What is GPS navigation on a tablet? Preparation and miraculous transformation

Articles and Lifehacks

Often motorists who know how to make a navigator from a tablet, tablet computers are successfully used as GPS. Today, gadgets for cars are presented in a fairly wide range, so many users find it difficult to choose the right device for themselves.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a navigator made from a tablet computer

Owners of such gadgets use their devices in the same way, although GPS has some limitations in its functions.

Advantages of the tablet:
- ease of use of a large screen;
- access to the World Wide Web, which allows you to obtain information about possible traffic jams;
- Availability powerful processor(preferably dual-core);
- having additional functions (watching movies, listening to music, communicating via Skype);
- the presence of a powerful battery that allows the device to operate for up to 15 hours;
- the ability to watch videos without slowdowns thanks to the special screen resolution.

The negative aspects include:
- lack of fastening, the need to manufacture it yourself;
- large screen sizes, making it difficult to see while driving;
- low level of satellite reception.

Applications used to convert a tablet into a navigator

There are various programs that offer how to make a navigator out of a tablet. A tablet device equipped with a Bluetooth interface can be used as an external receiver. The system automatically finds and connects GPS.

To download the required applications, you need to select PlayMarket in the application menu, and then enter “ Google Maps».
Yandex determines the user's location using Wi-Fi and cell towers. Search maps GPS systems can be downloaded via the Internet.
In European countries on high level The functional navigator application Navitel Navigator is running. A special feature of this program is the correct and detailed display of all kinds of objects on the map. However this application paid, and also has high requirements for the hardware resources of the tablet computer.

To use the tablet as a navigator, the user needs to launch a special program with maps (for example, Google app Maps). To determine the location of the motorist, the application located in the menu must be launched. To avoid additional traffic costs, the user will be prompted to turn on Wi-Fi. After clicking on the pointer icon, the proposed optimal route to your destination, possible traffic jams and time of arrival to the desired location will appear in the window.

Articles and Lifehacks

Unfamiliar terrain can confuse anyone. However, the problem is easily fixable, considering that many people today have a tablet and they know how to use a tablet as a navigator. There is no need for this at all - this function is independent of providers.
If we need to find the nearest cafe or hotel, we can easily configure our tablet computer accordingly. The main thing is to know how to do it.

How do you know if your tablet has a navigator? Features of its use

First, let's try to find out whether there is a corresponding function in our tablet. To do this, go to the applications and look for an item called “Settings”.

There should be a "Location" option there. We select the appropriate parameters and check whether the item “ GPS satellites" If there is one, mark it.

So, how to use a tablet as a navigator? You should be aware that this involves working with a special application that contains maps of the area.
If we use mobile device on Android based, we can use Google maps, better known as Google Maps. They can be found through the main menu of the cellular device.

When we first launch maps, we select our location. To avoid excessive Internet costs, we can use Wi-Fi.
This application will be especially useful for all car owners. They will be able to plot the desired route by indicating the starting and ending points. The program will even offer to select the time in which we want to get to our destination.

After this, we find an icon with an image of an arrow pointing up. This will help us get into Google Navigator. After this, the program will prompt us to follow the route. There you can also find route details indicating all the turns and additional options for working with the navigator.

Installing a GPS navigator on a tablet and using it

If our tablet does not have a navigator, we can try to install Google maps ourselves. So, if we are using an Android device, we go to Play Market and enter the phrase “Google Maps” into the search bar. Download and install the application we need. You can also configure it on a different operating system.
There are other alternative programs that would allow us to use a GPS navigator on a tablet.

So, today Yandex Maps may well compete with Google maps. Even if our tablet does not have a navigator function, this is not a hindrance. Yandex can determine location by Wi-Fi networks and work via A-GPS.

An application called Navitel Navigator is quite powerful. It features excellent functionality and a convenient menu. The program is available for European countries, as well as for residents of the CIS.

An application such as Sygic GPS Navigator was developed specifically for working with a car. It is adjusted to the horizontal position of the device screen. Pre-loading of maps is allowed.

Maverick GPS Navigation is nothing like previous application. It is designed primarily for those who prefer to walk. However, this does not prevent car enthusiasts from using it. The program has an intuitive and simple interface.

