Getting Started with Gaia GPS - The Best Offline GPS Navigation Tool

[@kdboyle7673]

Matt, I can't thank you enough. Longtime day hiker; newbie backpacker. I have a subscription through Outside+ but was so intimidated that I didn't bother with it and continued to use All Trails. Watched this several times, practiced and started working with it. No comparison - All Trails deleted. THANK YOU!

[@chechitto]

Just wanted to thank you. A newbie offroader here and I made my first route on Gaia for a camping spot learning from this video.

[@ryangriffith]

Great content. Thanks for sharing. Suggestion for a follow on Gaia video... "now you've planned to route, let's see what it's like to execute it". I'd love to see some content on using Gaia while you are actually driving the route, covering topics like timing (getting to camp before dark), knowing how to navigate the trail vs. what you mapped in Gaia, waypoints, recording a track while navigating your route. Not a lot of KZbin content on the execution and possibly an area you could capitalize on. Thanks again for the great content.

[@sportdriver]

This

[@GabrielDoesOutdoors]

THIS

[@justintherriault3464]

Thissss

[@victorgray4121]

Thank you. This was a major step forward in my attempt to use GAIA on a regular basis. Great job. Now I need to watch the video three more times.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anthonyhershiser7528]

Thanks!

[@ourjourneyon3legs328]

I was torn between OnX offroad and Gaia prior to watching this video and your "deep dive" video. You definitely helped me select Gaia as my go to Offline GPS. Thanks for taking the time to help out with quality info.

[@lanemortensen1952]

This was an excellent detailed tutorial. I’ve really been enjoying your content. Thanks for putting it out there!

[@fordwzrd236]

Can’t get enough of your videos. Your personality is awesome.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Wow, thank you!

[@hlmparks]

I really appreciate your Gaia tutorials as there are not a ton of Gaia tutorials that are this in depth. Super helpful - thank you! What would be super great in any future tutorials (if there are any) would be not having any editing cuts to you speaking during the meat of the tutorial. Not because you're not awesome (and have awesome tattoos (truly)), but because I don't know Gaia super well, I really just wanted to see Gaia GPS as you were speaking. I had to keep rewinding and pausing to follow along on my devices. Thanks again for taking the time to do these!

[@earlliotti5316]

This is a great tutorial. I just acquired a GPS tablet and Gaia, had no idea how to use it. Your tutorial was easy to understand - thank you for taking the time to teach!

[@raymondclark1785]

I've been turning our house inside out trying to find a tablet my wife used for games to see if it has GPS but no luck yet :(

[@greghull3189]

Awesome tutorial. I just subscribed to Gaia premium a couple of weeks ago and had no idea how to set up the layers. This was a huge help. Thanks!

[@susanchapman3915]

This was VERY helpful. Thank you for starting at the beginning. Some of us are truly navigation amateurs!

[@savage22bolt32]

It it has a chip in it, I will find a way to screw it up.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Thanks for the detailed information and tutorial!!! GAIA GPS is by far the best and definitely my favorite! A literal lifesaver at times!

[@kurknielsen]

Best GAIA tutorial I’ve come across. Thank you, Very helpful .

[@rtong12]

Great video. Thank you. Moved from NWA after 9 years and now discovering SoCal outdoors. Not the same but looking forward to using Gaia since I just bought a 4x4

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

Excellent! I use GaiaGPS every day up here in Alaska. There is an advantage of organizing waypoints/routes in folders and I recommend from the start, organizing with folders including downloaded maps.

[@eyeow]

Amazing step-by-step guide. This is the best Gaia beginners guide I have seen...thank you so much for sharing your knowledge...I will be watching this multiple times : )

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You're very welcome!

[@oscar_whitewolf]

Great tutorial thanks from Milan, Italy 😊

[@bootmender]

First way point my recliner; second way point the beer refrigerator; third way point bathroom? 👍 triangle of life! ❤️🧐🤷

[@qisanqi]

All Filed in the "Couch Potato" folder

[@j.t.slaughter6379]

Thank you for your GREAT videos on GAIA

[@dennishochwender8208]

Great video, simple and to the point, thanks for the help!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad it helped!

