Yesterday, Google loosed a new version of its Google Maps navigation app for
Android onto the Google Play store with a new, streamlined design and a bunch of new features to aid exploration.
However, like the new desktop interface announced at I/O 2013, this new
version 7.0 update seems to have lost a few features in translation.
One of the most obvious omissions lamented by early updaters is the
apparent loss of the ability to cache map data for browsing offline
without a data connection...or so it seems.
True, the menu option that we're used to is gone, but it turns out
that the Offline Maps feature is still baked into this new version of
Google Maps; only it's hidden. Here's how to access it:
The new Offline Maps technique isn't as clear cut as the old menu and selection box method.
Type "OK Maps" into the search box. The autocomplete suggestions offer no hints that you're on the right track.
When you hit search, Google Maps will start downloading the map data for offline browsing.
3. Tap the Search button and watch as the app downloads the street
data, storing it locally for later offline viewing. Downloading large
areas can take awhile, so I'd recommend that you do your caching on a
Wi-Fi connection.
Despite the fact that I'm in Airplane mode with no data connection, I can now zoom in for a detailed view.
4. Profit. Enjoy your offline map data. Remember that GPS should
still work on most devices, even without an Internet connection,
allowing you to see your current position on the map. However, searching
for a location or getting directions still can't be initiated offline.
It's just that simple. I've tested and confirmed this method with both the Google Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 7 tablet. Offline Maps was a navigation lifesaver for me when traveling abroad with my
Nexus 7 and no readily available Internet access, so I'm glad to see that the feature is still a part of the app.
If you've got the updated version of the Google Maps app, sound off in the comments and let us know what you think.
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