In the life of every motorist, it happens that you find yourself in unfamiliar places. Often in such situations the question arises: is my car moving in the right direction? This issue can be easily resolved. Nowadays, almost every family has a tablet computer, but, unfortunately, not many know how to make a navigator out of a tablet. But with its help you can easily find the right direction to the object you are interested in, the nearest cafes, gas stations, service stations.

The easiest option is to buy a tablet with a navigator. You just need to learn how to use the device. Let's look at another option. Let's say the tablet is already in stock. How can I find out whether it can be used as a navigator or not? It won't be difficult.

Checking the connection

• Turn on the tablet device;
• go to applications;
• download the maps of interest to your device from the playmarket;
• in the settings we find the “Location” option;
• We select the location data that is suitable for us and see if there is an item - GPS satellites.

This seems to have been sorted out, but how to use the tablet with the navigator function further? If you are in mobile internet, it is better to switch to Wi-Fi, you will need to download a lot of different things, and through the latter it is several times faster and cheaper. We took an Android device as a basis, so it is better to use the Google Maps application or as it is also called Google map. It is located in the main menu of your device. We establish our location during the first turn on. We find an icon on the screen in the form of an arrow pointing upward, which shows the direction of our movement. It is he who will guide our route throughout the entire journey.

Here you can find a route to an object by indicating your location and the point of the object itself. The application will draw your route on the map and show the average time you will spend on the road. There is even an option that when you enter travel time into the database, a route will be selected for you that will take exactly the amount of time you planned.

But what to do if you want to use a tablet navigator without an Internet connection, and besides, the device does not support GPS? In this case, we recommend using an external GPS receiver. There are two connection methods, which one to use depends on technical characteristics your device.

Important! Some are not compatible with specific models tablets.

Therefore, before purchasing a receiver, make sure it matches your tablet computer.

In the video you can clearly see how the tablet works as a navigator:

First connection method. Via Bluetooth

Turn on the tablet and module. On the first one, we connect Bluetooth and wait until they start interacting.

Next, set a password to connect devices to each other (usually the password is three zeros). In the tablet settings we allow using GPS to determine location. Thus, we have a full-fledged navigator or tablet with GPS.

If the navigator does not connect to the module, you will need to download the Bluetooth GPS Provider program from the Play Market. You will have to run it before each time you turn on the navigator on your tablet.

The second connection method is via USB

The first option is a little simpler than this one. First, download and launch the USB GPS 4 Droid program. During its operation, mark Start-Stop GPS with a quotation mark. With these actions we activate the Choose GPS device speed item, where you need to enter the code that is indicated on the receiver. Next, in the tablet settings, go to the “For Developers” application, and mark the “Fictitious location” column in it. Everything is ready, launch the navigator and check its operation.

Variety of navigation options software for android pleases the eye, but at the same time frightens an inexperienced person with its quantity. You have a choice - use the free version or buy the program in a specialized store, download and install the navigator on your tablet for free.

Necessary properties for a tablet navigator

There is no point in using devices with a diameter of less than 5 inches for these purposes. A tablet of 10 inches or more is a completely different matter. Everything will be perfectly visible on it, but a very large one will reduce the visibility for the driver. Therefore, the most optimal device for using a tablet as a navigator in a car would be a device with a screen size of 7-8 inches.

Which tablet operating system is preferable for a navigator, naturally - android. The advantage over others is ease of operation and installation, transparency of settings and large quantity various devices. When purchasing a new device, it is best to purchase a tablet with GPS and 3G support. Although all tablets currently offered have fairly strong components that can cope with almost any task. But still, the presence of GPS guarantees that there will be no need to purchase an additional module, and 3G will allow you to use the device to a greater extent and allow you to deal with traffic jams while the car is moving.

Not all manufacturers include the device with a holder. Therefore, you should think in advance about how you will use the navigator on your tablet while the car is moving.

If the tablet navigator program is not installed on your device, you will have to choose one of many navigation applications. Domestic manufacturers and application developers offer a variety of high-quality, high-quality products to choose from. Let's look at a few of the most common ones.

