Google Maps Goes Offline, Complete With Turn-By-Turn Directions

 

http://www.cnet.com/news/google-maps-goes-offline-complete-w...

Google Maps, the venerable mapping service from the world's largest search company, will soon work both online and off.

Google Maps offline support will be launching "later this year," Google announced during its keynote address at its I/O developer confab on Thursday. The feature will allow users to download maps to their devices and get the full Google Maps experience, including turn-by-turn voice directions even when they're away from an Internet connection.

The offline push is a major departure for Google Maps, which has over 1 billion users. Since its launch in 2005, users needed to have a Web connection to use its features, which include mapping and directions, among others. Adding offline support makes the service far more useful in areas around the world where Web connections are unavailable or slow.

The announcement was made during the keynote presentation for Google's annual conference for software developers, I/O. The event is one of the biggest for Google, as the company shares the latest developments in its world-leading Android mobile operating system. Google also uses the stage to talk up its wearable platform Android Wear, its in-car infotainment service Android Auto, and other services.

Google I/O is being held in San Francisco on Thursday and Friday.

Adding offline support to Maps gives Google the opportunity to keep pace with some of its competitors, including Nokia Here. That platform, which is wildly popular in the car business and is running on mobile platforms, including Android, offers offline support for mapping in over 100 countries.

When users download a Google map to their device, they'll find that searching in Google Maps still provides suggestions. In addition, users will see a location's reviews, if it has them. Basic information, like hours and hours, are also supported in the app.

Google didn't say how many countries will be supported in its offline Google Maps, but the company made it a point to say that it wants users to be able to "explore the world literally wherever they are." Google said that the feature will be available "later this year."

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I don't think that it is an arbitrary decision

goboymd wrote:

I discovered this years ago and asked google about it. Apparently its an arbitrary decision by them. My plan was to use any old android phone for travel. All I needed was an offline map and a GPS, don't need the data connection.

I don't think that it is an arbitrary decision. If you could use an old Android phone without a data connection as a GPS unit, Google would be unable to deliver advertising to you that you could not avoid.

i.e. No profit in it for Google.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

SDCARD on android

-et- wrote:
GPS_Rider wrote:

My Android phone - which is several years old - has a 16GB microUSB card installed, and I could have easily put in a significantly larger card for relatively little money. The only reason I did not is that I saw no need to do so.

I have the GPS apps from both TomTom and Co-Pilot installed on the phone, each with its own map of the entire US, along with a number of other types of apps, and I still have adequate free memory. If I find myself running out of memory I can just double or quadruple the memory with the installation of an inexpensive larger microUSB card

- Tom -

The new android OS v 5.x does not really allow you to use an insertable SDCARD in any useful way.
Some ill advised security measures they took that essentially made an SDCARD much less useful. The previous Android releases let you store stuff on the card and later access your data. Now, only the app that created the data can access it's storage.
It's not well thought out.

I dont understand

Steevo wrote:

The new android OS v 5.x does not really allow you to use an insertable SDCARD in any useful way.
Some ill advised security measures they took that essentially made an SDCARD much less useful. The previous Android releases let you store stuff on the card and later access your data. Now, only the app that created the data can access it's storage.
It's not well thought out.

I guess I don't understand.. I put / move files to my SDCARD all the time and I'm using version 5.0.1... Maybe some explanation is in order?

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Not a big Deal. imo

I've already got CoPilot on my phone and tablet and as a navigation aid it works better than my Garmin 765T or 295. And it runs on my phone so no need for the marginal Bluetooth like on my 765T.

The only reason I keep the Garmin boat-anchors is simple, but also the same problem Google will face if it ever wants to replace dedicated gps nav units .. user POIs.

The first phone or tablet device that allows easy user POI installation and organization, with selective display and easy lookup while driving will be the one that makes me give up the Garmin forever and never look back. We're almost there, but not yet, imo.

--
It's about the Line- If a line can be drawn between the powers granted and the rights retained, it would seem to be the same thing, whether the latter be secured by declaring that they shall not be abridged, or that the former shall not be extended.

