Offline GPS and Trail Mapping with Backcountry Navigator
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- Опубликовано: 5 янв 2019
- In this video, I show you how to turn your phone or tablet into an offline GPS and trail mapping device using Backcountry Navigator. This is a great solution to keep you from getting lost when hiking, hunting, backpacking, going off roading or other outdoor activities. While this is for Android devices, there are similar options for iPhone/iPad devices
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Thanks for a great video. You covered a lot of detail very clearly. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. Happy Trails!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for the tutorial. Great job explaining all the main points. I like the app, but can't say it's particularly user-friendly. This helps.
Glad you found it useful. It is a little clunky at first but once you get the hang of it, it a pretty solid app and works well.
Great info! Thank you for posting. Now I just have to finish off our house build before I get out exploring in my JK. Cheers from Canada 😊
Great instructional video! Thanks for the rundown!
Kurt you are very welcome. Thanks for checking it out.
Excellent video!
BTW users should always have a waterproof map and compass as backup and practice using them. Nav software is great for visualizing while you train.
Good tip. Thanks for sharing
Great video thank you for information on backcountry.
You are welcome.
Awesome video. I just got a tablet for Hatfield systems.
This will help me a lot
Thanks for watching. I've been playing Gaia lately and may make another video on it.
Interesting video! I use Gaia GPS as my favorite offline overlanding navigation app and I can really recommend this one.
Thanks. I looked at Gaia but didn't do extensive research on it. I may check it out as another potential solution.
I also use Gaia. I started using it as my backpacking tracker and for hikes. I use it to keep track of my mileage. I recently started to use it to record local trails. I bought a Rmax4. It's my first sxs. I have recorded several local trails. What's nice about it is it overlays my recorded track so when I'm riding I can use it like a guide to stay on trail without making a new recording.
Very helpful, thanks!
Thanks. It does work pretty well. Probably not the perfect solution but pretty good for $12.00. The real challenge is finding good GPX files to upload. Still looking for a good source for off road trail GPX files. Tons of stuff for hiking, bike routes and stuff.
Great video. I'll bet you sold a few copies from this video. Convinced me!
Glad you enjoyed it. I think it works pretty good for what it is and at $12.00, you really can't go wrong.
Thanks, great information.
Would you happen to know if the Paiute ATV trails in Utah are on BCN?
Want to know before I purchase.
Thanks again.
Not sure. Let me charge up my tablet and take a look.
Is it in Sevier County in Fishlake National Forest? I do see some 4x4 trails when using a US Forest Map source. Not sure if those are what you are looking for or not. If I use other map soruces I see other trails but may not be the detail you are looking for but you can always map your trails as you ride them too,
Great video. I use BCN but learned new things. How did you get your tablet image on your pc and have them communicating?
Thanks Jeff. Not sure I understand the question. I am running Win 10 on my PC and just used a Micro USB cable to connect my tablet to my PC. Windows File explorer will see the tablet as a standard USB storage device so you can drag/drop files from one to the other. Since I shot this video, I added a Micro SD storage card to the tablet to hold all the maps so I redid everything and moved all the maps and GPX files over to the SD card. It was a little deeper in (folder wise). I ended up just creating a couple folders and making sure that BCN could see them from inside the app and the PC could see them from Windows. Then just pointed BCN nav to put them there instead of in the tablet memory. I also downloaded most of the OpenAndro maps and put them in the folders so I could access those offline as well. I may add another video on the OpenAndro Map process as well since those are some pretty good maps too.
@@RoughRidersTV thanks that is what I needed.
had Garmin eTrex able to enter waypoints using gps coordinates. Have coordinates can't figure out how to create a waypoint using gps coordinates Also would like to draw a line from 1 waypoint to another, then show where I am with respect to that line, having border issues'.
Do you have any videos dealing with the first time opening the app?
