KML, for example, these all fail miserably on maps:
- Logger Tool, by Skiroute16 (no terrain maps)
- Tracks Logger, by Siu Yuen Ho (no terrain maps)
- Map Measure Free, by zhao guo (no terrain maps)
- GPS++, by Ewoud Wijma (crashes on iOS every time)
- SlopeTacker Ski tracking, by Bach it Solutions (no terrain maps)
- Walkwith Map My Walk, by MapMyFitness (no terrain maps)
etc.

What I'm asking about is simple:
1. Decent USGS-quality terrain maps, plus,
2. Real-time KML tracking.

Is that too much to ask?

To give you an idea of the terrain, here is just a set of pictures
from the ad-hoc hike today, although every hike is different, the
terrain is always steep and mountainous and there are no trails:
- Typical hike today 1 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 2 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 3 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 4 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 5 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 6 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 7 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 8 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 9 Loading Image...
- Typical hike today 10 Loading Image...

The question for those of you who hike off trail, is what iOS app
(free or otherwise) do you use that simply displays the current
KML track in real time on a decent USGS terrain map?
Rod Speed
2015-03-05 09:30:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Does any iOS app (free or otherwise) do this one task well?
Does it have to be all in the one app ?
Post by Adair Bordon
- GPS tracking overlaid realtime on a decent USGS quadrangle map.
MotionX GPS HD, by MotionX, Version 22.0
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motionx-gps-hd/id370488535?mt=8
I hike off trail in mountainous country every day,
Is that accurate or a bit of an exaggeration ?

I used to do it daily, but now do it every second day instead.
Post by Adair Bordon
and I really would like to find a usable app for iOS that
does at least this ONE critical off-trail task, which is to show
the current track on a decent USGS topographical map.
I tried MotionX GPS HD, but the underlying default topographical
maps are not even close to USGS quality; but, otherwise, that app
has many hiking bells & whistles (but none of the substance) you'd
need for off-trail hiking in mountainous country.
The type of hiking I do can be shown by the ten pictures appended,
snapped today, while on a daily hike from arbitrary point A to
arbitrary point B. The slopes are often 45 degrees and tightly
spaced, such that the topography is critical; plus it's hard to
map where I've been (I use old-fashioned surveyor's tape, but
I'd prefer watching, saving, and following a KML track).
Yeah, it makes no sense to not use GPS now.
Post by Adair Bordon
Topo Reader, by Dennis Lindsey
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/topo-reader/id940309979?mt=8
So, that's the standard we will compare the apps by.
Map Plus (Offline Map + GPS Track + KML Editing), by Zax
-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/map-plus-offline-map-+-gps/id438868200?mt=8
Examples of a substandard underlying maps *abound* for those items
- Logger Tool, by Skiroute16 (no terrain maps)
- Tracks Logger, by Siu Yuen Ho (no terrain maps)
- Map Measure Free, by zhao guo (no terrain maps)
- GPS++, by Ewoud Wijma (crashes on iOS every time)
- SlopeTacker Ski tracking, by Bach it Solutions (no terrain maps)
- Walkwith Map My Walk, by MapMyFitness (no terrain maps)
etc.
1. Decent USGS-quality terrain maps, plus,
2. Real-time KML tracking.
Is that too much to ask?
Nope, but its no big deal if you need to use two instead of one.
Post by Adair Bordon
To give you an idea of the terrain, here is just a set of pictures
from the ad-hoc hike today, although every hike is different, the
- Typical hike today 1 http://i59.tinypic.com/2dl4vhi.jpg
- Typical hike today 2 http://i57.tinypic.com/23gydlh.jpg
- Typical hike today 3 http://i61.tinypic.com/vn2dfa.jpg
- Typical hike today 4 http://i57.tinypic.com/9rhrhc.jpg
- Typical hike today 5 http://i62.tinypic.com/2qamebp.jpg
- Typical hike today 6 http://i60.tinypic.com/2n6x43k.jpg
- Typical hike today 7 http://i59.tinypic.com/2ih4jyf.jpg
- Typical hike today 8 http://i57.tinypic.com/dnj71w.jpg
- Typical hike today 9 http://i60.tinypic.com/213nple.jpg
- Typical hike today 10 http://i57.tinypic.com/29d9s3m.jpg
It would be more convenient if you used an album system
so we could just click on the link to the album and then
move thru the individual pictures once there.
Post by Adair Bordon
The question for those of you who hike off trail, is what iOS
app (free or otherwise) do you use that simply displays the
current KML track in real time on a decent USGS terrain map?
I don’t do it all in one app and don’t normally use topo maps either.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 12:20:48 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Does any iOS app (free or otherwise) do this one task well?
Does it have to be all in the one app ?
Having the map in one app and the track in another is like having
to use one app for email text and another for sending attachments.
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
I hike off trail in mountainous country every day,
Is that accurate or a bit of an exaggeration ?
This week it has been every day; sometimes it's every two days;
other times it's once every three or four days. The opportunity
presents itself every day; whether I do it or not depends.
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
1. Decent USGS-quality terrain maps, plus,
2. Real-time KML tracking.
Is that too much to ask?
Nope, but its no big deal if you need to use two instead of one.
I currently use 2 apps, instead of one:
1. MotionX GPS HD (to save waypoints & to generate KML tracks)
2. Topo Reader (USGS topo maps)