Maybe you haven't see the problem yet.

BarneyBadass wrote:
Steevo wrote:

The new android OS v 5.x does not really allow you to use an insertable SDCARD in any useful way.
Some ill advised security measures they took that essentially made an SDCARD much less useful. The previous Android releases let you store stuff on the card and later access your data. Now, only the app that created the data can access it's storage.
It's not well thought out.

I guess I don't understand.. I put / move files to my SDCARD all the time and I'm using version 5.0.1... Maybe some explanation is in order?

Well, I kind of thought all that was pretty limited, not there are not files you can move back and forth, but unlike how it was, you can't read logs that belong to an app. It's a lot of problems. Maybe whatever you are using that's not been a problem for you.

That's great. So I don't

That's great. So I don't need to buy a GPS any more.

Was hoping this would be out by now...

Back in May they said it would be out "later this year". It's November and I haven't heard any new updates on whether they are on schedule or not.

It's already available

It's already available according to this article:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/google-maps-offers-offline-opt...

I'm using Google Maps version 9.16.2 (for Android). I can't figure out how to download the maps.

The article says:

You'll need to download databases ahead of time, preferably when you have a Wi-Fi connection. To do so, start by searching for a location, such as a city. Then pinch in or out to select what area you want to download.

How do I select an area?

It only downloads small area

A small area is all it will download at a time. I thank that is the same as always. Couldn't get it to download a large map.

--
Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

Downloading Offline Maps

To download an offline map, do the following.

1. Search for a location.
2. Tap the bottom white bar where the name of your search is displayed.
3. On the screen that appears, tap the three dots in the upper right, next to the search icon.
4. Tap "Download offline area".

Unlike in older versions, routing using an offline area map no longer requires a data connection to generate the route, as the downloaded map includes routing data. In addition, downloading the offline area map also downloads basic information for any points of interest located on the map of the chosen area.

--
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams

Thanks. I searched for San

Thanks. I searched for San Francisco, CA and saved it. Turned off WiFi and cellular data. Back to Maps... now how do I use it to guide me from Los Angeles to San Francisco? For sure LA map and cities in between LA-SF aren't available offline.

I also search for a restaurant in SF. I got this:
"Can't connect. Check your internet connection and try again to reach Google Maps". I thought that's what offline map is for.

This isn't as useful as I thought it would be.

.

mgarledge wrote:

A small area is all it will download at a time. I thank that is the same as always. Couldn't get it to download a large map.

Yup. I can't even get San Francisco and San Jose, California in 1 download. This is useless as before. I've never used Google offline feature because it is like looking at Thomas Guide (paper map). This new feature is almost the same.

Google maps

See http://www.slashgear.com/google-maps-offline-how-to-download... for download info. The side show may be better then the video. Not what I was hoping for.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

According to Android Authority

According to Android Authority you can download cities, counties or whole countries. We shall see.

http://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-offline-654782/

.

Jim547 wrote:

According to Android Authority you can download cities, counties or whole countries. We shall see.

http://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-offline-654782/

I'm guessing the update isn't available in our area yet. What we're discussing is probably the old offline feature.

I just checked what I saved earlier (San Francisco, CA). It shows "Expires in 30 days - 20MB". That does sounds like the old offline feature.

We all should be getting an update soon.

Google maps

Android app for Google maps shows update on 11-10-15. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.and...

Additional information
Updated
November 10, 2015

Looking at the reviews they do talk about the off line maps. Not much info on the app itself about it under read more.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Reading in todays paper it

Reading in todays paper it states that android phones received an update if your internet connection is nonexistent as for iPhone a new version will be available soon

--
NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

Here - offline free in

Here - offline free in Android Play Store

.

charlesd45 wrote:

Android app for Google maps shows update on 11-10-15. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.and...

Additional information
Updated
November 10, 2015

Looking at the reviews they do talk about the off line maps. Not much info on the app itself about it under read more.

I recently did Maps update (before Nov 10). There must be another update on Nov 10 but I'm not offered to update Maps app. Weird.

.

