I'm a new convert to the Viewranger app. It doesn't rely on a 'phone signal and can do more than Google Maps, such as route planning and tracking. The free version has ads but I'm in the UK and chose to download the OS (Ordnance Survey) 1:25000 maps for the whole of the UK as an in-app purchase at approx $30 for the year and as a bonus, no more ads. Excellent value!
I realize I’m responding to an old post but thank you! I’ll try to answer my question on my own but I don’t know why the saved maps expire in 29 days? Hope there is a way to just save indefinitely. Headed for solo off-road in Los padres Forrest in a couple weeks. If anyone see vultures circling that will be me! 5:09
Very helpful. I thought the first three minute contained good advice. People who grew up with digital maps may not appreciate what happens when batteries die, things get wet, things get dropped, etc. Smart phones are awesome but I'm not going too far off road without a real map. Good tips.
As a newbie to the Jeep community I am doing a lot of research to get ready to go hit the trails, appreciate the information and it was something I never knew about. Thanks keep up the good videos they have been helpful for me.
I just wanted to add that when you do this the driving (directions work) "within the saved map" bring up directions and tell or type where you want to go, the directions will come up and just hit start and your route is voiced to you. I LOVE Google!
THANK YOU! I have been struggling with my current GPS system and this will make a world of difference! Love the option of saving an area to be able to use later "off line". Very helpful!
Thanks again. I'm going to use your tips this weekend. A buddy of mine are taking our Jeeps down to Ouray and Telluride Colorado for 4 days. This will come in handy.
Google maps is definitely one of my top 3 iphone apps. Offline ability is icing on cake, and the app's driving directions with voice is retained, all great when in weak or zero cell coverage areas.
Good video...For many years we have used a Garmin Etrex and it is stable and has never failed. I did try my Android phone as suggested and it was a pain. The screen keeps changing. I tried pinning it but it was not as simple as the Etrex which has been specifically made for the job. Never the less a great video and handy to know. Many thanks.
I use all trails. Great app. Free version and upgraded version for $30 a year. I just purchased the upgraded version cause its on sale for this weekend for $15.00. Great tip for google maps. I didn't know I could do that. Thanks for sharing.
Just mounted my huge iPad pro 12.9 on a tack-form mount. It's AWESOME. Currently waiting for my Garmin GLO 2 so my iPad has GPS ability for positioning. Weird, I remember watching this video, and definitely liking it. Seems UA-cam is taking away my older likes?
Thank you for the tip. Very useful. I can add that it is useful when traveling overseas. The cellular data is expensive abroad, so downloading a map of a city in Europe via hotel wifi for a day trip will be handy.
Another way to do the same thing, while you're in Google maps you can save the current view by typing in without quotes "OK maps" and it will save it for 30 days.
Helpful, because always a pain to figure out how to do this stuff and it keeps changing too! But was enough info here to help me figure it out / remember how to do it. Thanks JB
When I drove from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park, Google Map asked me if I want to save 'whatever information' for offline viewing/navigation. I just clicked yes and yes. True indeed I lost cell signal nearing the park and inside the park but i never missed turn by turn navigation till I reached the lodge which was inside the park. I think Google also knows the probability of where you may not have a cell signal and can warn you ahead of time.
I use Google maps but have figured out how to use it w out using data. Find your location in maps, click directions but don't hit start. Google will show where your at but won't give you directions but all you have to follow the blue line. You can hit start directions if you get a complicated area then cancel out of it yet continue to navigate.
Thank you for this. I'm always just a blue dot in a sea of gray with no reception out on the trails. Luckily signposting here is very good but this info is worth it's weight in gold.
The only catch on Google maps offline is that you need to connect to Wi-Fi once a month so Google can "update" the map, otherwise it will delete it thinking you no longer need it. That's not an issue for most but for those of us with Verizon's unlimited data plan it's a good reminder to keep the maps up to date once a month.
I'm kind of an insane Google Maps user. For long trips, I create the directions on the map that I'll be using for each day of a trip, save it into the notes of that day's trip calendar entry and then I'm able to click that link for the day's journey. My biggest pev is that when you type any of the off-road points in Anza Borrego, it zooms out and simply shows the entire park map. Creating maps there is a very manual process ( I still do it).
love the redundancy... You never know. also consider bringing a battery booster for your device. For practical applications I have found a tablet for your navigator along with your phone for your tunes is a nice luxury. ☺ Switching back and forth is a pain. Locus and Go Here are nice apps to have as well. The offline features are great.
Very helpful video, thanks! It looks like Google My Maps has changed up a bit. Perhaps another video to describe how to now use it for off road navigation?
