Global search engine giant Google has started its Google Maps offline service in India. For using an offline map, you will need to download the map of an area on the device and it will continue to work when there is no connectivity. You will not only view an area of the map offline but also get turn-by-turn driving directions for the same. Apart this, you can also access information about a specific location, which includes information about nearby tourist places, banks and ATMs and restaurant. At the same time, you can also pull up information about hours of operation, ratings and contact information in offline mode.
You can use the new Google Maps offline navigation feature from your Android smartphone in this way; first of all, open Google Maps app on your Android smartphone, then tap on the three bar Menu button on the top left corner and tap on Offline Areas. However, the offline maps have a limitation. You can not get satellite view or even real-time traffic information, for which Internet connectivity is required.
Mr Suren Ruhela, director, Google Maps, says, "Having a spotty internet connection shouldn’t mean you miss your next turn. With the launch of these new offline features, like turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to search for places, we hope it will be easier for people in India to find their way using Google Maps,"