[eye30]

 Google just made lives easier for those who struggle to use Maps in a spotty Wi-Fi or data connection.

From today, Android phone and tablet users will be able to use Google Maps offline – with support now available for offline map navigation.

Since 2012, it has been possible to save certain areas offline, but this is the first time Google Maps is able to be indexed for search and navigation without being connected to the internet.

At last! Google Maps just introduced offline navigation and search (but it's only on Android at the moment) - BT


 

[Dazzler]

Sounds like a good move! 

[wbm00]

They're too late to the party and their offline service is limited to a certain area size. It isn't actually offline as it'll still go online when there is a mobile data connection available...

HERE Maps has offered offline navigation for quite a while where you can simply download the map for an entire country to the phone's external storage. It can also be set to remain offline and the entire app will still function perfectly (except for the absence of live traffic data).

[Surferdude]

Does Here Maps cost?

[wbm00]

Does Here Maps cost?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps

It's a free app and the map downloads are free too

[The Gonz]

In ID we're using Waze because it adds ability track other wazers.

[i30niko]

I downloaded an offline map area,
however next to it, it says "Expires xx amount of days"
Does anyone know the meaning of that?
REGARDS

[wbm00]

Just tap update and it'll renew its validity (if it doesn't happen automatically near expiry). It expires because Google map data is updated with new roads, restrictions, etc.

[wbm00]

As an update, I've been using this and like it, though to actually get maps to work offline I had to switch off my mobile data. They need to introduce an offline mode.

Clearly there were no live traffic updates but the other significant difference was that only one route was suggested. When online it provides a choice of routes with the relevant ETAs. Here Maps manages to do this offline.

Where Here Maps excels is the speed limit database - it not only displays the current speed & speed limit but also warns (audibly) if the vehicle exceeds the limit beyond a customisable tolerance, even offering different tolerances for city/highway roads. Google doesn't offer this at all and this is why I will continue to use Here Maps as my choice for offline navigation.

[Dazzler]

Good  posting  wbm ..