Aqua Map can connect to your device's internal GPS and compass sensor, showing your position on the map.
Please note: Some mobile devices, like the iPad WiFi only version, do not have an internal GPS. In these cases, the GPS will be determined using WiFi and cellular data, which may not provide accurate enough position for navigation.
GPS modes
Managing the GPS is simple with just one button, located in the upper left corner of the map.
This button controls the GPS behavior and also displays the current GPS setting. When you press this button it cycles through three different GPS modes, these are indicated by icons on the screen:
- Not centered:
,In this mode, the map does not automatically center on your GPS position.
Note: This mode is activated when you pan or zoom, except when using the + and - buttons in the Scale box. - North-up mode:
, The map continuously re-centers on the GPS position and aligns with the cartographic North at the top of the screen.
Note: If the Perspective view setting (found in the Settings page) is set to Automatic, the map's Perspective Mode is disabled when entering this mode. - Heading-up mode:
, The map center follows the GPS like in North-up mode, but it also rotates to keep the top side of the map aligned with the direction of GPS movement
(COG) or the compass heading
(HDG). Note: The GPS is not vertically centered in the middle of the screen but slightly off-center to display more map in front of you. If the Perspective view setting (see Settings page) is set to Automatic, the map's Perspective Mode is enabled when entering this mode.
Remember If you want the map to follow your GPS position then you shall be in North-up or Heading-up mode.
When this icon appears overlaid to the GPS button, it means that the GPS signal is provided by an external GPS device set-up with a Wi-Fi Connection.
GPS info box
When the GPS is enabled, a dedicated window will appear overlaid to the map:
This window contains:
, it displays the GPS quality; it is suggested to try to always have a good (green) quality of the GPS. Lower qualities (yellow and red) may result in inaccuracies.
- SOG, it displays the Speed Over Ground, so the speed of your boat in relation to the earth surface (not in relation to the water).
- COG, it displays the Course Over Ground, this is not the heading of the boat but the direction of the boat movement.
When available (in most of US canals and rivers) a third info will be displayed in the GPS info box: the Mile Marker (MM) corresponding to your GPS position.
