offline maps, updating the maps app first?

[abaxcaxi]

Hiya all!

I'm trying to get my phone working so that I can get some maps predownloaded, sofar with little sucess. I have read the latest instructions from google (I think), but all of this looked a bit different then what I had on my device. I'm really not all to good in matters Android though. So:

- ZTE Blade 2nd gen
- Swedish snow RSL 57 Android 2.3.5 custom rom
- It's rooted ofc and it runs link2SD, it has almost 6GB space for data left on the SD card where offline maps are stored. I think.
- Google maps version is 6.5.

My questions, for now:
Usually one would upgrade to recent version of the app in question and it seems I'm laggin behind. Of course my phone won't run the 7.x series, so the latest would be 6.14.
Is there a way to upgrade from 6.5 to 6.14? If yes, how do do that?

 

[SiempreTuna]

You might have some luck if you root and ROM - if that's possible. Check the rooting section of the appropriate sub-forum for your phone.

Alternatively, you could try an alternative map app like OsmAnd - with that you can download maps for up to 3 countries (I think) using the free version. There's also one called Skobbler that I have yet to check out.

 

[abaxcaxi]

If you say "root and ROM", does that mean install a new ROM? Would that be because that is the only way to update a "system app"?

Trying out OsmAnd presently ...

 

[WoohooGuy]

Have you tried an app that uses complete maps stored on you local device instead of trying to cache google's maps?

I have been using MapFactor for a couple years now, they have an extensive library of free OpenStreetMaps available that dont require a data connection as you download the geographic location maps you need or want ahead of time and then are free to navigate wherever your phone or tablet can go with just your device's built in GPS.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapfactor.navigator&hl=en

 

[abaxcaxi]

Well, yes, as I stated I was in the process of trying out OsmAnd . I got this to work, allthough I cant do much of what i want to do with it (yet?).

Anyhow, by now I figured out howto update google maps app, you just go to the app store (or however thats called these days and install over the old version). Now Googles instruction for making offline maps available work.

 

[Harry2]

... Now Googles instruction for making offline maps available work.

You know that Maps needs a data connection for recalculating a navigation route and for the search function, even if you've the map area in question stored on your phone?

If you want to avoid or can't have a data connection there are better offline apps as Maps offline.
OsmAnd is one of them with a lot of features ... but its user interface isn't easy.
Maybe you don't need all these features or you could use two apps, maybe one for car navigation and one for sightseeing

Harry

 

[abaxcaxi]

No I didn't know that. Thanks for the warning though.

But, I'm not concerned with the navigation part of the app, I'll do that myself looking at the map. I am going to be be using it on cycling or backpacking trips, not while driving a car.

So I will just enter my destination beforehand (for which google maps may also require a data connection, sofar I only entered one doing that), and I will "navigate" manually to the actual campsite. I do not want to be searching around in a forest for an obscure campsite at the end of a 30 km hike carrying a 10 kg packpack .

What I do like about Google maps sofar is that they are much faster on my phone as OsmAnd (the ZTE Blade was a low end device 4 years ago allready), possibly because they are much smaller. I also like the easy with which they can be preloaded square by square.

Switching data on is no problem, but, yes I do wanna conserve battery life on a hike. The phone is going to be switched off until I need it.

 

[Harry2]

'Maps With Me' might be the right app for you
It is very fast and has a good offline search function.
The user interface is easy to use and also its map manager for downloading the maps.

Harry

 

[Davdi]

I've been using NavFree which uses the Open Street Maps stored on the tablet (N7 WiFi only and Sony Xperia U) and it navigates/reroutes just fine, both in walking and driving modes.