Since it's a *basic* need to have KML tracking on a map, I'm
shocked and dismayed that it's so hard to find on iOS.

I'll keep looking, but, there must be at least one other person
who hikes off trail on this newsgroup who has found a reasonable
answer to this most basic of basic questions:

Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
Rod Speed
2015-03-05 17:57:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Does any iOS app (free or otherwise) do this one task well?
Does it have to be all in the one app ?
Having the map in one app and the track in another is like having
to use one app for email text and another for sending attachments.
Nothing like. Much more like having an email app handle
new income emails when you are looking at your photos
etc with whatever keeps track of where you have been
and produces a KML of that in the background.
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
I hike off trail in mountainous country every day,
Is that accurate or a bit of an exaggeration ?
This week it has been every day; sometimes it's every two days;
other times it's once every three or four days. The opportunity
presents itself every day; whether I do it or not depends.
Yeah, I certainly don’t go walking in the rain, but that’s easy
for me because we don’t have all that may days like that.
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
1. Decent USGS-quality terrain maps, plus,
2. Real-time KML tracking.
Is that too much to ask?
Nope, but its no big deal if you need to use two instead of one.
1. MotionX GPS HD (to save waypoints & to generate KML tracks)
2. Topo Reader (USGS topo maps)
Since it's a *basic* need to have KML tracking on a map,
I'm shocked and dismayed that it's so hard to find on iOS.
I'm not and can see why some choose to do it like that.

In fact I do it like that myself, I use a separate app to keep track
of where I have been and a separate app to play me the podcasts
from out local national govt radio broadcaster that I listen to while
walking. I don’t always log my movements when doing that, some
of the time I am just sitting in my car waiting for a garage/yard sale
to open when I am the only one waiting. When I'm not the only one
waiting, I normally talk to the other people who are waiting.
Post by Adair Bordon
I'll keep looking, but, there must be at least one other person
who hikes off trail on this newsgroup who has found a
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
You've already been told about one, it just doesn’t have very good maps.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 20:35:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
You've already been told about one, it just doesn’t have very good maps.
I try to use the iPad not as a mere toy, but as something useful!

I think the problem I'm facing is that the hikers who use the
iPad aren't really serious hikers, so, the app that was suggested
works for them, simply because they're using it as a toy app.

By way of related analogy, I often buy gloves for when I hike,
but for me, gloves aren't a toy; they need to actually be strong.
Loading Image...

Here, for example, are long leather gloves I just bought yesterday,
already ruined, in their very first hour on the trail this morning!
Loading Image...

They are toy gloves. They look like they can do the job, and, for
people with toy jobs to accomplish, I'm sure they work; but if
you're trying to get something real done, the leather isn't up
to the task.