Navitel Navigator

The application actively leads in the number of users of smartphones, tablets and navigators. It accounts for about 60% of all sales and downloads. It differs in that it is multi-platform and supports large quantity different languages. Navitel Navigator also has an extended technical support.

This application is one of the most popular Yandex developments. All maps in this application are updated and downloaded to the device gradually, as needed. Its advantage is the ability to view photographs of monuments, landmarks and buildings that other users post online. Another plus is that the application has a voice prompt module.

The fact that this domestic development belongs to highly functional applications is evidenced by the fact that the Togliatti Automobile Plant installs it on the built-in navigators of its cars, and the commercial licensed version of the application is used by many transport companies. The main advantage is the presence of “Traffic 2.0” technology. It displays the situation much faster than its competitors (Navitel or ProGorod).

Operating this application is simple and does not require any additional skills. The advantage is the presence of a system of dynamic corrections that reflect real situations occurring on the road.

One of the widely used navigators that do not require the Internet. The destination is indicated by a red flag; you can set it with a dot on the map or by entering a specific address in the search bar. The downside is that the free version of the application allows you to download only 10 maps.

Free version works without interruption and guides the user through 2D maps. All downloaded maps are updated at least once a month. The downside is the lack of voice prompts and limited access to 3D maps. These options are only available in paid version applications.

Benefits of using 3G GPS in a car

1. Calculate average fuel consumption and calculate the cost of the distance traveled.
2. Checks the accuracy of the car's speedometer.
3. Will help you find a hotel, cafe or store with an ATM.
4. With it, you will be able to view the weather forecast or news via the Internet.
5. Check your email or page on in social networks.
6. Play a game or watch a movie at the stop.
7. Capacity battery tablet computer is higher than on navigators.

But most of the above is available by installing the appropriate programs and applications (software) on the device.

Disadvantages of using a tablet as a navigator in a car

To a greater extent, for tablets there is no panel mount, so you will have to figure it out yourself. The GPS module is powerful only on expensive models; the use of cheaper devices risks that the signal may periodically disappear (for large cities this may occur when driving through tunnels, bridges and overpasses).

Currently, Chinese manufacturers offer their customers a tablet with a TV tuner and a navigator, as well as a tablet navigator and a DVR. These devices, as a rule, belong to little-known manufacturers, but they differ from branded ones in their wide functionality. Their prices are naturally lower than those of well-known brands.

Attention! In the event of a breakdown or any malfunction, the user will have to decide whether to repair or return Money by mailing the device at your own expense to the Middle Kingdom.

When purchasing a branded device, just contact service center repairing phones, laptops, navigators, tablets and other equipment.

Latest version, perhaps the best GPS navigator for Android - Navitel Navigator. From Russian developers. It can do everything that a mobile navigator should be able to do: 1. Voice prompts (voice can be selected) 2. Support for time-varying POI with search (POI - points of interest, such as cafes, cinemas, attractions) 3. Built-in services Navitel.Traffic and Navitel. Events (the names make it clear why they are needed, they are not available in all countries) 4. SpeedCam displays (locations of traffic police cameras/radars) 5. 3D objects 6. Automatic map updates directly from the application

According to the developers, they listened to user recommendations and improved their creation. There are fewer bugs (but they are there), now it will work even on the most powerful tablets, perhaps even on Chinese devices. Write in the comments how the program works for you.

Maps for Navitel

Maps for Navitel Navigator of some CIS countries, throw in NavitelContent/Maps (attention, this is new format cards, for the 7th version of the application, if you have Navitel version 5, they will not work): Russia Belarus Ukraine Kazakhstan

How to install Navitel Navigator on a tablet

At first everything is standard, click on the link below. Installation is complete and acceptable. Next, download the maps from the links above. , or just any file manager find the NavitelContent folder. This folder will be both on the memory card and in the device’s memory, choose where it is more convenient for you to store cards, where there is space. Go to this folder and find the Maps folder. This is where you copy the downloaded maps. Once copied, launch/restart Navitel Navigator. Everything should be picked up.

