Using Gaia GPS for offroad navigation on Android Auto

Maps are used by outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the outdoors away from public roads. They are commonly used by motorists, four-wheel-drive and ATV drivers, and other adventurers who want to get off the beaten path.

In this article, we will explain how to use Gaia GPS for off-road navigation. We'll look at the features that will be useful to motorists and explain the benefits of using the app out of town.

The Gaia GPS app has recently been available for Android Auto. You can take advantage of the features of the travel navigator.

Main benefits of Gaia GPS

The benefits of using Gaia GPS along with Android Auto are obvious:

• maps are displayed on the head unit screen, and you can control the map, use the navigation
• without taking your eyes off the road or endangering the safety of other passengers.
• The maps are of good quality and highly detailed.
• The app is suitable for offroad navigation.

Gaia GPS app Essential Features:

• Voice navigation
• Recording a trip track as a viewable file
• Saving points on the map and adding to favorites
• Managing the map: zooming and moving
• Using layers

Using the app for offroad navigation

Step 1. You need to download the Gaia GPS application itself, which is installed on your Android.

Step 2. To use topographic maps in Android Auto, you need a Gaia GPS account. You can create it for free through the mobile app or in your browser.

Type in your email and password.

Step 3. Sign in into your account.

Step 4. Allow the app using your GPS location on the phone.

Step 5. Check your vehicle's AA compatibility directly on the website or in the manual. Generally, cars manufactured after 2017 support AA without any problems.

Step 6. Connect your Android phone to the head unit via USB cable.

Step 7. Once AA is activated, select Gaia GPS from the list of apps.

Step 8. If no app is available, configure the list of available apps through the Android Auto settings on your phone and reconnect the unit.

Gaia GPS features available on AA

Using topographic maps

After you activate the Gaia GPS app, a map will appear on the screen. You can customize its display by changing the active map source. You can do this directly through the mobile app.

You can choose from topographic maps such as USGS Topo, US Topo, National Geographic Trails Illustrated and other types of maps.

You can also switch layers in Gaia GPS. Topographic maps by different countries and chronologies are also available. For convenience, we suggest using the filter and sorting.

4x4 and Overland Maps

Another unique feature - offroad maps. Maps are available as well as topographic maps.

This type of maps will be useful for drivers if you want to know what vehicle restrictions (MVUM) are set in the area. Public and private lands are also displayed on the maps.

As noted above, you can use Topographic maps, which are also handy for navigating off-road.

Switching Gaia GPS to offroad maps is easy: go to the active map source settings and select the desired map. It will then appear on the head unit screen. On the app's website, you can find the entire list of offroad maps.

Saving offline maps for offline use

Just like Waze or Google Maps, Gaia GPS allows you to use maps offline, you can download them to your phone memory.

In addition, off road maps allow you to save interactive terrain data.

Synchronizing phone data with Android Auto

Gaia GPS uses offroad navigation on your phone, with the data being sent to the car's head unit.

All necessary route information is saved in the app.

Saved routes will be available for viewing via your mobile device as well as via the vehicle's display.

Search for nearest trails

On the map you can search for the nearest off road trails, calculate the distance, look for alternative routes.

Map control

The map, available on the head unit screen, allows you to perform the usual actions with it: zoom in and out, switch to 3d mode, record the route. It is enough to tap on the map to make the controls active.

Route recording in the phone memory

Track recording allows you to save your route on your phone. You can then "play" the track on any device that has the Gaia GPS app installed. You will be notified when recording, and you can stop recording at any time (by taping on Stop). In this case, the navigator will work in normal mode and display prompts, voice notifications, etc.

You can open a track by pressing the Saved button. Only 6 tracks are available, for security reasons, established by the internal policy of Google. However, through the search you can find other recorded routes, which you have saved in the phone memory.

If you want to display the saved tracks on the map, you can activate this option through the settings. To do this, activate the Waypoints / Tracks / Routes options accordingly.

Tracks store data about offroad terrain: altitude, distance, actual location at a certain time.

Conclusion

In this review article, we have explored the offroad navigation features of the Gaia GPS app. We can conclude that this navigator will be really useful for offroad driving. If you have any questions or additions on how to use Gaia GPS, ask through the contact form on MyGPS Tools.

FAQ

What cars are offroad maps compatible with?

Gaia GPS offers a large selection of offroad maps for use in your vehicle. If your car runs Android Auto compatible, there will be no problem installing and using Gaia GPS maps. Below we have compiled a list of cars that offroad maps will work with Android Auto without any problems.

1. Ford F-150 Raptor
2. Jeep Gladiator
3. Ram Power Wagon
4. Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
5. Chevrolet Silverado Z71
6. Nissan Titan PRO-4X
7. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
8. Land Rover Discovery
9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
10. Honda Ridgeline RTL-E

What are the main advantages of off road maps compared to conventional navigation maps?

Using an off-road map can help you plan your trip ahead of time by identifying routes and points of interest that you may want to explore, as well as providing a visual representation of the terrain you’ll encounter along the way.

They can also help you stay on track while you’re out exploring, and can provide an invaluable source of information if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down.

Off-road maps come in a variety of scales, and the most detailed maps can provide an incredible level of detail. This can be extremely useful when planning a trip and can help you identify potential obstacles and hazards that you may encounter along the way.