Lots of choices
Good Navigation App
There is one feature that I wish this app had:
Folder structure for Routes and Waypoints.
Dealing with dozens of GPX files and Waypoints would be easier if there was the ability to create folders/subfolders for organization instead of the current flat file system.
Confusing maps approach
I downloaded a few 24K maps near me, then downloaded a few 100K maps surrounding those. Then I wanted to download some 24K maps within the areas of the 100K maps. So far I have not found a way to do so. Tried various taps and buttons but no luck. Maybe once you’ve downloaded a coarser scale map you cannot also download a finer scale map of the same area.
I also can’t zoom out very far— pinching out only zooms out to a pretty local scale, so can’t see the context.
Response from developer
On the main map screen if you try to view a map for an area for which no map has been downloaded, iHikeGPS automatically displays the map download screen so you can choose a map to download. If you ask to view a map for an area for which you do have a downloaded map, it will show that map rather than automatically displaying the map download screen. Since this user doesn't see the map download screen automatically displayed, he makes the hypothesis that perhaps he can't download another map with a different scale for this location. That hypothesis is completely wrong. There are many ways to bring up the map download screen to download the map with the scale that he wants. The way that iHikeGPS demonstrates during its first-use onboarding process is to tap the Map List tab and then tap the blue Add Map button (+) in the upper left corner. Perhaps being a GIS professional and a programmer, he chose to skip the onboarding process. Another way is, on the main map screen, tap the Mark button then choose the New Map New Scale action. All major iHikeGPS screens contain a Help button. Tapping it would have lead to detailed on-screen instructions showing how to accomplish what he wants to do. Help directly from us is just an email to support@iHikeGPS.com away. That would have made a lot more sense than posting this review, which I hope he will kindly remove. iHikeGPS with its raster maps may work a little differently than some other GIS apps using vector maps, but a little time spent learning what it can do and how to do it will pay huge dividends.
Battery Saver - on Trail or close to Home
I have used it 10+ years. My Hiking days are less each year (age 81); iHikeGPS is my most used GPS App. Now it is easily used to help find my car in a large Parking Lot!
Thank you to the authors for creating and updating a wonderful and useful App, without a subscription fee.
Best hiking app
Don’t leave home without it
Then I discovered IHikeGPS. Works offline, download and store USGS and USFS maps, create waypoints, no hassles with subscriptions or purchases. One inexpensive payment and actual product support from the author.
There is a learning curve. It’s not steep. It is important to read the instructions and not assume to much.
Works on the ground, in a plane or car. This app shows me where in at and where I’m going.
Lost
Response from developer
In order for the app to record and show a track, the user must have Location Services (in Privacy & Security) turned on in the Settings app. Also in the iHikeGPS section of the Settings app, under ALLOW LOCATION ACCESS, "While Using the App" must be selected and the switch for Precise Location must be turned on. This person's problems are not caused by any fault in the iHikeGPS app, but by the user not choosing the necessary recommended settings permissions during the on-boarding process. Any user having this problem can call us and we will walk them through the process of choosing the necessary settings. No app can access the user's location without these permissions being granted. Hence this one star rating is completely undeserved.
Lost
Response from developer
In order for the app to record and show a track, the user must have Location Services (in Privacy & Security) turned on in the Settings app. Also in the iHikeGPS section of the Settings app, under ALLOW LOCATION ACCESS, "While Using the App" must be selected and the switch for Precise Location must be turned on. This person's problems are not caused by any fault in the iHikeGPS app, but by the user not choosing the necessary recommended settings permissions during the on-boarding process. Any user having this problem can call us and we will walk them through the process of choosing the necessary settings. No app can access the user's location without these permissions being granted. Hence this one star rating is completely undeserved.
Ten
Top Features :
1. Useable in Airplane mode
2. Over 1000 maps stored in my iPhone, with seamless stitching
3. Easy to replace a map with an update
4. Tracking of both position and elevation
5. Waypoints easy to add, use, update
6. Finds my Car in the Costco parking lot!
7. No subscription fees
