Getting GRIB files onto an iPad

Do you get frustrated with the saildocs GRIB files and wish you could use them on your iPad with better graphics, resolution and routing software? Here’s how we do it:

  1. Open Airmail and request a sailsdoc GRIB file.
  2. Save the file, which should end with a .gpx, to a folder where you can easily access it on your computer.
  3. Plug your iPad into your computer.
  4. Open up iTunes.
  5. Click on your iPad within iTunes.
  6. Click on Apps.
  7.  Scroll down to File Sharing.
  8. On the left will be a list of apps that you can open various documents with.
  9. Click on your relevant navigation or weather forecasting app (e.g. Weathertrack, igrib, pocketgrib, nobeltec, iNavx).
  10. On the right-hand side will be a list of documents available to open. To add your new file, click on the button ‘Add’.
  11. Now go and find the GRIB file (.gpx file) you saved, click on it and then click the ‘open’ button.
  12. The file will now appear under your documents list.
  13. On your iPad open the app and open the document (how you open it will vary according to the app – for WeatherTrack it will appear on the GRIB files page).

 
To note, not all navigation or weather forecasting apps work with this method and Navionics is sadly one of them. One’s that we know do work include WeatherTrack, iNavx, igrib and pocketgrib.

You can do the same with routes – create and save a route on your computer and then transfer it to your iPad. All that is needed is a .gpx file.
 

2 responses to “Getting GRIB files onto an iPad”

  1. Tommy says:

    I downloaded and paid for app but cannot open any files

    • tom_partridge@yahoo.com says:

      Hi Tommy. I can try help you. Were you using the app and Internet? There should be a contact on the app for the owners to help you too. Tom

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