My smartphone does not get lost in and around tall buildings like my old dedicated Garmen system. Out in country and even WV, phone can suck unless you climb a tree or are on top of the mountain. Then again, there, there usually only two ways to go.? Haaaa.

 

 

How bout old. So I can switch phone to mobile data off and it will still navigate?

 

I use an old tried and true Garmin 60CSX for off roading in the nowhere. Cell phones do not work.

I use my smartphone around those remote areas on civilized roads and it does work. The nav system in my truck is poor compared to my smartphone. For a bike, in the limited travels I have been, the smartphone works fine. Those creepy turds at Google know what they are doing.

 

If you have a navigation program that stores maps locally or have downloaded the relevant parts of google maps locally to your phone, yes. Positioning is provided via GPS satellites. The map is where the data comes in but if you use a app like Garmin USA or others that store the map on the phone then you do not need a cell signal at all.

Weather will not affect GPS navigation.

What I do is leave the phone in my pocket as I don't like distractions. If I am in a remote area and have to switch to reserve, I stop, pull my phone out to find where the nearest gas station is as it is possible it might be behind me although it could be ahead.

I had tried riding with my phone mounted in view but didn't like the distraction.

FWIW, I work for a surveying company. GPS is very integral to most of the work we do. When we are doing positioning, we always track at least eight satellites at a time but often it is twelve plus we have our own proprietary corrections system. In addition to GPS, our receivers also have GLONASS capability.

 

Google Maps on your phone does offline maps. Downloads your route and works weather you have a cell signal or not. Been like that for a long time. Phone... Google Maps all the way.

 

Ditto on the copilot app.
It is a paid app but you only pay once.
All maps reside on your phone.
Upgraded maps are free.
Best $29 I ever spent on GPS.

 

A true can of worms where everybody is right.

At least once, for a spell...