[@silveralert5095]

Hey Matt, I met you at Overland Expo 2022. I subscribed to Gaia. Thanks for the info!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Gyrochronatom]

Subscribed off of your link! Thank you for doing these videos!

[@Stealth_Overlanding]

Thank yoy for making this video. I'm new to Gaia and this was super helpful! I appreciate you!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

New video coming out tomorrow.

[@MichaelEC1]

Thank you so much, I am just getting into Gaia GPS and this was way helpful.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnmccann1234]

A great video! Thank you for the explanations and the guidance. Have spend some time fumbling but this put me way ahead!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@boogieboi2513]

Thanks a lot for this video. I’ve had Gaia for a while but never knew how to use it and I went on a trip to the quachita national Forrest last weekend and I would’ve had a much better trip if I had watched this before. But now I have a trip planned for next weekend up there again that’ll go a lot smoother and have less time In parking lots trying to plan a trail

[@christinawhite3859]

Thank you for the tutorial. Excellent content as usual.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!

[@markspinner7220]

Thanks. Playing with layers have made it easier for me to see things especially names of cities, trails and roads 👍👍

[@davebehrens9794]

Love your approach on teaching this. You've been a big help! THANK YOU!

[@pascalmorissette1711]

Wow, such a great video ! You saved me a lot of time. Thank you very much, I learned a lot to day.

[@charlesruelas3962]

Well, must say I am glad I watched the entire video. You definitely helped connect a lot of information from the app. I have had the app about 2 months, I am going west for 5 weeks in my 4Runner, overloading, disperse camping etc. I plan to hit a lot of parks, especially in Utah, California, Colorado etc. I have been reserved on how to use this, but your video was awesome and extremely informative. I appreciate this video. I am using a new iPad, MacBook and my iPhone on this trip. Thanks. Will you be teaching anywhere in 2023 or shall I ask where? I am in the Atlanta, GA area.

[@markbaker3386]

Great introduction to Gaia

[@beachbum200009]

Very detailed and helpful. Thank you

[@hofmannsluresinc]

Very informative... Thank You!

[@dirtbikes_and_drones]

Tip: Use areas to create quick downloadable maps of states. Create an area and trace the state. When you want to download a map for offline use, you can just select the area and "download map". This way you don't have to try and download large sections at a time. I keep my state downloaded on all devices. If I'm going to another state to explore, I just select the state "area" and download map for area.

[@robdanner3833]

I've got most of Gaia down and can operate it fairly well. I've updated to the latest version. Gaia has stated that you can now navigate a downloaded offline map with the appropriate map tiles using turn by turn navigation. I have followed the known procedure and made sure to checkmark the data boxes for 3d and turn by turn, but when I go offline then there isn't a turn by turn option available in the downloaded map. It is available as long as I have internet but goes away when no internet is available. Am I doing something wrong or missing something?

[@GrahamHolmes]

Great video thank you. I have been struggling a little with Gaia on the trail. I have it on Apple Car Play on my Tacoma and find it glitchy and it freezes. It also doesn't scroll the map as I am driving so i lose my location off the screen. Probably a setting I am missing,

[@jessicamathews5758]

We just subscriptions Gaia map. We are new to the Gaia maps.

[@mustdodiving5263]

I really enjoy your videos…thx

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you like them!

[@lindacovnot5194]

Great video and so helpful. I do have a couple of questions. How do you find certain areas to explore? My husband and I are planning a trip to Idaho but are not sure where to explore. I do have the certain areas, but not precise or detailed plans. Suggestions?

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

Your Gaia videos have helped me to get things in order I use my iphone along with carplay the same as you show one negative about the carplay Arrow is the large circle blocks out the exact spot you are at

[@tbelli63]

Great video. Thanks!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@TacomaTrailblazer]

Thank you for an awesome and detail explanation of GAIA. I would like to know more about the legends used and what it means.

