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Resolved Question

Query about GPS usage abroad

by Jun 13, 2013 2:24AM PDT

Hi, I am embarking on an 800-mile cycle across France from Nice to Calais on Monday 17th June. I am raising money for Sport Relief and I live in the UK. I use an app on my iPhone called Strava to track my rides here in the UK, and I would love to be able to do this across France. However, I am not willing to pay anything. I have read that iPhones use assisted GPS for instant results but they DO work using normal GPS (or so I believe, I may be wrong) which I have also read as being free of charge all over the world.

My question is, if I turn off mobile data and WiFi in France, but use the app to record my ride (also, do I need signal for this?) without needing the actual map (as I have a physical map), i.e. so all that you can see on my phone is the blue dot on a grey screen, will this work (I would be uploading it once I reach WiFi spot at the end of my ride) and will it be free?

Many thanks.


Read more: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/forums/24/mobile-phone-help/4235640/query-about-gps-usage-abroad/#ixzz2W78Dq7Oo

Discussion is locked

tomtracey12 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
9 Posts
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Clarification Request
You can experiment .....
by birdmantd Forum moderator Jun 13, 2013 2:39AM PDT

....by turning off all cellular data before going on your trip and viewing the results.

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I did this.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 13, 2013 3:11AM PDT

I have a GPS TRACKER app on my phone and did some trips and the log results are fine even without a data connection. The tracks update when I get near WiFi, turn on my cellular or in one case when cellular coverage came back.
Bob

Best Answer

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GPS....
by Forum moderator Jun 13, 2013 2:37AM PDT

.....will work, even without a cellular data connection. You might not get aerial images and only get street maps. .

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GPS
by tomtracey12 Jun 13, 2013 4:45AM PDT

So will it be free for me to use abroad then, if I do like I said, just recording the ride but only uploading it once I am in hotel/area with WiFi?

Thanks for advice everyone

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I did this.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 13, 2013 4:58AM PDT

Albeit on an Android. You can test this before you go.
Bob

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You can leave the WiFi on when traveling,
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Jun 13, 2013 8:00AM PDT

as no data will pass to and fro unless you are in range of a wireless signal and then only when you actually tell the iPhone to connect.

That would usually involve a FREE wireless hotspot and all data passed over that link would not incur data costs.

P

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For a long cycling trip though...
by Pepe7 Jun 14, 2013 3:08AM PDT

...leaving the wifi radio on is going to KILL the battery life. Just a though anyway.

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The OP could......
by birdmantd Forum moderator Jun 14, 2013 7:07AM PDT

.....strap a car battery to his bicycle with a long cord to the phone.

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I like
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 14, 2013 7:27AM PDT

Solar cells over the helmet or a generator on the tire.
Bob

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