I think I'm finding the same thing inherently in all the known
iOS-based KML-tracking apps. They're like all these gloves I
have tried, and found lacking when put to a serious test:
Loading Image...

So, I'm always in search of serious leather work gloves.
I think we have a similar situation with the topo-tracking apps.

When I first asked, people derided me saying they're all over
the place; but when you put each one to a serious test, they
fail almost instantly being used as anything other than as a toy.

I'm in search of a serious (not toy) topo map tracking app
on iOS.
Rod Speed
2015-03-05 20:58:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
You've already been told about one, it just doesn’t have very good maps.
And you have now been told about one that has the maps you want too.
Post by Adair Bordon
I try to use the iPad not as a mere toy, but as something useful!
Sure.
Post by Adair Bordon
I think the problem I'm facing is that the hikers who use the
iPad aren't really serious hikers, so, the app that was suggested
works for them, simply because they're using it as a toy app.
I don’t buy that, its just not as well done as the latest one.
Post by Adair Bordon
By way of related analogy,
I've never been into analogys.
Post by Adair Bordon
I often buy gloves for when I hike,
Never wear them myself.
Post by Adair Bordon
but for me, gloves aren't a toy; they need to actually be strong.
http://i58.tinypic.com/2niof2v.jpg
Here, for example, are long leather gloves I just bought yesterday,
already ruined, in their very first hour on the trail this morning!
http://i60.tinypic.com/35am0av.jpg
They are toy gloves.
Nope, just not intended for what you want to do with them.
Post by Adair Bordon
They look like they can do the job, and, for people with
toy jobs to accomplish, I'm sure they work; but if you're
trying to get something real done, the leather isn't up
to the task.
There will always be different articles for any purpose.
Post by Adair Bordon
I think I'm finding the same thing inherently in
all the known iOS-based KML-tracking apps.
No you aren't.
Post by Adair Bordon
They're like all these gloves I have tried,
It doesn’t look like the latest one is.
Post by Adair Bordon
http://i59.tinypic.com/ifdbic.jpg
The ones the pros use must be available, you
just aren't looking in the right place for them.
Post by Adair Bordon
So, I'm always in search of serious leather work gloves.
You need to look at what the pros use.
Post by Adair Bordon
I think we have a similar situation with the topo-tracking apps.
I doubt it. Not that common, sure, but I just don’t believe that
they aren't available at all, particularly if you have enough of a
clue to realise that it doesn’t have to be all in the one app.
Post by Adair Bordon
When I first asked, people derided me saying they're all over
the place; but when you put each one to a serious test, they
fail almost instantly being used as anything other than as a toy.
That isn't true of the apps that do what you want in more than one app.
Post by Adair Bordon
I'm in search of a serious (not toy) topo map tracking app on iOS.
But stupidly demand that it must all be in the one app.

That drastically limits what is available, just like your
demand that no card be involved radically limits what
you can do trivially on an iDevice.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 22:09:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
You've already been told about one, it just doesn’t have very good maps.
And you have now been told about one that has the maps you want too.
Unfortunately, the maps on that suggested app are substandard, at
least upon initial inspection:
Loading Image...

However, I will test that app out, perhaps this weekend, as
tomorrow I have meetings most of the day, where I can let the team
know if the apparent lack of map detail is a problem in practice.

Until then, here is a comparison of the same location near where
I hiked today, with the freeware Topo Reader map on the left,
and the iHikeGPS map on the right, where both are zoomed in to
their max granularity:
Loading Image...

It will be a couple of days before I can test this iHikeGPS
out on a real off-trail hike; but, at this point, we still
need an iOS-based app that can do real-time tracking on maps
at least as good as the USGS maps found in the freeware
Topo Reader, by Dennis Lindsey.
Jolly Roger
2015-03-05 21:23:45 UTC
Permalink
the hikers who use the iPad aren't really serious hikers, so, the app
that was suggested works for them, simply because they're using it as
a toy app.
The ignorant insults just keep on coming, don't they?
--
E-mail sent to this address may be devoured by my ravenous SPAM filter.
I often ignore posts from Google. Use a real news client instead.

