Tactical NAV: MGRS Navigation

TacNav Systems

In-app purchases

About this app

Created on a combat deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Tactical NAV was the first MGRS-focused navigation app available on all app stores.

BACKGROUND:

Built from the ground up in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, Tactical NAV was created by a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer with the vision of crafting a low-cost and highly accurate mobile navigation platform tailored for the U.S. military.

Tactical NAV's journey began in the Pech River Valley and the Korengal Valley in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan J. Springer, a Fire Support Officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), embarked on the development of this tactical navigation platform immediately following the memorial services for Spc. Blair D. Thompson and Spc. Jared C. Plunk, who were killed in action on June 25, 2010.

Despite initial rejections by the Department of Defense, Captain Springer remained steadfast in his mission to continue developing Tactical NAV — even to this day. His ultimate goals were (and still are) to make a positive difference for other soldiers and service members and to honor the men and women killed and wounded in battle.

He used his life savings to fund and develop Tactical NAV, all with the ultimate hope of saving military lives and assisting fellow service members in accomplishing their missions at home and abroad.

Tactical NAV officially launched on the App Store and Google Play on February 14, 2011.

BUILT FOR ACCURACY:

Tactical NAV's performance accurately matches that of the AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR).

MISSION:

Empower military service members with a highly accurate and powerful mobile navigation platform.

VISION:

Assist and support our nation's service members with their mobile navigational needs and enable them to operate and win in both training and combat environments.

BOTTOM LINE:

Tactical NAV has successfully undergone evaluation against other software platforms and devices such as Nett Warrior, ATAK, and BFT. Its accuracy is within 1 meter of these officially approved systems issued by the DoD.

IAPs & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Tactical NAV offers in-app purchases (IAPs) and subscriptions. Currently, tactical drawing mode is available as an in-app purchase, and offline mapping mode is also accessible to users as either a monthly or yearly subscription.

All revenue generated from these features contributes to further developmental coding and updates, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to charities that specifically benefit disabled veterans.

KEY FEATURES:

• A military-quality precision targeting platform
• Purpose-built for the individual Soldier
• Offline mapping capabilities (complete usage of the app with no emission of a cellular signal)
• WGS-84 standard (MGRS, UTM, BNG, and USNG coordinates)
• Tactical drawing mode (useful for mission planning, building overlays, targeting, etc.)
• Waypoint plotting functionality with military graphics (per FM 1-02.2)
• Compass "FastLock" function for capturing quick and precise azimuths
• Snap and save photographs onto the main map to increase situational awareness
• Location, waypoint, and photo-sharing capabilities (via email and text)
• One-button night mode function for low-light situations
• 'Go to Grid' feature for precision planning, drawing of overlays, and dropping waypoints
• Rigorously tested to ensure utmost accuracy and reliability
• Android native code built for austere and contested environments

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The Department of Defense does not endorse Tactical NAV, nor should it be used in life-threatening or combat situations in place of a government-issued device.

OFFLINE MAPS TUTORIAL:

Learn more about offline maps and other features through our YouTube tutorial. Follow this link to view the video walkthrough: https://bit.ly/Offline-Maps

SUPPORT:

If you have any questions about the app, please contact Jonathan Springer directly at [e-mail].

Ratings and reviews

Bought this app (the old version) a few years back. When i went to Fort Irwin, i was planning to use it to navigate around the box; this was basically impossible. HOWEVER, the new and improved app (this version) is one of the best i have ever seen or used! Many updates, new features, and a revamped UI. Additionally, the developer is extremely responsive and customer oriented. Definitely recommend this app!

Bought the old version in 2021 before I went to basic training. Obviously, I couldn't use my phone then, but it sure helped in AIT and at my current duty station as well as the camping trips I've been on. Im looking forward to the new version with all the updates and extras. From what I've seen so far in the short time of using the new version, it has a lot of potential for me. Especially the drawing aspect. This will be a game changer!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Edit*** updated*** i was notified that the firmware is being fixed the ceo reached out to me immediately and notified me of the work in progress fixing the issue of not being able to import overlays previously saved. I appreciate the fast feedback I hope they resolve it soon I would like to get back to using this app!!

What's new

• Updated for Android 14.
• Added the capability to backup all waypoints and overlays to the phone and the cloud.
• Updated settings menu options for better customization and ease of use.
• Added the ability to 'Copy Grid' in the bottom toolbar and waypoint pop-up.
• Introduced 'Degrees and Decimal Minutes' (DDM) for ultra-precise navigation.
• Simplified grid coordinate input with a single data bar entry in the 'Go to Grid' function.
• More coding for future updates.