I don't think it will do a draw a line automatically between 2 way points. However, using the Measure and Draw function I covered in the video, you can draw the line between those points. But I really only use this for adding a trail after the fact. Most of the time I will just use the record track to capture the lines and mark waypoints either based upon downloads or whenever I stop and want to add the waypoint to an active ride.
As for GPS coordinates, I've not tried that but will give it a shot when I have some time.
Lastly, not sure what you mean on first time opening the app. It should look like what I have in the video when you open it. Most of what I showed in the video was after you open it and want to add maps, folders, etc.
Good video. I've use BCN-Pro for a couple of years. Now installing it on a new tablet, and I can't find the Add-on for offline use. I tried BCN-XE for a year, but I like Pro better.
There is no add on needed. You just need to download the area of map that you need on your device. Then instead of using live maps, you select the downloaded map. It will then overlay your position on that downloaded map. I show this in the video.
Does the product have a feature, perhaps a compass, or a pointer, that will guide the user on a saved trail, telling the user make a right, now left, go straight - following the trail in real-time ?
So there is a real time compass pointer. However, it doesn't do a turn by turn direction like a car map does. If you have the trail map already on the screen, the pointer does show you where you are on the trail and gives you an idea of where the upcoming turns are as you move along. Unfortunately, I didn't think to show the compass piece in the video. However, you can see the pointer arrow showing your direction on a trail at the 18:30 mark...though I am recording a track there and not following an imported or previously recorded track.
If I’m out in my side by side traveling on a forest service road, does it follow me if I’m using my iPad? Like google maps would do as you’re driving?
I don't think they have an ipad version of this app. However, if using an android tablet like I have here, yes it follows you in real time.
You’ll need to add a GPS add on to your tablet, you can find them on Amazon.
could you make a vid of putting maps on an sd card and using them in BCN. Been looking everywhere on how to. thx
I have a little of that in there already. Are you looking for more detail on how to create folders in BCN, navigate to them and move/import and export maps?
@@RoughRidersTV yes more detail on installing maps onto an ad card and being able to use them in BCN. I have a 32 gb tablet which is almost full and I only use it for navigation. I believe I would need to redo BC.
@@Slyder695 Yes, you might need to reinstall it. I added a 64GB card to mine and set up the folders using my PC and the tablet and made sure everyting was pointing at the memory card and not the default tablet memory. Let me go back through all that and see if I can redo it using my phone for a video walk through. This may take me a bit as I am traveling a lot for work right now.
Thank you
What is the tablet model? Thanks!
Nice video. DO you mind sharing the model of your Samsung tablet?
I believe it was a Tab A7 if I'm not mistaken. It was a couple years old model that I found on ebay. for about $150. I wanted the ruggedized model but it was $350 and I did not want to spend that much.
great video, is ther an easy way to download a whole state with out doing amany tiles
I've never tried to download the entire state. However, you could probably zoom out enough to get most of it on a screen and then set the resolution high enough (scale) so that you can zoom in to get detail. Normally, I prefer to just capture the area I will be riding and save it as a separate file so I can find exactly what I am looking for when I am headed to ride there.
what are you explaining and be perfect for people on low income spending a little too much getting ready to go backpacking or hiking to bring up a map windy out there in the wilderness to find their way back to your vehicle or the campsite
Glad you like it. It's a solid app, a little clunky but overall a great solution.
What tablet are you using and does it have an active data plan? Or is it just an open tablet?
That was the Galaxy Tab S2 as i recall. I don't have the SxS anymore and sold the tablet with the SxS. It did not have a data plan. You just download the maps while at home and you can use the GPS capabilities of the tablet overlaid on that downloaded map.
Does this ap track u as u r on the trails without WiFi or data ? I have an old tablet that I could use just for the sxs this could be a great option.
Yes, it will. I show a little of that in the video, though I was walking a trail. However, keep in mind, the tablet's GPS and processor play a role in how fast the map can update and track you. I tried this first with a Amazon Fire tablet and it wouldn't work. I then tried a lower end tablet and it worked but was really slow. It wasn't until I went with a little better tablet that the tracking was real time.
