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Google Maps offline navigation/directions...

K

_kwyjibo_

Lurker
Is it possible to use Google Maps in offline mode (after downloading the map areas needed) to get driving directions and/or use Navigation? My own tests (Samsung Galaxy S3) and current research indication no, but I haven't found any really current threads discussing it.

When I tested it every thing seemed ok until it tried to actually get the driving directions and it would just sit there "getting driving directions" indefinitely.

If it doesn't work, what are some worthy alternatives? Navfree has come up a number of times and sounds ideal, but I am confused slightly with it. There are two products listed: Navfree and Navfree: USA. What is the difference? I initially thought it was obvious and one included maps of the USA. Oddly, neither of the US listed as maps.
 
If you're in USA, don't use Navfree, use 'navfree usa'. From with in the app you can download maps by state . If you've read the threads on this forum, then you know i'm a fan of nav free...simple and (mostly) effective.
 
Thanks to you both.

itsallgood:
CoPilot live looks interesting. Can you buy the Canada maps through Play? It seems like you have to buy through the developers site for both the app and map pack if you want the Canadian maps. It's not a huge deal but I like buying through Play as it's much more convenient and both of terms of purchasing and installing/updating apps.

electricpete:
I live in Canada but am heading to the US next week, which is what raised this concern in the first place. Currently, Google Maps works great for my needs, but it will only work great in Canada as I have (pretty much) unlimited data, so I was looking at an offline solution that will work while I'm in the States. How will it work if I want both Canada and US maps? Do I just install both and manually switch as I cross the border?

Thanks again!
 
_kwyjibo_;[URL="tel:5789542" said:
5789542[/URL]]Thanks to you both.

itsallgood:
CoPilot live looks interesting. Can you buy the Canada maps through Play? It seems like you have to buy through the developers site for both the app and map pack if you want the Canadian maps. It's not a huge deal but I like buying through Play as it's much more convenient and both of terms of purchasing and installing/updating apps.

electricpete:
I live in Canada but am heading to the US next week, which is what raised this concern in the first place. Currently, Google Maps works great for my needs, but it will only work great in Canada as I have (pretty much) unlimited data, so I was looking at an offline solution that will work while I'm in the States. How will it work if I want both Canada and US maps? Do I just install both and manually switch as I cross the border?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I've been using CoPilot for a few years now and have North America maps downloaded, which includes USA and Canada. (The maps are downloaded thru the app) If you have unlimited data, you should be able to use Google Nav. from Canada to the US with no problem since it pre-caches the maps with driving directions. Its still a good idea to have an offline maps apps. in case you lose the data signal.
 
itsallgood said:
I've been using CoPilot for a few years now and have North America maps downloaded, which includes USA and Canada. (The maps are downloaded thru the app) If you have unlimited data, you should be able to use Google Nav. from Canada to the US with no problem since it pre-caches the maps with driving directions. Its still a good idea to have an offline maps apps. in case you lose the data signal.
Click to expand...

Thanks again. Just to clarify, my unlimited data is only within Canada so after crossing the border I would be paying astronomical roaming fees. I gather I could use Google Nav to get me down there (shutting off the data communications as I leave Canada) but I'd the have to reply on free wifi spots for any of my other trips while down in the US.

Can CoPilot Live (or Navfree for that matter) use Google Maps' My Places? It seems like you can't, at least not without an import/export process. That is one of the things I do like about Google Maps/Nav, in that I can bookmark a bunch of places on my PC and they show up on the phone as well.
 
_kwyjibo_ said:
I live in Canada but am heading to the US next week, which is what raised this concern in the first place. Currently, Google Maps works great for my needs, but it will only work great in Canada as I have (pretty much) unlimited data, so I was looking at an offline solution that will work while I'm in the States. How will it work if I want both Canada and US maps? Do I just install both and manually switch as I cross the border?
Click to expand...

I'm in the same situation as you. I live in Canada. When I drove down to the Stats, I used NavFree. Note that you need to use the US version. Only the US version has both Canada and US maps. The international version has Canada, but does not have the US maps, so you get a big blank if you cross the border.

Here's an important tip if you are using NavFree. Do all of your searches on Google Maps ahead of time and then go to NavFree to save those locations. I have found that the search on NavFree sucks and has been off from time to time. Look up the location on Google Maps and then try to do the same on NavFree. Then verify that the locations match. If not, you will have to scroll around on NavFree until you find that location.

The disadvantage is if you do not know where you are travelling ahead of time. Then you will have to rely on NavFree for the search.

If you can find some free WiFi, you can do your search on Google Maps or at least start your navigation. As long as you stay relatively on the right route, Google Maps will be able to navigate you after you go offline. If you stray too far, Maps will not be able to get you back on the right path.
 
_kwyjibo_ said:
... Can CoPilot Live (or Navfree for that matter) use Google Maps' My Places? It seems like you can't, at least not without an import/export process....
Click to expand...
For this import/export process I use the free app 'Place Saver' :)
In Maps' MyPlaces I share the locations with 'Place Saver' and the app gives me the option to launch each navigation app that is installed on my phone.

Harry
 
You know what, A while ago, I managed to download whole state map on my phone from google and then, I would get driving directions offline. Now I do not see that option to download whole state map, neither anyone seems to know it.

But otherwise you will get what you saw. Without data, it is useless (and some folks keep telling us that GPS units are obsolete.)
 
You can download large chunks, but depends how big of a state you are in. Chances are in won't cover it in 1 chunk
 
deltaforce said:
But otherwise you will get what you saw. Without data, it is useless (and some folks keep telling us that GPS units are obsolete.)
Click to expand...

They are obsolete. You can find navigation apps for phones that work offline and does close to what a dedicated GPS unit can do.
 
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