Smartphone - tool for GPS navigation

Heading outdoor, town or backcountry, maybe equipped with some tips for trails? Here is how I use my android smartphone for orientation in unknown surrounding - without data consumption, only GPS locating enabled.

This tip applies for places with direct view to sky only.

Personally,  a big android fan,  please understand why I state here predominantly terms and big names from operating system Android.

View over Bergen after cycling up some 600 m

Our daily companions, brick size smartphones come handy even during sport activities or travelling due to their ability to cooperate with Global Positioning System ( US American A-gps or Russian Glonass).

As always, preparation matters most.  So at home - where Internet access is affordable and fast - preferably over WiFi, two assignments await:

First, a solid mapping / navigation app need to be installed from Google's Play Store.  Over the time as bike guide, while projecting and adjusting routes on the spot and in computer as well,  I selected a map tool that is reliable,  easy to process for mobile device and still immersive. Based on this, I paid for pro version of OSMand android app and now I am happy to have done so.

Secondly, the actual offline map tiles need to be downloaded. Usually,  maps come as rectangles, so it's necessary to ensure that the whole track is covered within. Free version of OSMand android  app gives 6 maps for download at time.  It proved useful to double check how precise the map really is - means how much detail it contains (cycle tracks or pathways).

Organising offline maps under settings

free version limited

 So with the homework done,  now let's focus on actual navigation. To be honest,  I rather take time to plan a route at the comfort of stable Internet and bigger screen at homebase - searching for cyclable tracks either on gpsies.com or for offroad trails on BergFex.

Sometimes as alternative to your own initiative,  bicycle / motocycle rental companies or wellness hotels, regional tourist organisations providing for their guests bicycles as extra service to discover their surroundings, would hand out tips for excursions.

For our purpose,  on one hand, OSMand app can process tracks in GPX format, but on the other Google Maps only in KML format. For similar applications, but not as attractive for me as those aforementioned, please consult a post by AndroidAuthority.

Let's proceed to final step

Now after all we are electronically almost fully equipped for outdoor adventure.  To save battery, only GPS positioning is to be turned on (Screenshot) - data connection or Bluetooth should stay off !

In data manager like Total Commander, longtap downloaded track (in correct format for chosen navigation app) to select the app to open with.  On  the screen there should be now a distinctive line - this is the track to follow.

 Turning your device sideways shows which direction to set off.  If you're still along the line,  congratulations - you can now enjoy the hard work ;)


To be honest, the con of using a smartphone even only with GPS turned on, will after some period drain the battery. In order to enjoy several hours out there, I usually have my emergency kit in my backpack:
Anker external battery pack
standard european USB power adapter and car charger adapter - naturally with USB/microUSB cable.

Wishing you pleasurable journey with lots of impressions