Rough Riders thank you for getting back to me , the tablet I was going to use was an older iPad . I got a new one and this one was just sitting in a closet so I was going to designate it for GPS for my side-by-side. I didn’t want to order it and buy if it was going to work on that older iPad . I seen the part where u was walking on the path and was hoping it works that well on the older iPad.
@@howardmiller4241 Unfortunately, this version of the app does not work with an ipad as it is Android only. They have a subscription one that I think crosses platforms but I didn't want a subscription model. There are other apps that work on iOS but to my knowledge, iPads do not have a GPS in them...I could be wrong here but that was my understanding. You could try Gaia or Avenza, I think they have iOS apps.
Rough Riders I went and found it in the ap store so assumed it work with iPad, I’m glad u said something I was going to buy the app tomorrow. I was looking to at least be able to track me so if I got turned around I could look at the iPad and know at least what direction I came from.
Howard Miller that may be the subscription version then, not sure. I will check it out and let you know.
hello can you download image map (like on google earth) or the program download only thunderforest ? Sry if quest. is stupid
I don't know what their current business model is but they have a whole bunch of different map sources, not just thunder forest. So you can choose any of those different map sources and switch between them on the fly (assuming you downloaded that section). For example, you could download thunderforest, USA Topo map from ArcGIS, etc. while you have an internet connection and then when you move to offline mapping, switch sources and your position will be overlayed on that map source. There are additional maps you can buy but as mentioned, it already comes with a ton of different topo, imagery, etc. You can also use Prebuilt maps that you make yourself with OpenAdroMaps. So there are options. I myself just use the map sources provided, they have served me well in both Washington State and here in Colorado.
@@RoughRidersTV Thanks for the reply but I have the following questions
1- is there an annual subscription like Gaia (which I don't like) or just to buy the product. (to download offline maps)
2- Can I download a realistic map (image) to use offline (I'm from Europe if that matters)
@@murtagon4460 I bought this and did the review several years ago so I don't know what might have changed since then. At the time, it was a 1 time purchase (around $12.00) for the app with maps included. There were "in app" purchases you could make on top of that for additional maps, etc. I know they developed a subscription version called Backcountry Navigator XE but I think they maintain both platforms. I think the XE version probably gets updates first but I think the BCN Pro is still getting updates as well. I've been using it for years now and it still works fine. Looking in the map sources, I see 3 maps for northern europe, 6 for southern europe, and 3 for central europe. I see 1 imagery map for Italy. The rest look like cartography maps, not sat. imagery maps. So, if you really need imagery maps, you might need to make them yourself or see if there is any in the in app purchases that cover your needs.
I'm not a an Android user. What do you recommend for ios?
As I am not an iOS user, I don't have much experience with GPS tools on that device. However, I have heard good things about Gaia. Avenza was OK on the android and might be available on iOS. You might also check Polaris Ride Command. I've started playing with it on the tablet and it seems OK but does crash on my Samsung. Trying to figure that out now.
What model tablet do you have?
When I sold my YXZ back in Jan. I gave the guy the tablet as well. But pretty sure it was the T-719 that I found on E bay. It was a 7" tablet with a GPS as not all their tablets had the GPS. I looked at the newer ones at Costco but they felt cheap and lacked a GPS.
It's more a question for BCN capabilities. I have specific longitude and latitude coordinates and want mapping program to guide me to that location. Will this be possible?
Not sure it can do exactly that. However, you could use the coordinates to drop a pin on a downloaded map and then use the map to determine trails that might get you there and track your progress along the way. It's not like a street GPS where it can give you turn by turn directions.
@@RoughRidersTV thanks
A historian recorded a private burial site of my ancestors in a remote area. His old Garmin' couldnt work us to the coordinates. I'll try backcountry.
