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Google maps 5.0 caching behavior

E

ecksdee

Newbie
So I'm travelling to Florida soon for a vacation and need to use Google Maps without data. How exactly does the cache work? Is there a time limit for the cache to expire? I've experimented with getting an offline cache of an area I don't normally travel in, and so far (4 days in), the cache of that area has not been deleted, but I need to be sure that it will work for a longer period of time. Is there any easy method to pre-cache the map of a particular State/Province at every zoom level besides manually going through every area at every zoom level?

Having an entire city/area cached for an indefinite period of time would be very helpful.

TL;DR - I'm looking for a way to put an entire region with all its levels onto a SD card and have the app read that instead (or in conjunction) with the cache.

Thanks in advance.
 
Ok, so I figured out that the cache is already on the SD card under Android\data\com.google.android.apps.maps\cache, and that the cache does not automatically delete. It has to be done manually.

Now I have to figure out how to place an entire map in there =/. I'm guessing those files with "cache_vts_GMM.#" is what I'm aiming to get...but where do I pull them off from.
 
Offline reliability
Vector graphics also enable another significant new feature: the ability to continue viewing maps even when you have poor—or no—network connections. Because each vector tile works across multiple zoom levels, it requires more than 100 times less data to view maps across all zoom levels than before, allowing Maps to cache much larger areas of the map on your device.

With this first version, Maps proactively caches map data for the places you use Maps the most—where you’re actively using it as well as places for which you search or get directions. Then when you’re plugged in and connected over WiFi, caching happens automatically. Near your frequent places, you’ll get detailed vector tiles for city-sized regions so you can see every road labeled. Further away, you’ll have less detail but will typically have towns and highways labeled for miles. We’re continuing to work on these algorithms, so you’ll see improvements over time.

Offline rerouting
With Google Maps Navigation (Beta), you’ll also see the benefits of additional caching with offline rerouting. This feature is only possible because Navigation caches not only map data but also data like turn restrictions for the areas surrounding your route. You’ll still need to be connected when you first start a trip to download and cache your route. But this way, even if you take a wrong turn after losing your connection, Navigation can use the cached data to get you back on your way. We will be rolling this feature out gradually over the next few weeks.

This is just the start, and we’re really excited about all the possible ways to use vector graphics technology for the next generation of Google Maps. So please stay tuned!
Click to expand...

hope this help a little
Official Google Mobile Blog
 
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