JR
Cecil Propes
2015-03-05 17:58:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
Does any iOS app (free or otherwise) do this one task well?
Does it have to be all in the one app ?
Having the map in one app and the track in another is like having
to use one app for email text and another for sending attachments.
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
I hike off trail in mountainous country every day,
Is that accurate or a bit of an exaggeration ?
This week it has been every day; sometimes it's every two days;
other times it's once every three or four days. The opportunity
presents itself every day; whether I do it or not depends.
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Adair Bordon
1. Decent USGS-quality terrain maps, plus,
2. Real-time KML tracking.
Is that too much to ask?
Nope, but its no big deal if you need to use two instead of one.
1. MotionX GPS HD (to save waypoints & to generate KML tracks)
2. Topo Reader (USGS topo maps)
Since it's a *basic* need to have KML tracking on a map, I'm
shocked and dismayed that it's so hard to find on iOS.
I'll keep looking, but, there must be at least one other person
who hikes off trail on this newsgroup who has found a reasonable
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
http://www.ihikegps.com
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 21:17:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Cecil Propes
Post by Adair Bordon
Q: What iOS app does KML tracking on a decent USGS topo map?
http://www.ihikegps.com
Perfect!

The description seems to describe *exactly* what I am looking for!
A non-toy app on the iPad for an average off-trail hiker.

Two things that actually matter seem to be covered, namely:
1. Real time tracks, and,
2. Decent maps! (http://www.ihikegps.com/usgsmaps.html)

I will pick up a new $15 iTunes gift card to test out that $8
app, & report the results back to the team.

Thank you very much for the suggestion!
Adair Bordon
2015-03-06 00:25:11 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
It would be more convenient if you used an album system
so we could just click on the link to the album and then
move thru the individual pictures once there.
In effect, this is a one-click "album" system I set up long
ago simply by making the URL below:
http://tinyurl.com/comp-mobile-ipad
http://tinyurl.com/alt-satellite-gps-garmin
http://tinyurl.com/misc.phone.mobile.iphone
etc.

Michelle isn't the only one who volunteers community service
for the better good of everyone.
Rod Speed
2015-03-06 00:33:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
It would be more convenient if you used an album system
so we could just click on the link to the album and then
move thru the individual pictures once there.
In effect, this is a one-click "album" system I set up long
http://tinyurl.com/comp-mobile-ipad
http://tinyurl.com/alt-satellite-gps-garmin
http://tinyurl.com/misc.phone.mobile.iphone
etc.
Sure, I just meant that that one would be
more convenient to use as an album too.
Post by Adair Bordon
Michelle isn't the only one who volunteers community
service for the better good of everyone.
She appears to have slashed her wrists at the
previous snide comment you made about her.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-06 00:37:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
She appears to have slashed her wrists at the
previous snide comment you made about her.
I apologize for those comments.
I hope she didn't see them.
Ed Pawlowski
2015-03-06 02:32:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Post by Rod Speed
She appears to have slashed her wrists at the
previous snide comment you made about her.
I apologize for those comments.
I hope she didn't see them.
They will be on servers for years so you can go back and check.

You seem to have a "toy" fetish though. Do you use a lot of batteries
for your pleasure?
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 21:00:39 UTC
Permalink
Yes, and you have been given information about how to do it in your
previous threads.
Hi Patty,

I appreciate all suggestions, but, if you're only using the iPad as
a toy, that suggested app works just fine; but if you're actually
using the iPad for off-trail hiking, that toy app fails instantly.

By way of analogy, take this simple trail I started building today
from this starting point high up in the hills after reconoitering
the lay of the land on foot and via the USGS topographic maps:
Loading Image...

I donned new elbow-length leather gloves, then chainsawed my way down
through the brush, which included 100-foot long poison oak thickets:
http://i58.tinypic.com/2niof2v.jpg

I then laid a rope and widened the path so that it's now a "trail":
Loading Image...