Charlie
@@charlesgardner9896 I haven't looked recently but there was a trial version of BCN you could download for free. You could try downloading the app and some maps of the area. Then input the coordinates and see if it lands in the correct area. If so, then you could just drop a pin on that spot and zoom in to see if the map you chose will show you any trails that might access that location. Note, you will probably have to convert the long/lat into decimal degrees first.
How does Backcountry navigator compare to Garmin Basecamp?
I'm not sure. I have not tried Garmin Basecamp. I did look at Avenza, Gaia, Alltrails and a couple of others. I think Avenza is probably similar but I liked this one a little better.
@@RoughRidersTV thanks for the reply, I'm going to give BCN a try
@@johnbergles7904 You are welcome. I believe they do have a limited free version you can try as well...or at least they used to have one.
How do you delete the offline square when you download a map
Never had a problem with it staying. However, make sure you move off the "select area" to download icon and back to the touch/navigation icon. It may be that you are still on the select area to download and that is why you still see the blue square.
Nice
Thanks
Sorry if these are noob questions, im looking at this from a conceptual basis.
1.) Without a wifi/data connection will it track my location? GPS style.
2.) As a long range hunter, could you establish Target Reference Points that include: Range from your location, elevation change if any.
3. Can coordinates be set for MGRS?
Hello. Thanks for stopping in... 1) yes, it tracks your location using your GPS. 2) not sure I understand your 2nd question. This is not a range finder from you to your target. It will let you drop reference markers and determine your distance of you track. It does capture elevation changes but not sure how accurate it is. 3) it is using lat/long coordinates not mgrs.
@@RoughRidersTV this helps, bummer on mgrs not being useable though...
@@Bruceworkouts3184 Yes, it would be a nice option but standard Lat/Long coordinates seems to work fine (at least for me).
Nice video but would be helpful to give app info in description not all of us have 30 mins to watch videos
I will look at the description...but this video was more of a walk through of the app itself. I tried to work through this as quickly as I could while still providing useful info.
would all of this work in other countries?
Not sure. If you let me know the country, I can look to see if they have maps for it. As long as the map is there, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
I do see a number of maps for Europe as well as some worldwide maps from ArcGIS so I think it may work where you might be.
Will that work with an Apple I pad
Unfortunately, no. They don't have a version of it for Apple devices.
I think I’ll look into and android tablet today
Here is the one I used and it worked good. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 SM-T713 32GB, Wi-Fi, 8in - White
Rough Riders I was hoping to do what u did and have gps without a monthly cost, there r time we don’t go where I can even use it but I’d like to know I have when I need it.
@@howardmiller4241 Yes, they are quite handy. I would not want to ride any new area without something. I just moved to Colorado and don't know the trails here at all. My problem know is that I don't have the SxS anymore and moved to a bike for me and quad for my wife. I need to figure out a solution that will work now since I don't have the same space or power to work with. Currently looking at options now.
Rough Riders we took a 3700 mile motorcycle trip last summer out west and went through Colorado on the way back to IL.
“Topo maps Canada” is better 😊👍
I'm not familiar with that App. I do see that BCN does have topo maps for Canada as well. There are a lot of different apps for this type of stuff...whether someone uses BCN or another app, it's always good to have some type of solution when venturing into the wilderness.
The app I was talking about is free and it’s way easier to use and it looks a lot better please look at the review in the App Store and help me map 🗺 the world
@@Mikey7211 I'm always open to learning about new tools/tech. I checked out most of the mainstream ones and wasn't impressed. This while clunky is very functional and has a ton of map sources out of the box and connected to additional sources as well.
Just downloaded this to my android and... there are Bronze, Silver, and Gold yearly fees.
Actually, that is their new app. They have both now with a subscription model and a single pay model. I haven't seen that new subscription one as it was still in beta when I downloaded the single pay version.
How do you read your tablet in the bright sun?? Isn't there a lot of glare???
I had a roof on my SxS so sun was never a problem.