Google Maps for Android Improved for Offline Use

[Guest]

Google just added some offline capability in the latest Google Maps 5.7 for Android.

Google Maps for Android Improved for Offline Use : Read more

 

[rustyfe2o3]

finally! this would have been great for my trip to Europe

 

[milktea]

downloadable maps would be cool. I hope maps of entire route can be downloaded.

 

[joytech22]

This would be great for my Acer Iconia!
I might give it a try.

 

[zerapio]

This will be great for backpacking. I hope elevation maps are also cached.

 

[liveonc]

A real improvement would be if they integrate a compass & step counter with those offline maps

 

[KingArcher]

Wish they would they do this for other OS as well...like Win Mobile 6.1

 

[CTPAHHIK]

There is "Maps" app available on Android Market that does exactly that already with multiple maps (including google). Only thing that is missing is step by step navigation. Not a big loss as Google Maps cannot route without data connection either.

 

[TunaSoda]

It's about time, CallPilot GPS for Android had this feature since day one, 2 gigs on the sd card of the entire usa...

 

[__Miguel_]

I updated Google Maps today, and added this Labs feature (which was missing from like day 1...).

So far, it seems great downloading stuff. You get squares telling you which areas you have downloaded.

Also, since Maps can work without full GPS, it's also a good way to know your general location (which, with an SGS, it's pretty much all you'll get in a pinch... lol). I have yet to see how well this works, though. I'll probably be able to put it to the test this week, as I return home.

If this works OK, I think you should be able to tell Maps which parts of countries (or whole countries, while we're at it) is should download, besides this "spot" option, and have it sync with the rest of the data (or just when you're not on 3G). Probably one of the best simple navigation tools for Android if that happens...

Cheers.

Miguel