Google unveils new offline map feature

Need help in finding your way but are unable to access the Internet? Don't worry. Google has launched the 'Download Map Area' feature that allows Android users to access Google Maps even when they cannot access the Internet. Users with Google Maps 5.7 for Android can click on the "more" icon in Google Maps and download a map of the location that would cover a radius of 10 miles.

"The download can take as little as a minute or two. This download stores only the base map tiles and the landmarks on the map, so you still need a data connection to see the satellite view and 3D buildings, search for places and get directions," said Chikai Ohazama, director of product management, Google Maps for mobile, in a post on the search giant's official blog. "But we hope the level of detail available will help you find your way," said Ohazama.

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"All your downloaded map areas can be managed in your Google Maps cache settings so you can delete maps you no longer need or if you want to free up storage. After 30 days, all downloaded map areas will be removed from your cache. They can be re-downloaded anytime," Ohazama explained.

However, there are downsides, too. The feature comes in handy only if the trip is planned in advance as thus the map areas can be downloaded at the convenience of the user.

Not everybody is impressed. "I don't think it a great feature at all. It is not much different from taking a screenshot as even Nokia maps provide downloading of city map data free of cost," said Anivar Aravind, a Bangalore-based tech consultant and commentator.

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Google Maps also has a couple of other additions called 'Scale Bar' and 'Measure'. Scale Bar could help when users are unable to determine the level of zoom on a map being viewed. It will show the scale of measure of the map depending on the zoom level. 'Measure' will help find the straight distance between two points on the map.

Courtesy: Mail Today