Finding Your Way with Maps and GPS - Running Android: Using Your Phone and Tablet for Work and Play - page 151

Avare ( http://bit.ly/1aTM9TA ) is a free aviation flight planning and charting app that al-
lows you to download maps for use offline. As the app warns you, it is not an FAA-cer-
tified GPS or navigation system and should be used to supplement, not replace, certified
aircraft equipment and official charts. Having said that, Avare is extremely useful, both for
preflight planning and enroute navigation. In the air, it works as a GPS moving map at a
cost hundreds of dollars cheaper than dedicated electronic flight bag (EFB) devices.
Aviation Weather
Aviation Weather ( http://bit.ly/HU5XtX ) is a free app that gives you direct access to Na-
tional Weather Services aviation weather information. Though it is not a substitute for an
official, legal weather briefing, it's an excellent flight planning tool.
Note that both official FAA online weather briefing sources are accessible from your phone
or tablet. CSC DUATS ( duats.com ) doesn't have an app but does have a clean and simple
mobile web site. DTC DUATS ( duat.com ), has a free Android app ( http://bit.ly/1bv0Cnl ).
Marine Charts and Navigation
Not being an active user of marine charts and navigation, I can only point out that there are
many apps ( http://bit.ly/18sH52E ) .
Marine Navigator
Marine Navigator ( http://bit.ly/17uGCSt ) is an example. It gives you access to marine
charts worldwide, and the paid version lets you easily download charts for use offline. On
the water, it works as a GPS moving map navigator.
GPS
Since most Android devices have GPS, many apps take advantage of the precise position-
ing that is available. Of course, GPS only works when the tablet has a good view of the
GPS satellites, and may not work among tall buildings, indoors, and outdoors in places
such as narrow canyons.
That said, the GPS sensor is a valuable feature and greatly expands its utility. In addition
to the mapping and navigation apps I've already described, you can get specialized GPS
apps that display more GPS information and allow you to work with waypoints, tracks, and