I was very happy to watch this video today. I was just trying to figure out how to do this a few days ago, but couldn't figure it out. Thanks for the info.
i know Im asking randomly but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the login password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me!
Totally Agree! A paper map is great, until you aren't sure where you are on it. Google Offline Maps tells you where you are relative to the map - that's huge. Also: UPDATE will REFRESH your 30 days just like a library book. Also #2: Rotate the aspect ratio of your tablet (I use a big Tab S 10.5 for my maps) and your map will display with the correct aspect ration. For instance hold your tablet vertically to capture the California coast, but horizontally to get Kansas.
I have been using this for quite a while but I use it as a navigation offline. I download the greater areas I expect to be and have turned data off for Google maps full time.
ajmilward87 excellent tip thanks! I was hoping this would work. I'm traveling to Pyrenees area of France/Spain next week and have downloaded the whole area. My plan is to turn off cellular data altogether driving in France as you pay data roaming fees in other countries. I believe GPS works free anywhere and turning off cellular data does not affect this.
Hate to blow ur mind but u can get a Bad Elf Gps dongle for iphone /also will plug into ipad and it allows u to use maps completely offline when u have zero cell service. Gala maps is also another good map source to use.
A handy tool, however I would, personally, always use a dedicated hiking app. I don't find Google maps to have the required level of detail to safely navigate. However I'm not in the US so I appreciate that things may be different there.
Thank you for all the information I'm one of those guys who didn't know i I really like your presentation keep up the good work I remember my first I think it was a Garmin cost me $1,500 it took me 30 days to figure it out written buy Asians great job keep up the good work
just purchased it today for my dads Trail Tech GPS- I hope it loads and can view the routes/tracks. I'm planning on importing it to my Gaia as well if that works.
As you and many others probably already know by now, the GaiaGPS app is an exceptionally useful tool for offline use. It's easy to download highly detailed maps of all kinds, topo and otherwise, before you go offline. Works great on your phone. I don't even use a dedicated GPS anymore. The are several levels of membership, all reasonable, and you have to at least have the Basic membership to download maps for offline use.
I've been using maplets app as some of the off road parks have trail maps that will sync up with your phone's GPS as well. There are some public trails that also show up in maplets too.
Wow, nice to have a San Diegan here. I am literally packing up the YJ for a weekend on Palomar Mountain, the exact example you gave. I just downloaded the maps on Google Maps. I'll wave if I see you up there.
I always enjoy finding helpful hints about off-roading or my Jeep and Brad you've been my go-to person when searching UA-cam! Thanks for all the helpful info. Another Jeeper told me about an app called Forest Maps that works along the same lines as Google Map. I was out wheeling yesterday and my GPS in the Jeep sucked so I just went to the app and it got me out of a jam without even having cell reception. We were heading away from the main road and would have been lost for a while but the Forest Maps app got me heading in the right direction.
Good video! There is also a short cut to all this...just type in "ok maps" into the google maps app search bar and it downloads whatever is on your screen.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I've been using Google Maps since they first allowed offline usage, but still have to use another program to map new trails I discover. I wish Google would add a record feature, but I suppose that would put all the paid GPS app people out of business lol.
@@Geeios1 thanks been pulling my hair out trying to get guy in phone shop to conceive that this was even possible. do you know any vids that show it in use now or in the past few years?
I *just* found out about this! I'm traveling to Europe soon and my phone won't work there. That completely stressed me out for getting around! Then I searched YT to just figure out how to download the maps and here I am. Thanks! Aaaaaand this video is 2 years old! Yes, I'm a dinosaur.
I use topo maps on my nexus, doing the same thing downloading the maps so I can use them offline. I have a ram mount in my jeep that holds the tablet so it works awesome.
I need to buy a few cases of garbage bags around Hopkins Minnesota where do I go I need to find a store that sells cases of garbage bags for the lawn leaves
Yes very helpful!!! I just started wheeling and I got a little lost in Joshua tree national park the others day!!! Lol that would have probably saved me!!!
I am not an expert Trail like you, but yes, I did know about this, therefore you just reminded me. Do you have a video on how to install Car wifi on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee???? NO hotspot!
I have used the offline feature for cities in Mexico and it worked well for both driving and walking. However I did not know that you could zoom in to areas in the U.S. and get the trails - thanks!
Cool info. Did not know you could do that. I am a paper and compass type and still have a flip phone if you get me. You mentioned Ramona and Black Canyon. Pretty cool to watch another local.
I use Gaia GPS and Lead Navigation, I have a lot of trails on Gaia and Lead Nav I use for single trails and tracking. Google is good depending on what you do.
Gee something us old guys already new! :-) Yes it is a valuable tool and if you start using directions before you loose service it will keep on telling where to go.