This is not a toy job, so, it requires toy clothing. For example,
I accidentally chainsawed my leg a couple of days ago, and, because
I didn't have chaps on, I was (slightly) injured in the thigh.
Loading Image...

Point is, that a chainsaw is not a toy, and therefore it requires
serious clothing, where jeans are akin to the toy apps suggested
for off-trail hiking with the iPad:
Loading Image...

Carrying the toy analogy further, if you don't see these black
marks on your clothing, then you've never been in serious poison
oak (you've just been toying around with the poison oak or ivy):
Loading Image...

All this analogy is to explain that, yes, an app was suggested, and
it was a toy app. Likewise, people suggested I search for tracking
apps, which, so far, all turned out to be iOS toy apps too.

Hence I'm still searching for a real iOS-based hiking app that simply
tracks where I am in real time on a decent topographical map.

The iOS people apparently think it's odd to want that.
Do the Garmin people think the same way?
Rod Speed
2015-03-05 21:31:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Yes, and you have been given information about how to do it in your
previous threads.
Hi Patty,
I appreciate all suggestions, but, if you're only using the iPad as
a toy, that suggested app works just fine; but if you're actually
using the iPad for off-trail hiking, that toy app fails instantly.
By way of analogy, take this simple trail I started building today
from this starting point high up in the hills after reconoitering
http://i61.tinypic.com/2vwbka0.jpg
I donned new elbow-length leather gloves, then chainsawed my way down
http://i58.tinypic.com/2niof2v.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/2z5oojn.jpg
This is not a toy job, so, it requires toy clothing. For example,
I accidentally chainsawed my leg a couple of days ago, and, because
I didn't have chaps on, I was (slightly) injured in the thigh.
http://i59.tinypic.com/f4p5om.jpg
Point is, that a chainsaw is not a toy, and therefore it requires
serious clothing, where jeans are akin to the toy apps suggested
http://i60.tinypic.com/21ccl1l.jpg
Carrying the toy analogy further, if you don't see these black
marks on your clothing, then you've never been in serious poison
http://i57.tinypic.com/2e0tdzo.jpg
All this analogy is to explain that, yes, an app was suggested, and
it was a toy app. Likewise, people suggested I search for tracking
apps, which, so far, all turned out to be iOS toy apps too.
Nope, not if you use two apps instead of one.
Post by Adair Bordon
Hence I'm still searching for a real iOS-based hiking app that simply
tracks where I am in real time on a decent topographical map.
The iOS people apparently think it's odd to want that.
Nope, they just do it using more than a single app.
Post by Adair Bordon
Do the Garmin people think the same way?
Nope, Garmin has always done stuff like that.
Sunshine
2015-03-05 22:10:37 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 5 Mar 2015 21:00:39 +0000 (UTC), Adair Bordon
Post by Adair Bordon
By way of analogy, take this simple trail I started building today
from this starting point high up in the hills after reconoitering
http://i61.tinypic.com/2vwbka0.jpg
I donned new elbow-length leather gloves, then chainsawed my way down
http://i58.tinypic.com/2niof2v.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/2z5oojn.jpg
This is not a toy job, so, it requires toy clothing. For example,
I accidentally chainsawed my leg a couple of days ago, and, because
I didn't have chaps on, I was (slightly) injured in the thigh.
http://i59.tinypic.com/f4p5om.jpg
I didn't click any of your other links, but I clicked that one. There was
less leg damage than I expected.

My question is, whose property are you chainsawing your way through?
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 22:14:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Sunshine
I didn't click any of your other links, but I clicked that one. There was
less leg damage than I expected.
My question is, whose property are you chainsawing your way through?
This isn't relevant, but the chain sawed parts of the hike go through
private property (some of which is my own), where the neighbors and I
are all in agreement that we need better trails to connect us together.

A chain saw is pretty loud, so, they *know* when I'm cutting trails
on their property!
Adair Bordon
2015-03-06 02:45:57 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
A chain saw is pretty loud, so, they *know* when I'm cutting trails
on their property!
Plus, I leave static line ropes on the steep parts, which they'd
notice if they weren't expecting them.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-05 22:28:30 UTC
Permalink
There was less leg damage than I expected.
I did say it was only a minor cut; I get much worse any time I fall
down a ravine (which is frequent, lately as these hills are extremely
steep and loose and slippery and I'm not at all cautious when I hike).

