The iPhone does have its own GPS receiver. But to use the standard Maps app AND view the maps (whether from Apple or Google) you need an Internet connection, and thus cell service. More than once I've tried to consult the Maps app, and while the phone geo-locates using GPS just fine, it can't place that location on a map. That's why we take the Garmin with us when we travel.

There may be apps which allow the preloading of maps, but I've got a dedicated GPS, so I haven't looked into it.

-Jarrett
89 Westy

On Oct 30, 2012, at 12:45 PM, Anthony Egeln wrote:

> Doesn't the iPhone have an internal, self-contained GPS (independent of internet/cell service), 
> 
> which is also backed up by cell tower triangulation?
> 
> That is my understanding.  Can anyone confirm or deny this feature?