Google Maps Update, Offline Maps and Latitude Axed!

tsk1979

Reclaimed and Recycled
Things like these are the reason OSM needs to develop and grow. Already in Europe OSM maps are at par with commercial providers.
Commercial systems, like google, MMI, etc., come with a rider. They are as good as the company wants them to be. If the company decides to pull the plug, you can do jack sh!t.

Hopefully. as number of mappers grow, we can totally ignore all commercial map providers and work with OSM.
Everyone should look at the areas they travel, and if mapping is not good enough, do it yourself. Its not too difficult. The more the merrier.
 

zack2137

Leh'd and how!
Must say, the initials impressions of the updated app are nice. The map is much more cleaner and UI is peppy. Easier to search, save and navigate routes and places.
 

zack2137

Leh'd and how!
I think Offline maps feature is not axed but hidden.

How to cache offline maps in Google Maps 7.0 | The Car Tech blog - CNET Reviews

Will try this on some other device before doing it on my own phone. If it doesn't work or has some limitations then will not update the app on my phone.
I could cache the maps pretty easily but couldn't retrieve them.

Meanwhile came across this
http://m.cnet.com/news/google-scrambles-to-restore-offline-google-maps-storage/57593218
 

zack2137

Leh'd and how!
Did somebody test the new offline feature after the update on his/het android phone?
Otherwise I won't install the update (yet).
Don't update, another update is coming pretty soon with a dedicated caching button. I could cache the on-screen map on the new app but unlike previous Android version, I couldn't find 'My Places' to retrieve the saved map.

EDIT: There's an update on that too! http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-download-offline-maps-in-google-maps/

Info stored in a new area: Another key difference is the way Maps stores the cached information. Instead of appearing under the My Places menu, you just scroll back to the area and the information will be ready and waiting.
The update that rolls out today will have a dedicated "make this map area available offline" button
http://www.androidcentral.com/new-google-maps-updated-offline-maps-button

EDIT 2: nstead of appearing under the My Places menu, you just scroll back to the area and the information will be ready and waiting.
Tried the above, works like a charm! And is ever so convenient!
 
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