GPS for my Mac

[Siamese]

When we travel, I rely on my basic, Garmin GPS for turn by turn directions.

However, I've always found that these units, at least the low cost ones like mine, don't do a good job of giving you a big view. When you zoom out to see an entire state, it just doesn't work well.

You're driving down the x-way, and it says turn left at exit 4B, and you think WHAT??!?!...where is this demonic device sending me? You might discover later that it took you on an alternate route that worked, but may not have been your first choice.

I can view a nice map on my Android tablet, and it shows where I am on the map, and I can effortlessly zoom in and out to show a single x-way intersection, or zoom out to see the entire city, state, or more. It's just a nicer way to get a good global sense of where you are.

BUT...my Android program needs WIFI, and I want a program that I can use on my MAC book, without the WIFI, that has detailed maps and is GPS enabled. Does anyone know a good program for that?

[DanNJanice]

I guess the first question is, does your Macbook have built in GPS, most laptops don't. You would probably have to get an external GPS receiver if you want to be truly "offline".
What about getting an offline GPS application to use on your tablet? Then you would not need wifi.
The two I know of two off the top of my head (there are probably others as well)
are Here Maps and Co-Pilot GPS. I use Here Maps on my cell phone, that way I do not have to be connected to either wifi or a cell tower.

[Pfflyer]

Does your MacBook have Bluetooth? Would this work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006M49G80...=2ZAHD40HY0EIV

[Siamese]

Thanks. Yup, it's already GPS capable.

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by Siamese

Thanks. Yup, it's already GPS capable.

Which Mac has built-in GPS?

[DanNJanice]

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

Which Mac has built-in GPS?

Yes, I would like to have this answered as well. Everything I have found indicates that MACs (and PCs as well) use a pseudo GPS location service that requires a wifi signal, and do not have GPS receivers built in.

[bankr63]

Just a quick note that your tablet may not need wi-fi signal. If you are using Google Maps and know the area you are touring, you can download the required maps to your device while connected to your home network and then go travelling. Downloaded maps are generally good for about 60 days after which they will prompt you to update or delete.

Note that traffic information and avoidance/rerouting always requires a network signal regardless of platform. You can't get traffic information from the GPS receiver.