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User profile for user: Cessna47g 
Cessna47g Author
User level: Level1 4 points
This is for Rotor-Heads question.
Handheld GPS uses the network of satellites to get your location, while A-GPS (Assisted GPS); which is what our iPhones use, uses the network of satellites along WITH information from the cell towers of your mobile operator to pinpoint your location. This added dimension makes A-GPS faster and more accurate - only if you are near a cell tower. Also, the A-GPS only works if there is a cell tower, and you do not have to be on a purchased cell service for this to work. But, if you are in the middle of ocean, or putting around flying VFR, it doesn’t work the same as a hand held GPS that actually acquires Satellite Signals, and doesn’t use a hybrid A-GPS system.
Posted on Apr 22, 2023 9:09 AM
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User profile for user: Chattanoogan 
User level: Level7 25,586 points
Posted on Apr 23, 2023 1:54 AM
An iPhone’s GPS will work just fine w/o cell coverage - your phone will know where it is …
… but YOU will not be able see your location displayed on Apple Maps w/o a data connection to download the map.
Software which only displays tabular location data will work fine (e.g. Apple’s Compass) as will software which uses offline (pre-downloaded) maps.
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User profile for user: Chattanoogan
User level: Level7 25,586 points
Apr 23, 2023 1:54 AM in response to Cessna47g
An iPhone’s GPS will work just fine w/o cell coverage - your phone will know where it is …
… but YOU will not be able see your location displayed on Apple Maps w/o a data connection to download the map.
Software which only displays tabular location data will work fine (e.g. Apple’s Compass) as will software which uses offline (pre-downloaded) maps.
Link
User profile for user: SravanKrA 
Community+ 2024 User level: Level10 413,086 points
Apr 23, 2023 1:15 AM in response to Cessna47g
- Location Services uses GPS and Bluetooth (where they're available), along with crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspots and cellular towers to determine the approximate location of your device.
- Apps won't use your location until they ask for your permission and you allow permission.
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Does iPhone GPS work without Cell Coverage?
