Offline maps for Google Navigation

Participant · 28 Dec 2013 at 20:58

Hi all

I'm driving to the continent shortly and while I like my TomTom, I prefer the Google Navigation on my Note II...big beautiful screen, text-to-speak, satellite view, etc...

So anyway, is there a way yet to pre-load maps for France, for example? I'd like to be able to make sure I need to use absolutely no data while driving in France, yet be able to navigate in theory every street with full map information.

m4rmite · 28 Dec 2013 at 22:16

have you tried Navfree? . it uses gps only and no data.
just remember to check for updates before you go so your upto date

Participant · 4 Jan 2014 at 11:40

I've downloaded Navfree but it has no traffic or spoken streets. It's free so I'm obviously not complaining, but I prefer Google Maps so if there's a way, which I guess there isn't, then I'd love to know about it.

jon86 · 4 Jan 2014 at 12:17

I've used Google Navigation for a long time and also own a Note II. As far as I know, there is no way to preload the whole map of France for Google Navigation. You can cache sections though and have those fully offline, as my brother did this when he went to Madrid last summer. I'd stick to using your TomTom unless you want to get a cheap PAYG SIM with some data, as I did when I was in Texas last month.

Participant · 4 Jan 2014 at 12:36

Cheers. My particular TomTom is the same as Navfree functionality wise because it doesn't have text to speak or traffic info, it's just on a much smaller screen to the Note 2. So I might as well use Navfree on the Note 2 for the nice big screen.

lsg1r · 4 Jan 2014 at 16:09

Participant said:
I've downloaded Navfree but it has no traffic or spoken streets. It's free so I'm obviously not complaining, but I prefer Google Maps so if there's a way, which I guess there isn't, then I'd love to know about it.

you should be able to add traffic on as a premium item according to the google listing.... I can't find it though in the app :rolleyes:

Russinating · 4 Jan 2014 at 18:45

Yes you can. View the area you'd like to cache on WiFi and then search for "ok maps". It'll pre-load the viewable area if able (some countries give an error in my experience but I think France is fine).

Note that you'll need a data connection for it to calculate directions but after that all you need is GPS, so you could do that in your hotel before your leave.