After a recent automatic to Google Maps on my Android phone, I got a message about several new features for version 5.7.0. One feature allows you to download map sections for later, offline use, for times you either don't have a data connection or ( like me ) can't afford the outrageous data costs when traveling in Europe. The map sections, once downloaded to your phone, can be renamed or deleted. You choose a point on the map, and it downloads a section 10 miles in all directions from that point. You can make multiple, overlapping maps if you want. The map you download does have street names, one-way indicators, metro stops, etc. You can read about it here:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/download-map-area-added-to-labs-in.html The limitations of this feature, as far as I understand it, are: 1. You can only download the map, not satellite view, street view, etc. 2. Interactive functions such as directions, searches within the map for restaurants, hotels, etc. don't work. In other words, you just get the maps. 3. The maps are automatically deleted after 30 days. Is it available for Blackberrys, iPhones, etc? Don't know. Cheers, Gary
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Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Don't get too excited yet (though it does sound like it will be great). The download map feature is still in the "lab" area, which means it's not fully functional yet. Features in "lab" can break or disappear at any time - it's a testing area on Google Maps. In fact, when I just checked, the Download Map feature wasn't there. It's definitely worth keeping in mind and continuing to check on whether it's permanently available, though.