Update: See my article on the new iPad's GPS, and its best navigation, travel, and location-aware apps.
Ever since Apple introduced the original iPad, there has been some confusion about its GPS capabilities. Based on the questions I receive and the comments I'm reading, people still want to nail down the facts on the location and GPS capabilities of the various iPad 2 models before they buy. Note that the links in this post provide more in-depth information about key terms and features.
The technical specs as listed by Apple provide a good starting point: The "Wi-Fi" versions of the iPad 2, which come in 16, 32, and 64GB-memory models, do not have built in GPS chips. One cause of confusion is the fact that the Wi-Fi models can determine your location fairly accurately, as long as they are within range of a Wi-Fi signal, thanks to their Wi-Fi positioning capability. The Wi-Fi models also have a built-in digital compass.
The iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G models do have built-in GPS chips that receive signals from the global GPS satellite system to determine your location - as closely as three meters, depending the the number of satellite signals the chip is receiving. GPS in the iPad 2 is classed as assisted GPS, also known as AGPS, which enhances the performance of standard GPS in devices connected to Wi-Fi or the cellular network. The iPad 2 W-Fi + 3G may be used for the full range of apps that require detailed location information wherever you may be on the planet, including mapping, driving, services locators, and more.
Updated: There have been claims that the iPad 2 Wi-Fi model, which does not have a GPS chip, will use the GPS feed from an iPhone 4 (with iOS 4.3 installed) tethered to it with Apple's new Personal Hotspot feature. This did not work in my tests, using apps that indicate when they have a GPS fix available, and other sources have concurred that the Personal Hotspot tether does not provide GPS data to the original iPad, or to the iPad 2.
I've also posted a more in-depth feature about GPS and location services and apps on the iPad 2. Image © Apple
Comments
Great info. Looks like it is not so straight-forward to use GPS on the ipad 2.
I wonder why they have tied up 3G chip and GPS chip together so consumer has to by them both? At least I could use GPS without assitance (AGPS) via cellular network.
The question I cannot get answered is – Wil a iPad 3G model WITHOUT A CONTRACT still be able to locate itself using 3G data masts.?
IPAD-GPS without a data plan or carrier will still function. It takes longer to locate, but it does work.
Hi Dave and Shawn – A 3G model without a contract will be able to locate itself via its built-in GPS chip and via WiFi positioning. It also has a compass.
It will not, however, be able to use AGPS features enabled by 3G data connectivity, such as locating itself by cell towers, or pre-loading almanac data when away from WiFi.
The GPS chip will give you good accuracy generally, and WiFi positioning will supplement it in the urban canyons for good overall iPad 2 performance without a 3g data contract.
If you have more questions about this topic, please see my glossary section or article links for topics such as AGPS. Best, Fred at About.com
Great review
)) Exact info i needed 
Thanx
So, if I do not activate my 3G, I can still use the GPS (in my WiFi + 3G model)?? What I am interested in using it for is geocaching, but I don’t want to have to activate the 3G service to use my ipad.
I used my iPad 2 yesterday while flying and once I passed about 6000ft it lost the gps signal. Suspiciously this is about the point you loose the cell signal. A colleague had his bluetooth receiver with him which captured no problem despite being at 36000ft and doing 500mph but my iPad just sat there with a greyed out position! Any ideas?
Kris H
Ipad2 3g& wifi
My iPad 2 tracks me on Maps with both WiFi and cellular data turned off.
I am going to remote Papua New Guinea. If I carry an ipad 2 with wi-fi and 3G will I be able to track my location on the ipad? I have no plans to sign up for a data plan or phone.
Dear Sir,
Just bought my iPad2 32GB3G yesterday! At the moment I use it without a SIM card ( wifi only)! I can not use any Apps which require GPS positioning! Do I have to insert a valid SIM card in order to be able to activate the GPS function?
Thank you,
Andrew G.
Is there a gps antenna that will plug in to the iPad 2 and have the gps work? At least the wifi only models?
Bruce – Yes, you may plug in a GPS device called Bad Elf to GPS-enable a WiFi-only iPad. See my review here:
http://gps.about.com/od/accessories/gr/Bad-Elf-GPS-iPad-iPod.htm
I am a traveling businessman. I am in new cities all the time. I do not want to have a Tom Tom to carry through the airports. The Ipad 2 is an ideal tool for my business. However, I need it to map out my appointments from business to business. Does it have this capability?
To the people who fly with their iPads. The map is Breyer out when it loses cell phone signal, because the maps app does not cache the maps. So if you notice, the gps is still tracking, the blue dot is still moving, just no map. However, if you use an app like gps kit hd, or Gaia, which can download maps for offline (no 3G or wifi) use, it will show the map while it’s tracking over the 6,000 ft cell limit.
How do I know if I have a iPad 2 W-Fi + 3G with GPS or not?
/Christer
Glad I found this article. I have noticed that my wifi only iPad does a pretty good job of narrowing down my location. It’s actually pretty scary and I think this is why Google got into so much trouble for collecting hot spot data.
I do have a question though. Does the gps work on a 3G device even though you are not currently using a service provider? I mean if I’m not paying ATT for service, is the GPS component of the iPad still working?
Thanks for the great article.
I use a GNS 1000 Bluetooth GPS with my iPad. gets an instant signal / position and it automatically tethers with my iPad when I turn it on!
I use the ipad2 in my aircraft with Foreflight and it tracks my aircraft beautifully along my route using GPS at flights at 9000 ft. If you have an app that uses GPS check to see if you have a “switch” in settings to turn it on.
Just another ruse from Apple to screw the public…Lord, if Android and it’s makers/owners have a clue they could kick the big A’s arse…
I fly at any altitude using the Ipad and WingX7. Similarly to Foreflight, it tracks well. I take it on airline flights as well and, as long as it is near the window, it tracks position and speed in the sectionals perfectly.