Why does Google Maps need data connection for routing?

[itm]

I've just made a journey using Google Navigation, cached the map, and managed to complete the journey without a data connection. When I tried to set it for the return journey it required a data connection before it would calculate the route, even though the map was fully cached and I had just completed the reverse journey without a data connection.
Why does it require a data connection to calculate a route, even though the relevant section of the map has already been cached?

 

[amlothi]

The route is calculated by Google's servers. Your phone cannot calculate routes using google maps. It can only receive routes from the server.

 

[Usta]

Indeed. That makes Google navigation useless for many users that don't have a data plan.
There are however rumors, that Google is working on bringing a fully offline navigation for Androids.

 

[landrover90]

On Friday I did about 7 hours of driving and used 30MB of mobile data.
That is a lot of my 500MB limit.

I was hoping for something like Ovi Maps. So I can't wait for the update.

 

[Usta]

On Friday I did about 7 hours of driving and used 30MB of mobile data.
That is a lot of my 500MB limit.

I was hoping for something like Ovi Maps. So I can't wait for the update.

That is indeed too much data used in one day.
If that happens often, it is probably a good idea to just buy an offline software like Copilot/Navigon/Sygic/etc.

 

[sprocket28]

That is indeed too much data used in one day.
If that happens often, it is probably a good idea to just buy an offline software like Copilot/Navigon/Sygic/etc.

navigon is the absolute business.

 

[Gorf123]

On Friday I did about 7 hours of driving and used 30MB of mobile data.
That is a lot of my 500MB limit.

You're complaining about a free service using your data allowance???

Assuming those 7 hours of driving are routine, and you only do it on workdays, you're still only going to exceed your allowance after the third week of each month. If you really SatNav that much, or you need your data for other stuff, you need to spend some money.

I installed the demo of Sygic - looks good, and not expensive.

 

[ambientdroid]

On Friday I did about 7 hours of driving and used 30MB of mobile data.
That is a lot of my 500MB limit.

I was hoping for something like Ovi Maps. So I can't wait for the update.

7 hours? If you went off track a lot (has to recalculate your route) or use the Satellite photo options, or close and re-open the app a few times I could see how you might use a bit of data.

But to be honest, 500MB/month is not really much if you're wanting to get the most out of a smartphone.

Perhaps we're just spoiled over here with unlimited data plans

 

[ambientdroid]

You're complaining about a free service using your data allowance???

Assuming those 7 hours of driving are routine, and you only do it on workdays, you're still only going to exceed your allowance after the third week of each month. If you really SatNav that much, or you need your data for other stuff, you need to spend some money.

I installed the demo of Sygic - looks good, and not expensive.

 

[takeshi]

I've just made a journey using Google Navigation, cached the map, and managed to complete the journey without a data connection. When I tried to set it for the return journey it required a data connection before it would calculate the route, even though the map was fully cached and I had just completed the reverse journey without a data connection.
Why does it require a data connection to calculate a route, even though the relevant section of the map has already been cached?

It's not "just the reverse" as far as the app is concerned. As suggested above, if you need a nav app that doesn't rely so heavily on data then use such an app. Don't count on Google Maps Nav.

You're complaining about a free service using your data allowance???

Of course. Not everyone has unlimited data despite the tunnel vision of those in the US that do. And those traveling internationally don't want to rack up international data roaming charges. Just because Google Maps Nav works for you doesn't mean that it works for everyone.

Nav apps with locally stored maps were suggested in this thread for those that need them. "Free" doesn't mean "free of critcism".

Assuming those 7 hours of driving are routine, and you only do it on workdays, you're still only going to exceed your allowance after the third week of each month. If you really SatNav that much, or you need your data for other stuff, you need to spend some money.

Also assuming no other data use which is highly unlikely.

There are however rumors, that Google is working on bringing a fully offline navigation for Androids.

I wouldn't count on such rumors, given Google's core business. Routing data through their servers benefits them.

 

[zuben el genub]

I prefer a printed map rather than voice. I'd rather pay attention to the road than have something talking to me. I have a Garmin anyway, but if I want city only, I'll download Mapquest on the computer, copy and paste and edit as a PDF, and put said PDF on card.
I can pull over and study the map and directions. I can't always make the voice repeat.
No data use at all.
Where I live - you usually take a state route or interstate between cities anyway. All you need is your exit, and then the local map. You need more directions in town with expansion.

 

[Gorf123]

You're complaining about a free service using your data allowance???