Why doesn't it work in Mexico? I used my phone and Google maps to navigate around Costa Rica just two weeks ago. I was able to create a route at my hotel when I had wifi, then I put the phone into airplane mode and I could navigate offline and not use any data. I could even get turn by turn voce instructions. The only problem when offline is that if you make a wrong turn, it won't reroute you.
It works fine navigating roads, but trails... not so much. I can find trails with Google Earth, but it doesn't work on my phone. Go figure. Glad it worked for you in Costa Rica.
When I'm doing trails I use an app called Gaia. It's a great app for hiking. I can create a route, download that section of the map, and then it works great offline. The advantage with that app is it gives GPS coordinates and altitude. I did a 10 country motorcycle trip through SE Europe two years ago. After the first two days I threw my GPS in my luggage and henceforth just used my iPhone. It worked much better.
I'm a new convert to the Viewranger app. It doesn't rely on a 'phone signal and can do more than Google Maps, such as route planning and tracking. The free version has ads but I'm in the UK and chose to download the OS (Ordnance Survey) 1:25000 maps for the whole of the UK as an in-app purchase at approx $30 for the year and as a bonus, no more ads. Excellent value!
No, I didn't know how to use the Google offline maps,I'm old school, but I just learned some new school from you sir, thank-you😊👍👌
I realize I’m responding to an old post but thank you! I’ll try to answer my question on my own but I don’t know why the saved maps expire in 29 days? Hope there is a way to just save indefinitely. Headed for solo off-road in Los padres Forrest in a couple weeks. If anyone see vultures circling that will be me! 5:09
Very helpful. I thought the first three minute contained good advice. People who grew up with digital maps may not appreciate what happens when batteries die, things get wet, things get dropped, etc. Smart phones are awesome but I'm not going too far off road without a real map. Good tips.
I'm one of the people who didn't know how to save a map for offline use, so thank you!
As a newbie to the Jeep community I am doing a lot of research to get ready to go hit the trails, appreciate the information and it was something I never knew about. Thanks keep up the good videos they have been helpful for me.
I just wanted to add that when you do this the driving (directions work) "within the saved map" bring up directions and tell or type where you want to go, the directions will come up and just hit start and your route is voiced to you. I LOVE Google!
THANK YOU! I have been struggling with my current GPS system and this will make a world of difference! Love the option of saving an area to be able to use later "off line". Very helpful!
Excellent.... I really thought I was the only one who didn't know about this! Thanks!
Thanks again. I'm going to use your tips this weekend. A buddy of mine are taking our Jeeps down to Ouray and Telluride Colorado for 4 days. This will come in handy.
A 4 day trips sounds amazing... have a great time!
Google maps is definitely one of my top 3 iphone apps. Offline ability is icing on cake, and the app's driving directions with voice is retained, all great when in weak or zero cell coverage areas.
Good video...For many years we have used a Garmin Etrex and it is stable and has never failed. I did try my Android phone as suggested and it was a pain. The screen keeps changing. I tried pinning it but it was not as simple as the Etrex which has been specifically made for the job. Never the less a great video and handy to know. Many thanks.
for me it is rare that a tutorial actually works for me, this really really helped. thank you
I use all trails. Great app. Free version and upgraded version for $30 a year. I just purchased the upgraded version cause its on sale for this weekend for $15.00.
Great tip for google maps. I didn't know I could do that. Thanks for sharing.
Just mounted my huge iPad pro 12.9 on a tack-form mount. It's AWESOME. Currently waiting for my Garmin GLO 2 so my iPad has GPS ability for positioning. Weird, I remember watching this video, and definitely liking it. Seems UA-cam is taking away my older likes?
And we old guys are still learning something new! Oh, and I recognized the Lensatic compass from days of land nav! Semper Fi.
I did not know this. We are taking a trip at the end of the month where we know there is no cell coverage so this will be very useful. Thanks.
Thank you for the tip. Very useful. I can add that it is useful when traveling overseas. The cellular data is expensive abroad, so downloading a map of a city in Europe via hotel wifi for a day trip will be handy.
Glad you found this useful. Safe travels!
Another way to do the same thing, while you're in Google maps you can save the current view by typing in without quotes "OK maps" and it will save it for 30 days.
google maps offline?! I've been living under a rock! 😄
Helpful, because always a pain to figure out how to do this stuff and it keeps changing too!
But was enough info here to help me figure it out / remember how to do it.
Thanks
JB
I didn't know about it. I'm planning to go for overnight hiking tomorrow, so this information is helpful. Thank you!!!