Double post. I must have hit submit twice.

Misubderstanding

Problem with saving data to SD cards existed in Android 4.4 (if I'm not mistaken). Android overdid security rights, and user and applications were unable to write directly outside of phone memory. It get fixed in next version, and definitely doesn't exists in version 5.x

BarneyBadass wrote:
Steevo wrote:

The new android OS v 5.x does not really allow you to use an insertable SDCARD in any useful way.
Some ill advised security measures they took that essentially made an SDCARD much less useful. The previous Android releases let you store stuff on the card and later access your data. Now, only the app that created the data can access it's storage.
It's not well thought out.

I guess I don't understand.. I put / move files to my SDCARD all the time and I'm using version 5.0.1... Maybe some explanation is in order?

@Chewbacca

Here is the help link https://support.google.com/gmm/android/#topic=3495970 .May answer questions some members have.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

.

charlesd45 wrote:

Here is the help link https://support.google.com/gmm/android/#topic=3495970 .May answer questions some members have.

Thanks but that doesn't answer my question on how to download a whole state map or US/Canada map.

Maps

chewbacca wrote:
charlesd45 wrote:

Here is the help link https://support.google.com/gmm/android/#topic=3495970 .May answer questions some members have.

Thanks but that doesn't answer my question on how to download a whole state map or US/Canada map.

Everything I have seen and read so far doesn't show that as a option.Only a section that you can save .

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

That's exactly what I read.

That's exactly what I read. So, a real offline Google Map feature is not available yet...

There's no mention of downloading the whole state or US/Canada or other countries map according to this:
https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/navigate-and-search-...

So I guess Google Maps offline feature is just as useless as before (or useful but difficult to use). Here map app offline is so much easier to use.

Maps

chewbacca wrote:

That's exactly what I read. So, a real offline Google Map feature is not available yet...

There's no mention of downloading the whole state or US/Canada or other countries map according to this:
https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/navigate-and-search-...

So I guess Google Maps offline feature is just as useless as before (or useful but difficult to use). Here map app offline is so much easier to use.

Agree wit that. Have Here and Vigo and they do a great job. Did want to compare Google maps to them.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Maps

chewbacca wrote:

That's exactly what I read. So, a real offline Google Map feature is not available yet...

There's no mention of downloading the whole state or US/Canada or other countries map according to this:
https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/navigate-and-search-...

So I guess Google Maps offline feature is just as useless as before (or useful but difficult to use). Here map app offline is so much easier to use.

Agree with that. Have Here and Viago and they do a great job. Did want to compare Google maps to them but right now no comparison.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

good stuff to know and

good stuff to know and understand

also try maps.me

stevel123 wrote:

Here - offline free in Android Play Store

also try http://maps.me/en/home

I used both here and maps.me when I was in Cuba, here often led me off road, maps.me was more detailed, at least in Cuba.

It will be nice if Google

It will be nice if Google Maps will be completely offline.
I don't usually use Here, but it works well and is nice to have if you find yourself in a data-dead zone or are concerned about data limits.

Rob

--
Maps -> Wife -> Garmin 12XL -> StreetPilot 2610 -> Nuvi 660 (blown speaker) -> Nuvi 3790LMT

it has probably already

it has probably already taken a chunk of their business away, but there are also people who would have never bought a GPS device before using it now, so it's not just stealing away a user base but creating a new one as well

Good link

thanks for the link

Google maps coming on strong

I've used google maps a few times lately.
I have to say it sure works great.

I used the search along route, that worked great too.
Amazing.
You have to have a good network connection, which my new phone has.

I Doubt It Will Happen

kb2psm wrote:

It will be nice if Google Maps will be completely offline.
I don't usually use Here, but it works well and is nice to have if you find yourself in a data-dead zone or are concerned about data limits.

I doubt that Goggle Maps will go completely offline, unless they come up with a new business model.

The current Google business model is based upon exposing you to advertising on a regular basis. If Google Maps were to go completely offline, that advertising source of revenue would go away.