[@TerraFirmaX]

Can you change the size of the font? I have a hard time reading the map font size

[@advridertim]

Would like to know if you can have a split screen on a tablet with two different Gaia GPS map screens open, one zoomed out, the other zoomed in???? Do you have a 2nd Gaia subscription for your laptop or tablet, and phone???? Thanks Tim

[@cre8vedesign]

I see many overlanders using ipad mini's. I have no apple products so is there any downside to using an android tablet for navigation and gaia etc?

[@julioalvarez48]

Thanks for you all your information. Question how can I share a route to another person that also has Gaia?

[@vwbeetlefuelgaugesystem]

At about 13 min you talk about having the map rotate in the travel direction. I can not find that when using the app and traveling. I presume, this is if your using a Tablet with GPS, not an Android... Guess this does not work, uggg, or I am missing something. Great video, been using Gaia for about 3 years but rather crudely. Want to do more now... Thanks, Jim.

[@iany1958]

Do you have any feedbacks or knoledge regarding using GAIA in Israel, especially 4X4 trails? are there any sites that share that kind of info ?

[@soonermike4]

How do I make a route, save it, and make a GPX file to save on an SD card for my Lowrance HDS Live GPS?

[@lmallard3788]

What features should I opt for in buying an ipad for using gaia ups in the field? E.g. cellular?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Cellular is best since it has the gps receiver. Wi-Fi only iPads will need an external Bluetooth gps receiver.

[@AdamLoerts]

I use "areas' to specify what offline maps to download.

[@lynngemeinhart8975]

You have made a very good argument in several videos for Gaia GPS being the best choice to use. There is a problem with Gaia GPS though. There is not an app which can be downloaded for an iMac or MacBook. The app is good for an iPad, an iPhone, or an iPod, but not the iMac or MacBook. I find this frustrating as I would like to do planning on a larger screen, and also not be concerned about battery life. Are you aware of any plans for an app to cover all apple products?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Just use the website. I show it in the video.

[@lmallard3788]

Should I create folders my own folders for storing my waypoints? I have the premium subscription and used your discount code

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I would.

[@maryhayden4356]

Any tips on saving phone battery while tracking hikes?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Put your phone in airplane mode so it's not searching for cell towers and wifi signals. GPS still works in airplane mode.

[@jeepncj7]

This is great! Curious if anyone imports ioverlander gpx data for route planning (camping, gas, food stops etc), or just fire up the separate ioverlander app to reference.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

If you can get the ioverlander GPX data you can import it. I have it in mine but I have no clue where I got it from. LOL.

[@TheOutdoorProfessor416]

Great tutorial, thanks! In your overland adventures have you used the Gaia overland map layer and have you found it's info useful?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes. I LOVE it!!! I’m talked about it in several of my recent Colorado videos.

[@Coyotes_Locos]

Thanks for the video. Informative. It seems GAIA still does not have some of these features on Android devices, example is distance markers (at least I cannot find it).

[@JenniferBeringuel-z4q]

Can I use this app in the Pacific ocean

[@Dscottff127]

Thank you!!

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You're welcome!

[@rosscorindia9527]

Is there a way while creating a new route, turn on features that show the nearest campsite , or gas station, etc. without having to zoom in to find them?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

that would be awesome, but no.

[@Born2Ride108]

When i go to GGPs on my tablet or phone I do not get the same home screen as on the laptop. The icons do not appear on the left side of the tablet. Is there something I need to do to get it setup that way? Yes, I have premium membership. thanks

[@sisyphus883]

I am finding the gaia to be extremely confusing. I want to follow along step-by-step to make it easier for my brain. But most of what you click on does not come up the same on an Android. Is there anyway you can actually get your hands on an Android phone and tablet and start over from the beginning? Most stuff I can figure it out when I just play with it. But I have spent hours on it, and I'm only more confused than when I began. On top of that, I'm not entirely sure if my color blindness is a major factor or not.

