Gaia GPS can use external GPS devices such as the Dual Electronics XGPS and Bad Elf. This is especially useful for users that have devices without built in GPS chips, such as Wifi-only iPads. External GPS devices can also provide greater accuracy and frequency than the built-in GPS.
Android devices connect to external GPS devices in different ways. When pairing your device with an external GPS, we suggest reviewing device-specific instructions.
1) We use the best signal - The device will switch back and forth between the internal and external GPS, based on whichever source has the best signal.
2) Pairing - Download the companion apps for these devices that confirm that the devices have properly connected.
- Companion app for the Dual Electronics XGPS (iOS and Android): https://www.dualgpssolutions.com/status-tool-apps
- Companion app for the Bad Elf (iOS only): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bad-elf-gps/id391764718?mt=8
Please note: if you are getting a "Bad Coordinates" message from Gaia GPS, please check to make sure Bluetooth is turned on in the settings of your device.
Note: Garmin devices (such as the Garmin inReach) may have issues pairing with iPads. Because of this, these devices are not recommended for use as external GPS receivers in conjunction with Gaia GPS.
For more information, view Garmin's support documentation: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=yMIyFe5Umn8Ou07OsrYrkA
Comments
8 comments
For what it is worth, I am using a Dual XGPS160 with my WiFi only ipad, works great and have yet to have any issues with the Gaia app. Well worth the investment on the components to make a solid GPS set-up.
Assuming you have no internet and are totally relying on the XPGS, do you get a clear picture when you zoom in?
I use UTM's instead of lon/lat. I notice that both the Dual XGPS and Bad Elf can't be set to display UTM. Will UTM still be displayed and recorded on Gaia?
@Lucifur
Yes, you can still view UTM coordinates in Gaia GPS by:
@Nathan
Great! I'm glad the conversion is automatic according to my set-up....
Thanks!
Anyone have any experience using a Garmin 64s to bluetooth GPS information to and Ipad using Gaia?
@ninemmbill
Thanks for posting.
Using a Bluetooth connection you can use the GPS signal from your Garmin 64s within Gaia GPS. After pairing your Garmin 64s with your iPad, Gaia GPS will automatically use GPS signal from your Garmin if it is stronger than the signal from your iPad's internal GPS receiver.
UPDATE June 5, 2019
It is unclear if Garmin devices will send location information to 3rd party apps like Gaia GPS. Please contact Garmin Support for information about the model you are using.
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/
Thanks, it seems to be working fine, just a little lag with the position updating but not bad.
Article is closed for comments.