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 major app stores.

BACKGROUND:

Built from the ground up in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, Tactical NAV comes from the mind of a U.S. Army Field Artillery officer who had a vision of creating a low-cost and highly accurate tactical navigation platform built specifically for military service members.

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

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

After pitching the idea and being turned away by the Department of Defense on multiple occasions, Captain Springer remained resolute in his mission to continue developing Tactical NAV — even to this day. His ultimate goals were (and still are) to make a difference for other Soldiers and honor the men and women killed and wounded in battle.

He used his life savings to continue moving forward with the Tactical NAV project, all with the ultimate hope of saving military lives and helping his fellow service members accomplish their mission at home and abroad.

Tactical NAV officially launched on all major app stores on February 14, 2011.

MISSION:

Tactical NAV's mission is to provide military service members with a low-cost, highly accurate, and exceedingly powerful mobile tactical navigational solution.

VISION:

Our vision is to assist and support our nation's service members with their mobile navigational needs and further enable them to operate and win during Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

BUILT FOR ACCURACY:

Tactical NAV's performance is on par with the AN/PSN-13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR), and it has the feedback to prove it.

BOTTOM LINE:

Tactical NAV has been successfully evaluated against other software platforms and devices such as Nett Warrior, JCR, BFT, JBC-P, and ATAK. Its accuracy is within 1-to-3 meters of these officially approved systems issued by the Department of Defense.

IAPs & SUBSCRIPTIONS:

Tactical NAV contains in-app purchases (IAPs) and subscriptions. Currently, tactical drawing mode is available as an in-app purchase, and offline mapping is also available to users as either a monthly or yearly subscription. All revenue generated from these features goes towards further developmental coding and updates, and a portion of all proceeds are donated to charities that specifically benefit disabled veterans.

FEATURES:

• A military-quality precision targeting platform
• Purpose-built for the individual Soldier
• Offline mapping capabilities (complete usage of the TACNAV platform with no emission of a cellular signal)
• WGS 84 standard (MGRS, UTM, BNG, and USNG coordinates)
• Tactical drawing mode (e.g., useful for Joint Fires planning, creating overlays, route planning, and so forth)
• Waypoint plotting functionality with military graphics (per FM 1-02.2)
• Compass "FastLock" function for capturing quick azimuths
• Snap and save photographs onto the main map for intelligence purposes and AARs
• Location, waypoint, and photo-sharing capabilities (via email and text)
• One-button night mode function for low-light situations
• "Go to Grid" option for intelligent pinpoint planning and drawing of overlays
• Created and tested to ensure utmost accuracy and reliability
• Android native code built for austere and contested environments
• And so much more!!!

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.

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!

Love the app. It's very clean and simple to use. Maybe I overlooked it but I would love to be able to name my geometries as well as have the ability to connect lines for straight and freehand graphics. Also a database with graphics (much like units) would be a nice addition.

Very awesome app for navigation. App is very top notch. I use it on a daily basis for training and navigation to an MGRS grid in the middle of the woods. Very user friendly. Alot better than a standard GPS device. Able to plot waypoints or areas of interest in the woods or any type of environment.

What's new

Release Notes:
• Integrated the ability to drag and drop waypoints with ease
• Added the option to hide all endpoints of saved drawings
• Numerous speed and stability improvements
• More coding for future updates