Is there a way to use the offline mode in Android apps using the Google Maps API? Any direction to a tutorial or source code would be a massive help. I've been searching for hours without any luck.
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Google Maps Offline Download Android
Google maps is one of my favorite apps when it comes to Android. Let’s just say it would make it to the top three if I were to create a list someday. It has an incredible number of cool features which are exclusive to the Android version of the app.
The only problem at times one can face is poor or no network connectivity while using Maps on the go and in such cases, the app fails to serve its purpose. As you know, both GPS and 3G/WiFi connection work in tandem in the background when you use the app to find directions. The GPS feeds your coordinates to the app, and they are in-turn displayed using a visual map that’s loaded from the server using a data connection. That’s why lack of internet connectivity can make the app pointless. (image credit: kalleboo)
Although the app does create a cache by default when you are connected using a WiFi connection, it’s not easy to zoom down to all the levels manually and cache the desired area. Google maps 5.0 introduced the offline feature, but it’s not accessible directly. Here’s how you can use the feature and precache (download) an area of the map before you hit the roads.
How to Download the Map For Offline Use
Step 1: Make sure you are connected to a WiFi network and open Google Maps on your Android. Although it’s not mandatory to connect to a WiFi network, it’ll be cost effective when compared to 3G in this case. The bottomline – ensure that you are online on the phone.
Step 2: On the app, press the menu button and select Settings. On the Google Maps settings, select labs and enable the Precache Map Area option.
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Step 3: Having done that, return to map view and navigate to the area you want to save for offline use. Long press at the approx. center of the area you would travel to (for example, if you are traveling to a city, make sure you are selecting the heart of the city on the map) and wait for the map to load the address of that spot on the map.
Step 4: Once the address is loaded, click on it to open the detailed view and select the option Precache map area (you will see this feature only when you have enabled the feature from labs). Google Maps will then download 10-mile area radius around the selected address (represented by a square box) and once the download is complete, you can have a look at all the details in the cached area even without an internet connection.
Note: If the 10-mile radius is not enough for you, repeat the process at different places on the map to cover the required area.Deleting a Cached Map
As map caching takes a considerable amount of space on the internal SD card, it’s always advisable to delete the cached area once you are done with them. To delete a precached map navigate to Map Settings—>Cache—>Precached map area and then press the red cross next to an address.
Conclusion
So next time you are planning a trip, doesn’t matter where, it’s always advisable to cache the area of the map before you et started. You never know when your network might betray you in the middle of the woods.
Also See#google maps #How-to/Guides Did You Know
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Google Maps is a great free alternative to a dedicated sat nav, and is also very handy if you’re on foot. But did you know you can use it offline too?
That means when you go abroad you’ll have a map stored on your phone, and you won’t have to pay roaming fees to use it.
Not only that, but you can also use it in areas where you won’t have mobile reception. The only thing is, you’ll need to be organized and sort it out before you go.
Follow our handy guide, and you’ll know your way around like a local.
Step 1: Find the area you want to use
First of all, you’ll need to download the Google Maps app. It should come pre-installed on your Android phone, but if not - or if you’ve deleted it - you can download it for free from Google Play.
In the search bar, type the name of the area you’d like to download a map for. It doesn’t have to be abroad – it could be somewhere remote in the UK.
Tap the bar at the bottom of the screen that contains the word you searched for. Then, if it’s somewhere specific, like a landmark or a train station, tap the three buttons in the top right corner. This will open the sub-menu and give you the option to ‘Download offline area’.
Step 2: Download it
A map will appear showing the area you can download. The maximum size is 46,332 square miles (120,000 square kilometres). If you try to save a bigger area, it will ask you to zoom in to select a smaller one.
It will also warn you how much space this will take on your phone – in our case, up to 175MB – and how much space you have left.
Remember, particularly with large areas, to always download over wi-fi rather than mobile data to prevent racking up a big bill.
If you’re happy, click ‘Download’. It will then prompt you to name the map.
Offline Google Maps Android Gps
Step 3: View your map offline
Once you’ve downloaded it, the offline area should appear at the top of your screen (the icon looks like a folded map). Drag down and click it to open it.
The icon will disappear after you’ve clicked it.
Download Google Maps For Windows 10
From then on, open Google Maps, tap the menu icon in the top left (it’s in the search bar), and select ‘Offline areas’ from the drop-down menu.
This will show a list of all the areas you’ve downloaded. To view one, just tap it.
Step 4: Navigation
To browse your offline map, use Google Maps just as you would normally. You can scroll around, and place names and road names should appear just as if you were connected to the internet.
You’ll also be able to get driving directions within your offline area, but not traffic updates. You also won’t be able to get directions for using public transport, cycling or walking. Once downloaded, you can’t modify routes to avoid a toll, say, or a ferry.
To check if your map has downloaded ok and is usable, turn on your phone’s airplane mode, open Google Maps and have a look around your downloaded area.
If you use an Android phone, you can also use Maps in wi-fi only mode (which is more convenient than putting your phone in airplane mode). To do so, go to the Menu, then Settings, and select Wi-Fi only. This will ensure you only use the offline maps you've downloaded, so don't risk running up huge roaming costs when abroad.
Offline areas need to be updated at least every 30 days - Google will prompt you so you don't forget. To get the most up-to-date maps, don’t download them too far in advance of your holiday.
That should be everything you need – happy hols!
Alternative offline sat navs
If you want an app with full sat nav capabilities that works offline, we’d recommend Here WeGo (previously known as Here Maps). The free app lets you download maps from over 100 countries with turn-by-turn voice instructions, absolutely free.
Google Maps Download Offline
Check out the video below to see it in action. Download it for Androidand iOS.