[@larry04456]

Have a couple question have been using on x for the last year or so have saved so Way point on there if I start gaia can I move them over Second question I am in Maine how well is it covered in this area

[@MrBarksone]

Hey mate I have a big trip starting from Adelaide Australia to the tip and across into Western Australia. Think of travelling half way across the US. Do I need to download maps for this entire region.. How would you plan this on the app?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Watch my recent video on Gaia Layers.

[@jmritzi5351]

Thank you for this really clear sharing, however I have a question, does GAIA have Buddybeacon like Viewranger or Outdooractive? thank you in advance for your response

[@Born2Ride108]

i notice when i am trying to create a route in a densely populated area if I zoom in I cannot scroll the page over to view larger area of the map. Any recommendations?

[@tylerhunter7272]

Can u create a route on ur computer and have it sync to ur mobile devices? Or is it just easier to first create on computer, then input also on ur mobile’s?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Definitely. I do all my pre planning on my computer.

[@FritzKinney]

Can a WayPoint be "imported/added" into another route? Or do I need to create a new one for each route? Love this Gaia Class! Thx!

[@cmt2887]

After I create a route and/or area on my Mac, how do I transfer that to my iPad or iPhone? Is there a sync function?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

They should sync automatically.

[@blueduster74]

So it seems most of this we need to do on the computer? Then it will be available on the phone and iPad apps?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You can do it all on the mobile device. I just find pre-planning easier on a computer.

[@darksideemt]

Have a layers question on the mobile devices: Can you get rid of the layers that are listed in the inactive section?

[@tylerhunter7272]

Why would a saved folder with content on a surface pro not sync to iPad, iPhone even after hitting sync of those devices?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I assume you’re logged in to the same account on all devices? If so it should sync. On the surface pro you’re accessing Gaia through the web browser and the folder is a folder on the Gaia GPS website?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I assume you’re logged in to the same account on all devices? If so it should sync. On the surface pro you’re accessing Gaia through the web browser and the folder is a folder on the Gaia GPS website?

[@tylerhunter7272]

I made my first route and it finally did sync across all 3 devices - Surface Pro, iPad and iPhone. Thanks for the comprehensive getting start “How-to” video, much appreciated!

[@mrtopcat2]

Thank you very much for this video. I am new to this whole thing and going to buy an iPad and I am trying to stay within budget. I am planning daytrips to specific limited areas only, so no weeks of overlanding etc. Also I think I could do without satellite layers if I had to. Q: Would you say I am OK with a 64GB version of an iPad or is the next up 256GB a must for me?

[@leighgibson3623]

I found the more memory the better. Lots of layers on maps to choose from and downloading layers and maps for off line use you will appreciate the 256GB.

[@mrtopcat2]

@@leighgibson3623 Thanks for chiming in. You are probably spot on. 'Unfortunately' I have already rolled the dice and bought and iPad Mini 6 cellular version. I understand the cellular version has GPS, vs. the WiFi version having no GPS and needs using an extra, external GPS. So with the cellular version already being even more expensive than the WiFi version, I opted for the less expensive 64GB version. I realize this is no ideal and I probably won't be able to keep my maps on it. So I think what I will do, I will just load the maps that I need for the trip. So for that hopefully the 64GB will be enough too. Also I have paid/subscribed to GAIA maps and I find even their own supplied GAIA maps already so nice. Much better than any paper map that I have ever used. So I am already very happy even with those maps alone. I am still learning the GAIA app and playing with it. I may not find out all options, but even with the options that I found it is already so great. Anyhow, thanks again for chiming in.

[@leighgibson3623]

@@mrtopcat2 My iPhone 6s is only 64 GB so you should have enough memory to keep more maps that you think on it. I have basically the entire Ouachita and Ozark National Forests saved on mine so you should be ok. I am looking into getting an iPad Mini currently for the larger screen so I understand.

