For everyone on limited data plans - navigate without data

[tunie]

Wifi is runs separate from your network data connection. If you turn off data in your network settings, then you are truly and completely, disconnected from data service. If you go to settings> Wireless and Network> Mobile Networks> Use Packet Data - deselect that.

Make sure you've cached a map area before disconnecting your data service. To cache a map area, run your google map> settings> More> Labs> Press on Pre-cache map area and you'll see a green checkmark appear to the right of it with a notice that cached maps is enabled. Hit your back button on your phone and that will return you to the map. Now press and hold on an area of the map until you see a pop-up with an address. Long press on the pop-up containing the address and a screen will appear with different options. The option at the bottom is Pre-cache map area. Press on that and it will begin to download a 10 mile square radius around the location you initially pressed on. Now, if you want directions to anywhere in the area that was cached, it will work without a data connection.

If you have any trouble with this, let us know

 

[TwinSac]

I finally found the Labs tab. I have always used this app with the "driving directions" enabled. Just as a normal map I can now access the Labs tab. While getting Voice directions I only have access to: Directions List, Set Destination, Help, Terms, Privacy and Notices.

Now I have some experimenting to do. This will be helpful going camping each summer in the Sierras.

 

[tunie]

I finally found the Labs tab. I have always used this app with the "driving directions" enabled. Just as a normal map I can now access the Labs tab. While getting Voice directions I only have access to: Directions List, Set Destination, Help, Terms, Privacy and Notices.

Now I have some experimenting to do. This will be helpful going camping each summer in the Sierras.

That's awesome! I would have never figured that one out! Thanks for posting the solution. I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people out there

 

[j-bo]

Wifi is runs separate from your network data connection. If you turn off data in your network settings, then you are truly and completely, disconnected from data service. If you go to settings> Wireless and Network> Mobile Networks> Use Packet Data - deselect that.

Make sure you've cached a map area before disconnecting your data service. To cache a map area, run your google map> settings> More> Labs> Press on Pre-cache map area and you'll see a green checkmark appear to the right of it with a notice that cached maps is enabled. Hit your back button on your phone and that will return you to the map. Now press and hold on an area of the map until you see a pop-up with an address. Long press on the pop-up containing the address and a screen will appear with different options. The option at the bottom is Pre-cache map area. Press on that and it will begin to download a 10 mile square radius around the location you initially pressed on. Now, if you want directions to anywhere in the area that was cached, it will work without a data connection.

If you have any trouble with this, let us know

It will only load directions while you are online. If you already have a pre-cached map, you still have to be online to load the directions. Once the directions are loaded, then you can go offline.

I cannot get the directions to load while offline, therefore to be able to use navigation.

If you have no signal, you cannot pre-cache maps, so if you are out and about and happen to get lost...you're SOL until you can get a signal.

It is fine for pre-planning trips though and a viable option for that, especially FREE.

I think I'll stick with SYGIC. It was only $15 and it uses TomTom maps and has lifetime updates for free.

 

[tunie]

It will only load directions while you are online. If you already have a pre-cached map, you still have to be online to load the directions. Once the directions are loaded, then you can go offline.

I cannot get the directions to load while offline, therefore to be able to use navigation.

Really odd that you can't access directions offline on a pre-cached map area because it works fine for me. I'm at a loss here, but I'm glad you found something that meets your needs. That's the most important thing!

 

[j-bo]

Really odd that you can't access directions offline on a pre-cached map area because it works fine for me. I'm at a loss here, but I'm glad you found something that meets your needs. That's the most important thing!

I'd like to fix that though. I have others that are looking at using something.

 

[tunie]

You know, I can only think of two possibilities. 1) GPS is disabled or 2) You're clicking on an area of the map that hasn't been cached. Is Data (not wifi) off? Is GPS enabled? Your phone doesn't need data for GPS.

 

[j-bo]

You know, I can only think of two possibilities. 1) GPS is disabled or 2) You're clicking on an area of the map that hasn't been cached. Is Data (not wifi) off? Is GPS enabled? Your phone doesn't need data for GPS.

GPS on. Data off, wifi off. No directions.

GPS on. Data off, wifi ON, get directions.

GPS on Data on, wifi on, get directions.

GPS on Data on, wifi off, get directions.

Map is pre-cached as is the end point within that pre-cached map.

I also added it to my places, and get the same results as above.

Dunno... I'll try pre-caching a different area next.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[tunie]

What happens when you press on directions?

The only other possibility that comes to mind is if the area you're caching isn't mapped for directions by google. You can check that just by navigating in an area with data and gps on. If it works there, it will work in pre-cache.

 

[j-bo]

What happens when you press on directions?

The only other possibility that comes to mind is if the area you're caching isn't mapped for directions by google. You can check that just by navigating in an area with data and gps on. If it works there, it will work in pre-cache.

Says "data connection lost"

The area is mapped for directions. If it wasn't, then it wouldn't give directions while being ONline, right?