Updated Page Topo Maps in Products

Note: If you are in the wilderness where you don't have communications (3G or WIFI) you must download maps in advance.

iPhone | Android | Geocaching | Glossary | Links | topo maps

   Rating 1-5  (xxx) - number of reviews
iPhone
Note: WIFI-only iPads do not have a GPS chip.

The compass app in iPhones shows longitude and latitude.


 - Gaia GPS - Offline Topo Maps and GPS Tracker  4.8 (4.65K) $19.99
  National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps
    Gaia GPS provides Satellite imagery and OpenCycleMaps in addition to USGS.

     -  AllTrails Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails, GPS Tracker, & Offline Topo Maps   4.9 (201K) $50 for PRO-
     
- PeakVisor 4.6 (1.15k)

- PeakFinder 4.7 (1.2k)

- Hiking Project 4.7 (941)

- Topo Maps for iPhone and iPad  4.2 (68) $7.99
   Easier to learn and use but provides only USGS and NRCan maps


 
      
 Earthmate DeLorem  2.9 (73)

For adventure and travel, I'd go with Gaia GPS. The additional maps on Gaia GPS gives users a lot more versatility and accuracy; plus the ease and speed of map downloads over MotionX wins me over. However Gaia takes longer to learn.

AdventureAlan.com says, Gaia GPS provides Satellite imagery and OpenCycleMaps in addition to USGS, and has a richer set of features, but takes longer to learn to use. For a user who wants the most complete set of functionality and the best selection of map sources, this is the best available app for the US and Canada.

Apple Store genius recommends NAVIGON MobileNavigator | a Garmin company. 3.5 (1,252)

Hiking Apps: iPad/iPhone Apps AppGuide

Note: Turn the GPS off when not in use.  It drains the battery.
  If Tracking is off and the app is in the foreground when the iPhone is put to sleep,
  quite a few of the apps  tested incurred a battery drain of between 2 and 7% per hour.
  Optimal battery performance is at 68°F.  Avoid overheating or extreme cold.
  
  See Geocachng apps below

  
Android:
2012 Summary
 - Topo Map, Hiking Trails, Satellite Map | gaiagps.com

 - Locus Map Pro 4.8 (8,230) $4.49
 - Locus Map Free 4.4 (14,200)
 - BackCountry Navigator PRO GPS  4.5 (2,489) $9.99 
 - AlpineQuest GPS Hiking (Lite) 4
 - AlpineQuest GPS Hiking   4.5 (618) $7.99
  - Backpacker GPS Trails Lite (play.google.com) 4.5 (2,067) Pro $4.99
    See also (www.backpacker.com/android-app)
 - My Tracks  (www.google.com/mobile/mytracks/) 4.4 (76,730)
   See also www.google.com/mobile/mytracks/
 - AllTrails - Hiking & Biking  4.9  (201K)  
 
 - MapMyHike GPS Hiking 4.4 (667)
   
 -  With Google maps you can select "Make available offline" in the menu to save a map.
    I noticed that they now have some trails (e.g. the PCT) and even ski runs.

See Geocachng apps below

My Tracks:
Free. Android only. Runs in Airplane (no voice no data) mode. Carry extra batteries. Jeff
My Tracks www.google.com/mobile/mytracks/ Description:
My Tracks records your path, speed, distance, and elevation while you walk, run, bike, or do anything else outdoors. While recording, you can view your data live, annotate your path, and hear periodic voice announcements of your progress.
With My Tracks, you can store your tracks with Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Fusion Tables, or Google Spreadsheets, or export your tracks to external storage. With Google Drive, you can also sync your tracks, share tracks with friends, and see the tracks your friends have shared with you. With Google Maps, you can share the map url with friends via Google+, Facebook, Twitter, etc. With export to external storage, you can select GPX, KML, CSV, or TCX format.
My Tracks uses the GPS sensor in your device to record geographic and velocity statistics, but the app also syncs with third-party biometric sensors, including:
- Zephyr HxM Bluetooth heart rate monitor
- Polar WearLink Bluetooth heart rate monitor
- ANT+ heart rate and speed distance monitors (these require an ANT+ compatible phone)

Google - My Activity shows where you've been

Most apps will interface with http://www.geocaching.com You should get a login there, which is free, to see the longitude and latitude.

Geocaching App from geocaching.com (Groundspeak Inc.): iPhone/iPad | Android 4.1 (9,690) $9.99

List of 3rd party apps with links to Geocaching.com
  iPhone: Geo Bucket, Looking4Caache
  Android: NeonGeo, CaheBox, CacheMaid, Locus, A;Drake, CacheSense, Geooh Live, GDAK Android: (There were 50 geocaching apps listed.)
Following are those with a review scores of 4.4 or higher.
Some apps require an account on geocaching.com
Locus - addon GeoGet Database 4.7 (401)
c:geo 4.6 (15,500)
GCC - GeoCache Calculator 4.6 (910) free
CacheSense 4.3 (179) $5 (Recommended in top 5 below)
Neongeo 4.4 (500) $4.26
Hintdecoder for Geocaching 4.9 (9) free
Locus - addon GeoGet Database 4.7 (401)

Geocache placer 4.4 is a tool for Geocachers, who wants to place their own Geocache, with a very precise position. By averaging many positions you will get a position with a +/- 2 meters / +/-6 ft.
That's BS. It averages over a minute or so, but when you take readings 90 minutes apart (recommended time for significant change in satellites) the averages will vary by 20-40ft.)

Top Five Android Geocaching Apps | Its Not About The Numbers

iPhone/iPad:
Note: WIFI-only iPads do not have a GPS chip.
The compass app in iPhones shows longitude and latitude.

Geocaching With Your iPhone: iPad/iPhone Apps AppGuide
iGeoCacher 4+ $4.99
Geocaching with Geosphere 4+ (24) $7.99
Geocaching Buddy 4+ $7.99

Top 5 iPhone Apps For Geocaching | Its Not About The Numbers
Geocaching 4+ (1,850) $9.99
Geocaching with Geosphere 4+ (24) $7.99
Looking4Cache Pro 4+ $8.99
iGeoKnife 4+ $3.99

Top

Sat Jun 29, 2013 . Posted by: "David Thofern" dave.thofern
There are map apps that allow you to download maps onto your phone and use them without a cellular connection. Two of my favorites are MotionX-GPS and Topo Maps. MotionX has many of the functions of a dedicated gps unit such as tracking, odometer, elevation gain/loss, etc. Topo Maps allows you to download USGS topo maps to your phone and see exactly where you are on the map. Combine this with a paper USGS map and locating where you are on the map is made simpler.

Links:
14 best hiking apps | Atlas & Boots
- How to use your Smartphone as the Best Backpacking GPS - Adventure Alan
- How to use the iPhone 4 as a GPS mapping device for backpacking | AdventureAlan.com Oct. 2012
Best Hiking GPS Apps | about.com
The Best GPS Apps for iPhone | PCMag.com
6 essential iPhone apps for your hike - USATODAY.com 2012
Hiking Apps: iPad/iPhone Apps | AppGuide
Map coordinate Systems
GPS's in Products
Geocaching in Recreation