[@mrtopcat2]

@@leighgibson3623 Thanks again for the feedback. I can't wait to start putting this combo to use. So far I have used it on a few foot hiking trails and it all seems to track very nicely. Hopefully the GPS will be accurate enough within the vehicle. But even if would not be as accurate for some reason, me having only used paper maps before, this will do so much better. 😀

[@savage22bolt32]

@@mrtopcat2 I've been using paper maps since 1959. I'm playing with the gaia app. Would love the premium subscription, but I never put my charge card info on the internet.

[@1ltcabral843]

Will this app can still locate me if my phone has no built in GPS in it but I have internet connection

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes. But what phone doesn’t have GPS these days?

[@DoAllTheThingsAndThenSome]

Hey Matt, Where do I get a sweet Gaia GPS hat? Also, the public tracks, I can download them and save them to my map. Will that be available when i'm in my vehicle off the grid if i download the area? What's the purpose of public tracks, I'm kinda confused. I'm guessing mostly for people to share their routes and where they have been with the community. Can I just save their track in lieu of creating a route?

[@brucegordon9292]

What layers do you use for navigating BLM land?

[@Vanderloo5]

How would I best find dispersed campsites on gaia? Is there a layer for this?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Dispersed campsites are typically not on maps. However the Gaia overland layer does have some marked in different areas. I found some nice ones in Colorado with it. I have a full video on how I find dispersed camp sites.

[@Vanderloo5]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures I looked for.it on your channel and was unable to find it.

[@desireeyoung8778]

Where can we get a copy of your GPX of the OOAT to download?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

in the descriptions of the OOAT videos.

[@blackwell32]

Great video. Your Gaia videos have helped me a lot. Recently seen that they have a new layer Gaia Overland. Didn’t know if you have checked this out but interested in what you think of it.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks! The new overland layer is awesome!

[@justinmartinez902]

If I download the OOAT 5 day trail. How do I play it while driving to show me were I'm at? Completely new to this and any info will help.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You don’t “play it” it shows up on your map and you follow it.

[@asbestosfiber]

Thanks for doing this. It's great stuff. But you're driving me nuts with "preplanning" the whole essence of planning is the "pre" Plan: (noun) a set of decisions about how to do something in the future.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Preplan (verb): pre-plan to plan in advance. 😂

[@asbestosfiber]

Best laid plans of mice and men. . .

[@LoneStarSwirl]

Great video! I use GAIA all the time. I want to start planning an overland trip to Arkansas for this summer. I have never been. Where would one such as myself go to find the best overlanding trails and campsites in Arkansas? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@jerryrodgers6785]

Check out the Ozark or Ouachita National Forests. Ozarks are north of I-40 and Ouachitas are south of I-40.

[@stevescramo592]

How do you record a track and then down load once you are done with that route you create as you drive?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You just hit the record button when you want to start recording. Hit it again to stop recording and save it. From the details of the track and you save it as a GPX file to share.

[@mustdodiving5263]

Hi… it tells me I can only do 10 000 tiles… it’s not space..my iPad Pro has 2TB… any suggestions.. it’s not even have a gig? Thank you

[@leighgibson3623]

I downloaded sections of the maps I needed and ensured there was a tiny bit of overlap in the map edges. The 10,000 tiles is not a memory limit but a limit in GAIA I think.

[@donwatkins9769]

When you doing a demo you can't assume the view know anything or knows where you are on the screen. You do because you are moving the cursor.

[@dylanmorgan2836]

A great navigation tool.... but is missing several VERY IMPORTANT features (offered by most all other platforms), including line thickness, order of visibility, and keeping the same area of view when navigating folders. Users have been asking for these bugs to be fixed for years, but GaiaGPS has almost never responded, and when they do respond it is with platitudes that they might think about possible considering it some day down the road.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'm not aware of any nav tool that lets you adjust line thickness but that would be a great feature. Gaia does let you change order of visibility and if you are using a tablet, you you can keep your same map view when navigating folders, routes, tracks and waypoints.

