GPS on tablets and smartphones

Many smartphones and tablet computers are GPS-enabled. With the right app they can be used as a navigational aid. To do this, download the .GPX file from the route page and import it to your device. How this is done depends on the app you’re using. The app will also determine your choice of underlying maps.

ViewRanger is popular GPS app for both iPad, iPhone and Android devices. It allows importing of GPX files (including synchronisation with Dropbox, which is very handy). It has a good selection of free and paid-for base mapping. It’s best to install the maps on your device before you go, in case you are in a place with no phone service. GPS can drain batteries fast, so it’s worth taking a paper map as a backup, at least until you get an idea of how long your device’s battery will last when being used for GPS navigation.