High Sierra Topix

Jimr wrote:Go down to post #4 for an interesting update on this feature change.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... _id=103031

Yes indeed, a very worthwhile set of posts, in fact much more informative than anything else I've seen on the Internet on this topic. I was particularly surprised to learn that simply shutting down applications wasn't really the right solution, at least for applications that I'm likely to be using (such as Peak Finder). Thanks much, Jim!

Very good information since I do have an Iphone and had read all about the GPS function being turned off while in airplane mode. Thank you for the info on the updated IOS.

I downloaded and tried the app Topo Maps+ as Jimr suggested. The basic free maps are ok for use and the app does a lot of what I was wanting. Plus, with the new iPhone IOS 8.3, while in airplane mode, I could turn on and off the GPS from the Topo Map+ app. Took maybe 5-10 seconds to get a GPS signal from when I turned it on and then it found my at the exact location on the map I downloaded for that area. After turning it off, the GPS indicator on the phone stayed on for about 10 seconds after. Minimal battery usage was noticed (maybe 6%) after trying the GPS feature about four times.

For me, this app and feature on my iPhone might of just replaced my Garmin GPS since it will only occasionally be used to find my location and it didn't use up the battery too much. If one wants to have the tracking option on for extended time, use a dedicated GPS unit or plan on bringing a battery charger/solar charger.

Schmalz turned me on to that little app. I paid a few bucks for a couple months of access to their high resolution maps and down loaded most of the Sierra in one hour. Very good quality map tiles, all you can eat for one small price.