[Verizon] ROM cooked for Heavy GPS usage and Backpacking

Vallkar · May 31, 2012

I'm headed to Lake Powell in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah and will be doing a combination of backpacking/hiking/camping and staying on a houseboat. I would like to take my phone to be connected to GPS most of the day and have camera functionality in one device.

Are there any custom ROMS that do well with GPS on all the time? Further, what is the best GPS app for use off a data connection?

jova33 · May 31, 2012

Android GPS App for the Outdoors

trophynuts · Jun 1, 2012

will you be able to pick up a cell signal where you're going? If not the GPS is going to be pretty useless. The gps has to have an active data connection. It's not like a handheld GPS unit or a Tom Tom.

Outatime · Jun 1, 2012

As long as the software you're using pre caches it will work. I've used Maverick for years and love it.

The sad part is, the GPS in the Nex sucks. From what I'm to gather, Sammy used a pretty low quality chip. The GPS in my Inc was much more accurate. But honestly, there is no substitute for a dedicated GPS with WAAS if you need accuracy.

trophynuts · Jun 1, 2012

He is right. I forgot about pre caching the data. But if you vere off of the trail that won't do you any good. I agree with him that a dedicated handheld GPS may be the best.

iwoloschin · Jun 1, 2012

Not to be a Luddite, but if you're going backpacking, even if only day trips, I'd rather see you either memorize the entire area or have a paper map. Your phone or a handheld GPS doesn't help you if you're lost and the battery is dead. That being said, if you're familiar with the area and want the GPS for "fun" things like geotagging and such, instead of more necessary things like not getting lost and dying in the wilderness, then that's actually kind of fun. I suspect that if you're not in a valley the Galaxy Nexus will be accurate enough to geotag, though GPS reception in heavily forested areas or valleys will be poor, no fault of the Galaxy Nexus.

jbdan · Jun 1, 2012

I think your question about which ROM and GPS usage doesn't relate so much. Just use any ROM that is known reliable and stable (AOKP, LS, CM9 for ex) and you're going to want to get stellar battery life. So, bring an extra battery, 2 if ya got them, preferably the 2100mah battery. I'd also underclock the phone to 700MHz. Let it be the maximum speed the cpu climbs too. Will keep it cooler and extend battery life. Especially since you'll be using the screen so much. The GPS is my GN is as excellent as past phones (Bionic, Inc, Eris) it should work well for you too

jugg1es · Jun 1, 2012

I've been using back country navigator for a couple of years, you can install custom topo maps from various sources and cache them to sd. I also carry a power monkey solar charger with an extra solar panel on the top of my rucksack to keep things topped up. Has been a lifeline at times as I've run out of batteries for my torch before my phone has died.as long as you carry a proper compass there's no real need for paper maps as you can use the pre cached image as a scaled down map I mention the compass as I wouldn't go any where without one and if you don't trust your GPS then it's a good backup.I'm about to try out the memorymap app sometime over this next week as I use that on home PC to print out maps for classes and such. will let you know what it's like.

Vallkar · Jun 1, 2012

@jbdan Thanks, I thought the ROM could some how affect the battery life -- guess not. In addition, I really like the idea of underclocking and undervolting. I also found that using GPS in airplane mode helps reduce battery consumption.

@jugg1es I plan on purchasing a Joos Orange before I leave. How do you like the Power Monkey?

jugg1es · Jun 1, 2012

Vallkar said:
@jbdan Thanks, I thought the ROM could some how affect the battery life -- guess not. In addition, I really like the idea of underclocking and undervolting. I also found that using GPS in airplane mode helps reduce battery consumption.

@jugg1es I plan on purchasing a Joos Orange before I leave. How do you like the Power Monkey?

Never leave home without it, like the fact you can plug it in and charge it before you go anywhere

jbdan · Jun 1, 2012

jugg1es said:
I've been using back country navigator for a couple of years, you can install custom topo maps from various sources and cache them to sd. I also carry a power monkey solar charger with an extra solar panel on the top of my rucksack to keep things topped up. Has been a lifeline at times as I've run out of batteries for my torch before my phone has died.as long as you carry a proper compass there's no real need for paper maps as you can use the pre cached image as a scaled down map I mention the compass as I wouldn't go any where without one and if you don't trust your GPS then it's a good backup.I'm about to try out the memorymap app sometime over this next week as I use that on home PC to print out maps for classes and such. will let you know what it's like.

Superb suggestions :thumbup:

Vallkar said:
@jbdan Thanks, I thought the ROM could some how affect the battery life -- guess not. In addition, I really like the idea of underclocking and undervolting. I also found that using GPS in airplane mode helps reduce battery consumption.

@jugg1es I plan on purchasing a Joos Orange before I leave. How do you like the Power Monkey?

Undervolting will be taken care of automatically with SmartReflex so I wouldn't worry about that. The underclocking (since you're not gaming or needing super performance from the phone) will help run it a little cooler (hot outside and on your body!) and save some juice. Love jugg1es advice. I was a heavy backcountry backpacker for many years...before they had smartphones

I always used topo maps and always had one of the area before I conquered it!

jugg1es · Jun 1, 2012

Just had a look at the joos orange, it looks huge and clunky, it's gonna take up some room in the pack, I think I'll stick with my rubber power monkey. I would recommend looking at one and feeling how heavy it is before you buy one.

[Verizon] ROM cooked for Heavy GPS usage and Backpacking

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