Here's a picture of the (minor) wound, which happened on my Tuesday hike:
Loading Image...

The point was that jeans and "gardening gloves" are "toy" equipment for
chainsawing a trail through heavy oak, madrone, manzanita, toyon,
ceanothus, poison oak, etc., just as the $2 app MotionX GPS HD is a
toy app, not suitable for real-time navigation through that same area:
Loading Image...

Even though the first view of the $8 iHikeGPS maps was disappointing,
what really matters is whether the real-time tracking on them is
usable in the field.

I probably won't get a chance to test that out for a couple of days,
but I'll report back to the team when I do.

In the meantime, if anyone knows of any decent iOS apps that can
track real time location on a decent USGS quality topo map, please
post the suggestion so that everyone benefits from your efforts.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-08 22:51:26 UTC
Permalink
I open the thread, but skip over the trolls now. This "not Adair" person
has joined "rod speed" in my skip-over list 8-) There was some excellent
advice offered earlier by several people.
SUMMARY:
So that others benefit from the effort, here are a dozen test results
with a screenshot at the exact same spot in every map application
(it's a spot in a ravine where streams meet that I hike all the time).
Loading Image...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topo Reader, by Dennis Lindsey
PASS: Best USGS 24K maps, limit 5 free maps
Loading Image...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
iHikeGPS USA + SE & SW Canada Topo Maps, by James Associates
KEEPER: Second best maps plus does tracking on the map itself.
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Topo Maps+, by Glacier Peak Studios LLC (older version for iOS 7.1.1 is ok)
FAIL. VERY Blurry USGS 24K topo maps without lousy zoom level.
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Trail Tracker GPS Outdoor Maps, by TapTools LLC
FAIL: no topo maps whatsoever
KEEPER: For tracking on roads by automobile
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TwoNav GPS: Tracks & Maps, by CompeGPS
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
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Backpacker Map Maker Lite, by Trimble Navigation Limited
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
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ViewRanger GPS Topo Maps, by Augmentra
FAIL: Open Street Maps
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MotionX GPS HD, by MotionX
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
KEEPER: This $2 app might work just fine on roads & has bells/whistles.
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RouteBuddy Atlas Outdoors GPS for US, by RouteBuddy LTD
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
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mAPP offline mapping app, by Looking4Cache, UG
FAIL: no topo maps
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DrawArea, by myice92
Fail: no topo maps
Keeper: For measuring acres by drawing an area on the map
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Green Trails Maps - Mapps and Viewer, by Green Trails Maps
FAIL: Maps are only for Washington & Oregon
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Adair Bordon
2015-03-08 22:58:29 UTC
Permalink
I forgot to list the prices, so I've added that to this test summary.