- Tom -

--
XXL540, GO LIVE 1535, GO 620

Any talk about Garmin

using smart phones to load their software and map data as an app?

Garmin tried that with the Viago app

fkent484 wrote:

Any talk about Garmin using smart phones to load their software and map data as an app?

Garmin tried that with the Viago app but it was short lived and is no longer available unless you bought it during the time it was offered for sale. It was a great app but just didn't sell well so they dropped it after a few months. I have it in my Samsung smartphone and note tablet and it works great and is very similar in looks and operation to the Garmin stand alone units.

--
Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

Garmin...

rjrsw wrote:

Garmin tried that with the Viago app but it was short lived and is no longer available unless you bought it during the time it was offered for sale. It was a great app but just didn't sell well so they dropped it after a few months. I have it in my Samsung smartphone and note tablet and it works great and is very similar in looks and operation to the Garmin stand alone units.

It's a shame Garmin never gave that app a decent chance. Most people gave it poor reviews because when they paid the $2 or so...they seen that in order to get a half decent experience from that app they had to shell out $30 to $40 more to get voice guidance, junction views, traffic etc etc.... They should have priced it at $20-$25 to start with and gave people voice and a couple other goodies. Instead they ran and hid from the poor reviews and eventually pulled the app.

I would like to see it reintroduced and properly priced and not so crippled right out of the "box" so to speak.

Google usually can't do anything right

Google usually can't do anything right, that's why Google purchased Waze.

Anyways, why wait for Google to maybe do this right?

Try the free Navmii app.

I use the adblock browser

I use the adblock browser, which is now available for both android and iphone/ipad.
It works pretty well, I see very few ads with that.
That will screw up google's business model. Which I am ok with.

Worth looking into.

Not For Me

I know this is a very old thread but I "finally" gave this a shot. I see I can only download maps up to about a 200 mile radius. Not the whole country like Garmin. Granted I could add other areas but not as one file. Then it gives an expiration of about a month. I can see how this would benefit if you plan to do a one off trip in a remote area without service but I can't see how this workflow would be functional for different areas on a full time basis. Too much interaction and upkeep. Easier just to run a traditional fully loaded GPS in my opinion and be done with it.

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Google offline

jasonyu924 wrote:
Strephon_Alkhalikoi wrote:

Some of our members here use the current speed function as a speedometer, so I can see the benefit of having the current speed. The speed limit is not always accurately displayed on a dedicated GPSr like Garmin. Google probably won't do any better.

You'll want to look in the Play Store for other GPS apps that will fulfill your needs, because Google navigation is intended to be rather basic. Current speed and the speed limit apparently don't fit Google's intent.

Google definitely have more accurate speed limit info than anybody else. They get speed limit info from street view photos. Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbLEtS0uls

They other thing would be very helpful, but never seen on any GPS device/app is calculating(or at least estimating) the toll costs when planning routes. I don't always take tolls, and I would like to see how much time would be saved and what's the cost before making the choice.

I think Google offline would be great. U use Google maps a lot for just walking around a new area. the suggestion about a toll calculator is great, expecially now with the electronic tolls.

The only thing offline won't

The only thing offline won't get is current traffic and road closures, which is my major problem with Garmin - except Garmin does have local traffic in major places but does not have road closures from flooding as in the Missouri river and Rt 29 this July 4th.

If Google can integrate periodic updates from WiFi, as in stops at McD's, that will be a MAJOR plus.

No traffic advisories though.

No traffic advisories though.

Road closures

ruggb wrote:

The only thing offline won't get is current traffic and road closures, which is my major problem with Garmin - except Garmin does have local traffic in major places but does not have road closures from flooding as in the Missouri river and Rt 29 this July 4th.

If Google can integrate periodic updates from WiFi, as in stops at McD's, that will be a MAJOR plus.

I was in South Dakota back in September when they had the storms roll through Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. I was in Mitchell, SD when they closed I-90 going both east and west. The closures showed up on my Garmin just as soon as they closed the road. The next morning when I left Mitchell, it routed me around the closures (although I had to go approximately 100 miles out of my way to avoid the closures).

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio
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