Of course. Not everyone has unlimited data despite the tunnel vision of those in the US that do. And those traveling internationally don't want to rack up international data roaming charges. Just because Google Maps Nav works for you doesn't mean that it works for everyone.

Nav apps with locally stored maps were suggested in this thread for those that need them. "Free" doesn't mean "free of critcism".

It does if the app doesn't do what you want it to do. There are alternatives available which do exactly what you want to do. If you want to complain about anything, complain about the fact that they aren't also free.

If I produced a free app which functioned in a particular way, and someone complained on a public forum because it doesn't function the same way as certain other paid-for apps, I'd be mighty pissed off.

And to address your earlier point - data limits are there to protect people like me* from people who would spend the whole month downloading map data and "other data use".

* So far I've got through 100MB in three months, despite an allowance of 1GB per month)

 

[MikeyCooperH]

Are there any map apps on the market that google navigation could use 'offline' if the rumour turns out not to be true?

Also ( i have yet to try this out ) what about getting the map route from the google servers and then pressing the homescreen button, turning off the mobile data connection, then re-entering the app? I'd imagine that there would inevitably be some problem with the map displaying at some point during the route...

 

[MikeyCooperH]

Mind you it all depends on what you want the satnav app to do... if you are only going to use it once or twice a month max then its useful. If you are going to need satnav quite a bit you'd need to get a more permanent unit.

 

[itm]

Are there any map apps on the market that google navigation could use 'offline' if the rumour turns out not to be true?

Also ( i have yet to try this out ) what about getting the map route from the google servers and then pressing the homescreen button, turning off the mobile data connection, then re-entering the app? I'd imagine that there would inevitably be some problem with the map displaying at some point during the route...

I can confirm that, once the map has been cached (ideally at home on wifi), you can switch off the data connection and have trouble-free navigation. You only need to reconnect 3G if you need to re-route.

 

[james2kuk]

On Friday I did about 7 hours of driving and used 30MB of mobile data.
That is a lot of my 500MB limit.

30MB in a day IS NOT alot of data. Granted, if you were to have several days in a month like that it would soon eat up your monthly limit, but to be fair, i'd be inclined to say that if you are using Maps for navigation etc other than spontaneous situations and emergencys then you should spend approx

 

[davidtheprof]

Interesting that google maps does re-route without a data connection if you deviate from the original plan, but it needs data to first calculate the route.

 

[Tangent]

...

I wouldn't count on such rumors, given Google's core business. Routing data through their servers benefits them.

How? It's not like they're serving you ads or anything... It would actually benefit them to make offline navigation available. It would make an already popular app even better and less likely to be replaced with anyone else's, plus there would be less bandwidth being used.

Besides, even with offline maps I'm betting the app would still attempt to communicate with their servers to retrieve traffic data...

 

[amlothi]

It's not all about ads. It's about collecting information about you, what you search for, where you want to go, etc.

 

[takeshi]

How? It's not like they're serving you ads or anything...

Crowdsourced information such as traffic is just one example. They certainly do serve ads even if not directly. Every bit of information they collect (even if just aggregated data) can be used to their benefit whether you understand or not. Google isn't an apps/services charity despite what people apparently seem to think.

It would actually benefit them to make offline navigation available. It would make an already popular app even better and less likely to be replaced with anyone else's, plus there would be less bandwidth being used.

It would benefit you. Don't confuse benefit to you with benefit to Google. Google's core business relies on data. Again, if you need locally stored maps then use an appropriate app. I wouldn't expect Google to favor a non-cloud approach. Consider their history and other services.

How many users is Google actually losing to solutions such as CoPilot or Navigon?

 

[Freak4Dell]

I prefer a printed map rather than voice. I'd rather pay attention to the road than have something talking to me. I have a Garmin anyway, but if I want city only, I'll download Mapquest on the computer, copy and paste and edit as a PDF, and put said PDF on card.
I can pull over and study the map and directions. I can't always make the voice repeat.
No data use at all.
Where I live - you usually take a state route or interstate between cities anyway. All you need is your exit, and then the local map. You need more directions in town with expansion.

So, if I understand you correctly, pulling over and wasting time looking at a map to figure out where you are is easier than just continuing to drive (with your eyes on the road the entire time, by the way) and listening to a helpful program that tells you where to turn, usually at least twice? Even if you happen to miss the voice, you can take a half-second glance at the screen that shows the directions, both in text and pictures. Or, if for some reason you STILL miss the turn or whatever, the thing will automatically reroute you, meaning you don't have to pull over, get out the map, figure out where you are, and then proceed to figure out how you need to get back on track to go where you wanted to go.