This time we would like to show you how Follow GPS mode works in GPX Viewer and GPX Viewer PRO on Android and GPX Viewer PRO on iOS. Follow GPS keeps the map centered on your current position as you move, so the map follows you automatically. This mode is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts, as it helps you stay oriented and navigate naturally without constantly stopping to adjust the map or figure out your direction.
Follow GPS on Android
Turning on Follow GPS
To activate Follow GPS, tap the blue location button on the map screen. You can also turn it on from the main menu > Follow GPS. Once active, a blue box appears in the bottom left corner of the screen showing your current speed. Below the current speed is shown your altitude, tap the blue box to toggle it to azimuth.
At the top of the blue box you will find three buttons:
- The white arrow button returns the map to your current position immediately. If you moved the map away from your current location, tapping this button will bring you back to your position right away instead of waiting a few seconds for the automatic return.
- The compass button activates the Rotate map feature, which turns the map based on your direction of travel instead of keeping it fixed north-up. This button turns turquoise when active. When exploring an unfamiliar area, it becomes much easier this way, since upcoming turns appear in the map exactly as you will experience them. You can also activate Rotate map from the main menu > Rotate map.
- The “X” button turns off Follow GPS.
Setting “Follow GPS” zoom level
You can set the zoom level Follow GPS always returns to. If you prefer seeing more surrounding detail, such as nearby trails, terrain features, or points of interest, set a closer zoom level. Every time the map auto-returns, it will return to that more detailed view instead of a wider one that shows less of your surroundings. “Follow GPS” zoom level can be set in the main menu > Settings > GPS > “Follow GPS” zoom.
Staying on track with off track warning
With off track warning enabled, GPX Viewer helps you quickly find your way back if you stray from your planned route. A dotted line connects your current location to the nearest point on the track and shows the distance to it, making it easier to return to the route and continue your journey. This is especially useful in the areas where the trail is not always obvious and it is easy to wander in the wrong direction without noticing.
You can set the off track warning distance, which determines how far you need to be from your track before the warning appears. You can also enable an off track voice notification, useful when your phone is mounted on your bike and you cannot glance at the screen all the time. These options are available in the main menu > Settings > GPS.
View the elevation ahead while following GPS
Follow GPS works very well together with the elevation graph below the map. While hiking or biking uphill, a quick glance at the graph tells you how much more climbing is ahead before the next descent, all while the map keeps following your position.
Follow GPS on iOS
Turning on Follow GPS
To activate Follow GPS, tap the location arrow button in the upper right menu. The button turns violet once Follow GPS is active. Tap the same button again to also activate the Rotate map feature. With Rotate map on, the map turns based on your direction of travel, and the location arrow icon points straight up rather than sitting at an angle. To turn Follow GPS off, tap the location arrow again.
When Follow GPS is active, a black box appears in the bottom left corner of the screen. It shows your current speed at the top and your elevation at the bottom. Tap the black box to toggle data between speed and pace. A long tap toggles between elevation and azimuth.
Staying on track with off-track warning
Similar to GPX Viewer PRO on Android, If you stray from your planned route, GPX Viewer PRO on iOS also shows you a dotted line connecting your current location to the nearest point on your track, along with the distance to that point. You can activate the off-track warning by taping Settings in the bottom menu > GPS, where you can also set the distance for off-track warning, which determines how far you need to be from your track before the warning appears.
View the elevation ahead while following GPS
Imagine you are following GPS while hiking uphill and want to know how much more climbing is left. Combine Follow GPS with the elevation graph below the map, and you get both at once: the map keeps following your position with ease, while the graph shows exactly where you are along the elevation profile of your route.
Both the Android and iOS versions of GPX Viewer PRO give you the tools to stay oriented and confident on any route. Take a moment to try Follow GPS in GPX Viewer or GPX Viewer PRO during your next outdoor adventure, it is one of those features that quickly becomes something you rely on every time you head out.
