By now, you know that Google has recently improved offline maps navigation with search and more useful information. While saving maps for offline use is not exactly new, the app update allows more information to be saved for later use. More functions were added to the offline maps so more people can benefit from offline navigations. Internet connection can be spotty at times so to ensure that you are ready when visiting a new place or destination, download an area of Google Maps for your own good.
Jul 29, 2019 Common Ways to download GPS Below given are the common ways to download GPS in the android devices: Ensure you have updated Play Store app in android smartphone; Now, go to play-store Type desired navigation app, for example, Google Map app; Results will appear on the screen; Choose the first result shown(as the best rating app is on top) Tap. Tips and tricks you didn't know you could do with Google for on the go, at work and having fun.
Note that some Android devices and some countries won’t see the update just yet. On the Play Store, there may be an indication that it’s the latest update but the main Google Maps offline functionalities aren’t live. It might take a while before Google pushes the new features to all Android devices.
Here is a video version of the gif we shared with you earlier:
If you still can’t follow the animation, check out the gallery below and read the instructions carefully.
(1) Open your Google Maps app on your Android device.
(2) Search for your intended destination or the area where you will be traveling in.
(3) Once you tap the location you’re searching for, you will see a place card.
(If you don’t see a card with the ‘download’ button, you may have to broaden your search.)
(4) When you see the ‘Download this area?’ prompt/card, tap on it.
(5) The app will start downloading the offline areas. Once download is finished, you can now view the particular area even when you are offline. (To be sure that the offline map is ready, disconnect from your Internet and check Google Maps again.)
(2) Search for your intended destination or the area where you will be traveling in.
(3) Once you tap the location you’re searching for, you will see a place card.
(If you don’t see a card with the ‘download’ button, you may have to broaden your search.)
(4) When you see the ‘Download this area?’ prompt/card, tap on it.
(5) The app will start downloading the offline areas. Once download is finished, you can now view the particular area even when you are offline. (To be sure that the offline map is ready, disconnect from your Internet and check Google Maps again.)
Again, the updated Google Maps may not be live on other Android devices yet.We asked some friends living in other countries to try the updated app and sadly, they don’t have the latest version yet. If you still see the Call, Save, and Website buttons, that means the version isn’t ready for you yet.
Check back again maybe tomorrow to update the app.
Once you see the Save, Share, and Download buttons as above, app is ready. Good luck!
Download Google Maps from the Google Play Store
VIA: SlashGear
Story Timeline
GPS aka Global Positioning System is a widely used service. Before the year 1984, it was available only to the soldiers fighting for their countries. After a Korean Aircraft crash that killed over 180 people, the US Government decided to provide free access to basic location tracking feature of the GPS technology to prevent losses of life in accidents which can be avoided. GPS is one of the finest technologies invented to date. It has saved millions of lives.
Free Navigation App For Android
With the GPS navigation technology, we can guide ourselves to any given location, trace a person lost in the woods, travel to a distant location without getting lost, etc. Airlines, Shipping firms, car manufacturers employ it in their latest products. Since 2008, the day Google released Android OS, GPS has become an essential feature in mobile devices and smartwatches.
The location tracking technology is so popular that people don’t buy a phone if it doesn’t offer GPS connectivity. To use this technology, you must install and use one of the following applications:
Top 6 Best GPS navigation apps for mobile devices
Sygic GPS
Sygic is an offline GPS navigation app with many features. Once the user installs and runs Sygic on their mobile devices, he’ll be asked to download maps for his current location. To help Sygic determine your precise location, you must turn on the data connection and GPS module on your mobile device.
Sygic gives you access to 3D and 2D view of maps of Australia, Asia (India), North and South America, New Zealand, Africa, Russia, and the Middle East. Maps available for download are provided by TomTom, a company that specializes in GPS related products.
Sygic provides safety features that include live status on police, speed warnings for a special route, and more. It lets users find the shortest route to a specific location. It helps users find gas stations that provide discounts on fuel purchases.
The Sygic application has the option to find alternative paths to the target location in case the current path is congested with traffic. It has over 50 million users. The app is popular because it allows users to download maps to their device. Hence, Sygic may come in handy when the mobile data or WiFi connection isn’t working.
Sygic has a user-friendly UI and it provides intuitive navigation controls. It has several interesting features that hikers, frequent travelers, drivers, etc will find useful. Sygic is one of the top GPS navigation apps for 2019.
Pros:
- Option to download maps for offline use.
- Beautiful UI, smart features.
- Detailed information on traffic.
Cons:
- Maps are large (100+ MB)
Must read: Best Backup apps for Android
Waze GPS Navigation app
Waze is a powerful GPS application that allows you to dodge congested roads and reach your destination quickly by recommending the shortest routes. It lets users share traffic details with other Waze users. The app shares the status shared by one user with users driving on the same road or heading to the same destination. The status may include information on an accident, police trap, mishap, divert, etc.
Waze enables users to share information on a local place or business they’ve found interesting. It saves the routes the user is frequently taking and saves time by showing the shortest paths to the destination. It works only when you activate data connection and GPS on your mobile device. Waze is one of the most downloaded GPS apps of all times. It has 100 MN active installations.
Pros:
- User-friendly design.
- Highly accurate.
- Remembers vital information of users.
- Real-time traffic details.
- Works great on slow connections.
Cons:
- Nothing.
Also see: Best WiFi Signal Booster apps to improve network signal strength
Google Maps Navigation app for GPS devices
GMaps come pre-installed with all Android devices. If you’ve ignored this app or have removed it from your device, you may have done a mistake.
How to use this application?
Download Google Navigation App For Android Phones
Open the app on your phone or tablet and enable GPS and WiFi or data connection. You’ll now see a world map. Tap the round button above the blue button to make Google Maps locate you on the map. You can also zoom the map to locate yourself manually.
If you use the Google search engine often, then Google may know your location already. So, you can skip the above task. Like Sygic and Waze, GMaps provides a function to find alternative and smaller routes to a particular destination.
To use the feature mentioned above, tap on the blue circular button and enter your target location. Google maps GPS app allows users to find nearby top-rated businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, stations, hotels, etc. It shows ratings and reviews on your favorite nearby businesses.
The GMaps application enables users to download maps of their region to their mobile device. After downloading the maps, you can access them offline. GMaps is an accurate application trusted and downloaded by 1 billion users. It is one of the best GPS apps for mobile phones and tablets.
Pros
- Maps open quickly.
- UI is superb.
- Information displayed by the app is accurate.
- Premium features free of cost.
- Determines users location based on Google search history.
- Works in offline mode if you download maps.
Cos:
- None.
Here are the three best alternatives to Sygic, Google Maps, and the Waze app:
Here Maps
Map Factor
Yandex Navigator
Conclusion: GPS is an important feature of mobile phones. To make proper use of it, users must install and use one of the navigation apps we have covered above.
Recommended reading: Best Android VPN apps