About a dozen free (and two payware) off-trail hiking apps were tested.
http://i60.tinypic.com/wsagyq.jpg
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FREE: Topo Reader, by Dennis Lindsey
PASS: Best USGS 24K maps, limit 5 free maps (too bad it doesn't do tracking)
http://i57.tinypic.com/a1sbrd.jpg
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PAY $8: iHikeGPS USA + SE & SW Canada Topo Maps, by James Associates
KEEPER: Second best maps plus does tracking on the map itself.
http://i62.tinypic.com/sqmtci.jpg
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FREE: Topo Maps+, by Glacier Peak Studios LLC
FAIL. VERY Blurry USGS 24K topo maps with lousy zoom level.
http://i58.tinypic.com/1ok2hh.jpg
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FREE: Trail Tracker GPS Outdoor Maps, by TapTools LLC
FAIL: no topo maps whatsoever
KEEPER: For tracking on roads by automobile
http://i58.tinypic.com/25red81.jpg
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FREE: TwoNav GPS: Tracks & Maps, by CompeGPS
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
http://i59.tinypic.com/mkep2s.jpg
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FREE: Backpacker Map Maker Lite, by Trimble Navigation Limited
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
http://i58.tinypic.com/1ptg9i.jpg
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FREE: ViewRanger GPS Topo Maps, by Augmentra
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
http://i62.tinypic.com/velwzd.jpg
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PAY $2: MotionX GPS HD, by MotionX
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
KEEPER: This $2 app might work just fine on roads & has bells/whistles.
http://i61.tinypic.com/15hli8.jpg
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FREE: RouteBuddy Atlas Outdoors GPS for US, by RouteBuddy LTD
FAIL: Open Street/Cycle Maps which are useless for off-trail navigation.
http://i58.tinypic.com/wl63c.jpg
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FREE: mAPP offline mapping app, by Looking4Cache, UG
FAIL: no topo maps
http://i58.tinypic.com/2ic5qh1.jpg
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FREE: DrawArea, by myice92
Fail: no topo maps
Keeper: For measuring acres by drawing an area on the map
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FREE: Green Trails Maps - Mapps and Viewer, by Green Trails Maps
FAIL: Maps are only for Washington & Oregon
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Adair Bordon
2015-03-08 23:10:36 UTC
Permalink
As always, to give back to the team, here's a quick summary of keepers:
Loading Image...
Adair Bordon
2015-03-09 00:25:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
http://i62.tinypic.com/2ptar0x.jpg
I just (very belatedly) found the answer to the initial question!

Nobody noticed, but, this is perhaps the best free app for the initial
stated task (which was to find freeware that did at last the two things
that the freeware Google MyTracks does on Android):

Freeware iOS Trail Tracker GPS Outdoor Maps:
1. Uses the same maps as the Android freeware Google MyTracks, and,
2. Breadcrumbs your track as a KML file (just like MyTracks does).
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FREE: Trail Tracker GPS Outdoor Maps, by TapTools LLC
KEEPER: Uses Google Terrain maps (which are not as good as USGS but ok)
KEEPER: Breadcrumbs on the terrain map.
Loading Image... <== zoomed into the same spot as before
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pretty much, the free TapTools Trailtracker is at least a 1:1 replacement
for the free Google MyTracks.

It even TALKS to you (heh heh, take that you $2 MotionX GPS HD!).
Adair Bordon
2015-03-09 12:49:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Nobody noticed, but, this is perhaps the best free app for the initial
stated task (which was to find freeware that did at last the two things
By way of contrast, the best comparison Android app appears to be:
1. Unlimited USGS 24K topo maps (zoom level is infinite)
2. KML tracking
3. Bearing/distance/elevation to a given waypoint

FREE: BackCountry Nav Topo Maps GPS, by CritterMap Software LLC
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator&hl=en

So, these seem to be the best for free on the two platforms.
I wish I knew this when I had started, but, now anyone can start where
I am now after a week of research.
Adair Bordon
2015-03-09 14:12:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
So, these seem to be the best for free on the two platforms.
I'm still testing, but, so far, these seem to be the best on iOS:
http://i62.tinypic.com/2ptar0x.jpg

And, these seem to be the best free off-trail map apps on Android:
Loading Image...

If you know of better off-trail hiking apps that do the 3 things,
let us know as now is the time to test 'em out together:

1. USGS 24K maps (with decent zoom) [Google terrain is ok, OSM stink]
2. Tracking (preferably with KML output)
3. Bearing/distance/elevation to a given waypoint
Adair Bordon
2015-03-09 22:05:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
http://i62.tinypic.com/2ptar0x.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2cnzggz.jpg
Ran a test of both the Android and iOS trackers today.
Here's a quick summary of just the iOS trackers.

iOS:
x. Trail Tracker was a bust. A huge failure. But, I'm not sure why.

Trail Tracker had so much promise because it does everything,
in theory, that you want, for free.
a. Decent maps (Google Terrain) & shows current location
b. KML tracking
c. Route to destination

However, it is an app with an idiotic quirk, which makes it so that
it can *never* be relied upon to work when you need it.

