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Strange... if you store a map for offline viewing in Google Maps, it will be cached for at least a few months - and when that time expires, it will ask you if y

by rob74 4y ago

Strange... if you store a map for offline viewing in Google Maps, it will be cached for at least a few months - and when that time expires, it will ask you if you want to update it. But I can't vouch for the various hiking apps which may be better for hiking data, but have worse UX overall. Or you can use an "offline-only" app like OSMAnd and feed it with GPX tracks downloaded from hiking sites, then you only have to worry about keeping your battery charged...

ufmace 4y ago
Well that's just it - it's probably supposed to do that. But bugs happen, and a phone could die or break for any number of reasons outside of your control. People on the internet trying to explain why some particular failure that you saw shouldn't happen won't be there when you're stuck with no way to navigate, and their arguments won't be of any use. Paper maps are actually immune to most of these failure modes.
- AnimalMuppet 4y ago
  Non-laminated paper maps may not survive immersion all that well. On the other hand, your phone may not survive that, either...
denysonique 4y ago
If for some reason the offline google maps don't get updated and expire, you are going to be unable use them at all in a critical situation.
skyfaller 4y ago
According to CNet, with Google Maps "Transit, bicycling and walking directions are also not available offline -- only driving directions." https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/why-you-should-download-google-maps-offline-before-a-trip-and-how-to-do-it/ https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/why-you-shou... So Google Maps offline may actually be useless for hiking? This would also explain why I had trouble using Google Maps offline on my last bike trip.
- TurkishPoptart 4y ago
  How dreadful. Well, there's always Alltrails.
rr888 4y ago
It wasn't google maps, it was a free version of an app. I should have known better but thought it'd work.

by rob74 4y ago

ufmace 4y ago

Well that's just it - it's probably supposed to do that. But bugs happen, and a phone could die or break for any number of reasons outside of your control. People on the internet trying to explain why some particular failure that you saw shouldn't happen won't be there when you're stuck with no way to navigate, and their arguments won't be of any use. Paper maps are actually immune to most of these failure modes.

AnimalMuppet 4y ago
Non-laminated paper maps may not survive immersion all that well. On the other hand, your phone may not survive that, either...

denysonique 4y ago

If for some reason the offline google maps don't get updated and expire, you are going to be unable use them at all in a critical situation.

skyfaller 4y ago

According to CNet, with Google Maps "Transit, bicycling and walking directions are also not available offline -- only driving directions." https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/why-you-should-download-google-maps-offline-before-a-trip-and-how-to-do-it/ https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/why-you-shou... So Google Maps offline may actually be useless for hiking? This would also explain why I had trouble using Google Maps offline on my last bike trip.

TurkishPoptart 4y ago
How dreadful. Well, there's always Alltrails.

rr888 4y ago

It wasn't google maps, it was a free version of an app. I should have known better but thought it'd work.