[@dylanmorgan2836]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Caltopo is one example of a mapping/nav tool which allows adjustment of line-weight. Perhaps you can adjust the visibility order of layer in iOS, but you can't in Android or on the web interface, nor can you keep the same map-view - GaiaGPS always zooms the greater extent of your prior map-view and the full extent of the folder you are entering. I have asked GaiaGPS Support and Community several times in different ways, and this is correct - you can't change line thickness, you can't choose order of visibility, and you can't opt out of auto-zoom.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

@@dylanmorgan2836 you absolutely can adjust visibility order in all versions of Gaia GPS. I do it all the time.

[@stoltzk]

Have you tried BFG On-Trail and if so what are your thought?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I have not. Never heard of it.

[@stoltzk]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Mateo from Tacoma beast has a really good video on it.

[@stoltzk]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Yeah Gaia is better lol 🤣

[@tc7458]

Great tutorial Matt!!

[@hopijobo]

really good

[@richardwatson4209]

Can you update Gaia gps app

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Not sure what you mean. The app gets updated every time Gaia releases a new version just like any other app.

[@richardwatson4209]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you

[@alwayspreparedforzombies1408]

I just got Gaia premium and I’m having a difficult time learning this thing.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Hopefully this video helps.

[@savage22bolt32]

I have the free app. Probably need the subscription version. 40 bucks is not my issue. I don't put my credit card on the internet. I wish they had an option where I could mail gaia a check.

[@scottmiller1025]

Just a few minutes into the video how do you turn off other users routes that area covering up the map datem like "what type of road or trail is that" is that road legal to drive on. These show up as light green on my phone.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

go to the map overlays and turn off the public tracks toggle.

[@winstonalpha1286]

Does this really work off line 🤔 Or is it just bs ? If it does work, does it use data ? How does it work ?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You download the maps before you head out and they stay downloaded. It’s totally offline. No data used.

[@winstonalpha1286]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventuresok cool. thank you 👍🏽

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

Gaia is incredibly US-centric. Even though they clearly have coverage in South America, they don't provide it as a layer and their website does not even mention South American maps.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Take a look at the Gaia Overland Layer. It has a lot in South America.

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventuresI have been poking around the Overland Layer, but was hoping to find some type of coverage map or description of the coverage so I don't have to look at every city on the continent to make sure it is covered.

[@windybuns2929]

did I miss this or maybe you can comment and expand. If you have no cell service, how does this work?

[@leighgibson3623]

I you have a GPS enabled device (iPhone 6s is mine) you can pick the layers you want and then download the maps to the phone itself and it will be available offline with those layers you had active even if you don't have cell signal. Downloads happen faster if you pick just sections of the map.

[@wingrydermc9768]

@@leighgibson3623 Good job. About your phone. I use the 6s plus larger screen and very cheap now. I always have a backup at home. Also the base topo map is already there.. and is very good. I also have access to several map layers and these "extra" maps always open just fine with no service. . I do work out my routes at home on the pc with service but I dont take steps to download map data. I guess more education is needed.

[@stumpjumper2275]

Gaia tutorial!!

[@Realitycheck-mqt]

Excellent Good job

[@mustdodiving5263]

I figured it out… topo map is only 10,000 tiles… it’s going to be a long night__ LOL.. thank you

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Just download multiple sections.

[@jscotangus]

As far as I can tell, Gaia on CarPlay is still useless in an off-roading context. I am scouring the web to hopefully be proven wrong, and was hoping your "CarPlay" section would cover something useful ... a bit shocked that all you talked about was just having one screen zoomed in while another is zoomed out. Do you have a video where you talk about navigating off-road (i.e., on a trail) using Gaia through CarPlay?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I'm not sure I understand the confusion. I use gaia on carplay for navigation all the time. It allows you to have gaia on a larger screen and be able to use your phone for other things. You use your carplay screen just like your phone screen to follow where you are.