Apparently it *requires* a network, momentarily, to start tracking;
but, once it checks something on the network, it no longer needs
the network to start, stop, save, and start tracking anew.

However, one you kill the Trail Tracker program, then it will
only view maps and your current location; but it will *never*
start tracking again, until/unless you connect to the network
at least so that it can check something.

The error you get is relatively clear:
"Couldn't check upgrade status. Please check your Internet
connection and try again".

So, while Trail Tracker was the best freeware that could be
found on iOS (because it had the best free maps, being Google
Terrain maps and it tracked and it saved a waypoint and routed
to that waypoint), it's *almost* useless because you can *never*
depend on it working.

x. MapPlus started and saved tracks easily and intuitively emailed
the KML files out.

x. MotionX GPS HD started & saved tracks easily & intuitively, &
emailed results automatically (as a table, GPX, and KMZ file).

x. iHikeGPS (forgot to start it so it wasn't tested in this pass.)
Adair Bordon
2015-03-11 04:33:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
The question for those of you who hike off trail, is what iOS app
(free or otherwise) do you use that simply displays the current
KML track in real time on a decent USGS terrain map?
I tested the $8 iHikeGPS and the trialware Trail Tracker over the past
couple of days. Here is what I found out...

iHikeGPS: $8
- This was the most expensive app tested, at $8, and it had the most
promise. The USGS 24K maps are ok (not the best definition but certainly
good enough). The bearing to a given point is good. The ability to
set waypoints from photos very nice.

The one oddity of the program is the way it handles track. Yes, track.
Singular. The app doesn't have the concept of tracks. It's just one
track, with multiple segments, which can span days.

It's an odd GUI and I haven't gotten the hang of it yet. I really wish
it handled tracks (plural). But, it can't. The best you can do is save
track segments to a "route", which, I guess is the same thing only
different. I'm still getting used to this use model.

Trail Tracker: trialware
- The map is Google Terrain, which is usable (but not as good as USGS 24K).
The zoom level is far less than iHikeGPS and further less than Map Plus.
Trail Tracker *requires* an Internet connection to start, so that's a bust.
At least it saves multiple tracks, but it actually saves them as separate
maps with tracks on them. Weird concept but it works OK.
It talks to you (distance, speed, time, etc.) and has lots of settings.
But it doesn't do much (e.g., it can't tell you bearing & distance to
a waypoint, and it can't even save waypoints).
Adair Bordon
2015-03-13 07:48:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by Adair Bordon
Trail Tracker: trialware
UPDATE on Trail Tracker...

When the trial period ended today, Trail Tracker just died.
Zero functionality.

No sense in paying for it since it had *less* functionality when it
was in the trial period than the freeware Map Plus app does.

And, it had a lot less functionality than the MotionX GPS HD payware
did (before I deleted it after buying it).

So, this post is just to say forget about Trail Tracker; it's a waste
of time and effort and energy.
Tony Cito
2015-03-27 03:08:48 UTC
Permalink
So, this post is just to say forget about Trail Tracker; it's a waste of
time and effort and energy.
I create the KML tracks on Android or iOS and then view on Google Earth
with a USGS topographic map overlay on the PC.
=========================================================================
How to view KML tracks on a topographic map on Google Earth on the PC:

0. Download the entire USA USGS topographic map for Google Earth:
Go to http://www.earthpoint.us/TopoMap.aspx
Press the "View on Google Earth" button
This will Download "EarthPointTopoMap_024802.kml"
Save as: /tmp/EarthPointTopoMap_024802.kml

1. Load the USA USGS topographic map into Google Earth on the PC:
$ googleearth /tmp/EarthPointTopoMap_024802.kml & (this didn't work)
$ googleearth &
GoogleEarth: File > Open > /tmp/EarthPointTopoMap_024802.kml
GoogleEarth: View > Sidebar

2. Select the Earth Point Topo Map USGS Quandrangles:
GoogleEarth: Places > Earth Point Topo Map > USGS Quadrangles

3. Load your KML track which will now topographically show on GE:
GoogleEarth: File > MyTrack.kml
=========================================================================
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