Every car owner at least once in his life had to drive along an unfamiliar route for the first time. Sometimes such a trip is not limited to the outskirts of a city or even a region. How can you find out in this case? In such a situation, a tablet, which most families have, will help. Many people don’t even know how to make a navigator out of a tablet. Let's consider several options for such a “reincarnation”; we will turn an ordinary tablet computer into a navigator that will help you easily find the right direction, point the way to the desired object, recreational areas or gas station.

The tablet can perform many functions, including navigation

Does the tablet have a navigator?

The easiest way is to initially purchase a tablet computer with a navigator; the only thing you need to do is learn how to use such a device. But what if you already have such a gadget? Is it possible to use it as a navigator? To get an accurate answer, it is worth checking for the presence of a certain function. In applications, we find the “Settings” item, in it - the “Location” option (to find out whether the device can determine the specific location of a person via satellites). Having configured the necessary parameters, look for the item “GPS Satellites” and put a tick on it. Using a tablet as a navigator is quite simple, you just need to install special application. When operating on the device operating system Android, you will need Google Maps. These maps are located in the main menu of the gadget; in this case, upon first launch, you need to select, or rather, find your location. To connect to the Internet you need access to Wi-Fi. After starting the program, a connection with satellites will be established, the car owner will be able to preview the proposed route, indicating only the first and last points. Such an application has many useful properties, for example, you can specify the time for which you need. Throughout the movement, the program promotes correct movement and indicates turns in advance.

Positive and negative aspects of the idea

Using a tablet as a navigator is a reasonable and cost-effective solution. However, as with most all situations, there are pros and cons. First, it’s worth understanding: in what ways are modern tablet computers superior and inferior to such a gadget as a navigator.

Undeniable advantages

First, let’s look at the positive dynamics, first of all it’s worth noting:

• Screen size. It is no secret that in new tablet models the display size is 9 inches or even higher, which greatly simplifies working with the map and navigation menu, since while driving, it is easier to click on a larger icon;

• network access. A constantly connected Internet allows you to see the real picture, i.e. know about traffic jams that have formed in this moment on the route, and other incidents in real time;
• processor power. Using a tablet as a navigator, you can quickly receive large-sized maps and work with most navigator applications without lags or errors;
• various tablet functionality. Supported multimedia programs will allow you to watch a movie, listen to music, or even play if you use the car for a long time;
• greater battery power. The tablet can operate without recharging for a longer time;
• choice navigation programs. If the user is not satisfied with the operation of a particular application, there is no need to use the program built into the navigator manufacturer; you can download and change navigation applications of your choice.

Significant disadvantages

However, in addition to the positive aspects, this idea also has its disadvantages. For example, how to use a tablet as a navigator if there is no mount for it in the car? In addition, you won’t be able to buy it along with the gadget either, since it is not included in the package. So, the disadvantages of “reincarnation”:

• a mount for a tablet navigator will need to be purchased separately (you can, of course, do without it, but it brings a lot of inconvenience while moving);

• relatively inexpensive, especially Chinese, models tablet computers They have a rather weak GPS module, which is why communication with the satellite may disappear or fail to be established. It is worth noting that this is not typical for expensive tablets;
• For some car owners, the large tablet display partially blocks the view of the road surface, but this depends more on the car model and the place where the tablet computer is attached.

Popular Software

The car owner, of course, has the right to choose which navigator for the tablet is better. Among the most popular applications:

• Sygic GPS Navigator- the most functional, one of the three leading navigators, suitable. It allows you to regularly update old maps and download new ones; it can function in a horizontal position;
• Maverick GPS Navigation- one of the simplest and most accessible, even non-advanced users can understand it. The developers have created a program that is intuitively understandable, but it is more suitable for pedestrians than for drivers;
• Navitel Navigator- one of the most practical and functionally equipped, was created for car owners from Europe. Will help when traveling around the CIS countries.

Conclusion

A tablet computer, thanks to its functionality, can combine several gadgets; in particular, it can become a good alternative to a navigator. If you have decided to save money and buy not two devices for your family, but one, in particular, a tablet, you should remember the most important thing - you need to “fork out” to buy it. Inexpensive models purchased on Chinese sites will not be able to combine both devices due to too weak navigation parameters. Only a tablet with medium or high specifications can replace the navigator; in this case, the owner will not be disappointed, and the program will work correctly and fully, without lags or errors.