When I drove from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park, Google Map asked me if I want to save 'whatever information' for offline viewing/navigation. I just clicked yes and yes. True indeed I lost cell signal nearing the park and inside the park but i never missed turn by turn navigation till I reached the lodge which was inside the park. I think Google also knows the probability of where you may not have a cell signal and can warn you ahead of time.
I use Google maps but have figured out how to use it w out using data. Find your location in maps, click directions but don't hit start. Google will show where your at but won't give you directions but all you have to follow the blue line. You can hit start directions if you get a complicated area then cancel out of it yet continue to navigate.
Learning this for the first time in June 2019, thanks bud!! So easy. Video was concise and really well cut.
Thank you. I use google maps all the time but didn’t know it had that feature. I will surly use this in the future.
The best offroading information I have received in a long time, thankyou! :)
Thank you for this. I'm always just a blue dot in a sea of gray with no reception out on the trails. Luckily signposting here is very good but this info is worth it's weight in gold.
First time I've learned how to download a map for backcountry use/hiking. Thanks.
Thanks for that. Coincidentally we were at Mt Palomar in 2003 in an RV - very nice place to visit!
The only catch on Google maps offline is that you need to connect to Wi-Fi once a month so Google can "update" the map, otherwise it will delete it thinking you no longer need it.
That's not an issue for most but for those of us with Verizon's unlimited data plan it's a good reminder to keep the maps up to date once a month.
Great information, the files you create do expire after 30 days if you don't update them..... thank you for mentioning that!
Thanks for putting up,this will of helped a lot of people.
Thank you a really useful tip
I knew that I can save maps but never realized that also trials will saved there... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻
I'm kind of an insane Google Maps user.
For long trips, I create the directions on the map that I'll be using for each day of a trip, save it into the notes of that day's trip calendar entry and then I'm able to click that link for the day's journey.
My biggest pev is that when you type any of the off-road points in Anza Borrego, it zooms out and simply shows the entire park map. Creating maps there is a very manual process ( I still do it).
love the redundancy... You never know. also consider bringing a battery booster for your device. For practical applications I have found a tablet for your navigator along with your phone for your tunes is a nice luxury. ☺ Switching back and forth is a pain. Locus and Go Here are nice apps to have as well. The offline features are great.
Very helpful video, thanks! It looks like Google My Maps has changed up a bit. Perhaps another video to describe how to now use it for off road navigation?
I knew it before but you have just made me MORE aware of using it! Thanks...!!!
Excellent, thanks for watching!
Thanks for your videos it’s really helpful. But I need a good map for mountaineering!
Was watching your older videos, took a minute to figure this out with the updates since this was released, good to know. Thank you.
I was very happy to watch this video today. I was just trying to figure out how to do this a few days ago, but couldn't figure it out. Thanks for the info.
Really glad it was helpful!
Thankyou, I’m in that old school group too! I learned something today! Thanks again and Free!😁
i know Im asking randomly but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot the login password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me!
Totally Agree! A paper map is great, until you aren't sure where you are on it. Google Offline Maps tells you where you are relative to the map - that's huge.
Also: UPDATE will REFRESH your 30 days just like a library book.
Also #2: Rotate the aspect ratio of your tablet (I use a big Tab S 10.5 for my maps) and your map will display with the correct aspect ration. For instance hold your tablet vertically to capture the California coast, but horizontally to get Kansas.
i'm glad i stumbled upon this video It's always a good day to learn something new. And thanks to the abundance of information👍
Thank you for the heads up with Google maps. I used the offline function today and loved it. Have a good weekend.
I have been using this for quite a while but I use it as a navigation offline. I download the greater areas I expect to be and have turned data off for Google maps full time.
ajmilward87 excellent tip thanks! I was hoping this would work. I'm traveling to Pyrenees area of France/Spain next week and have downloaded the whole area. My plan is to turn off cellular data altogether driving in France as you pay data roaming fees in other countries. I believe GPS works free anywhere and turning off cellular data does not affect this.
Can’t wait to try this out....I’m still learning Gaia with my iPad....so I can map a trail out then follow myself on the maps.
Really great tips. Never used the offline feature before.
It's a great option! Thanks!
Hate to blow ur mind but u can get a Bad Elf Gps dongle for iphone /also will plug into ipad and it allows u to use maps completely offline when u have zero cell service. Gala maps is also another good map source to use.
Thanks - we're doing some EASY wheeling this summer at Moab and this helps.
Thank you. I'm going to step it up from using sticks and shadows ;)
LOL.... sticks and shadows will never run out of battery power!
😅
As an archaeologist I've found this extremely helpful, thanks much.
That's awesome, glad it was helpful!
Cameron Gill me too! What’s projects are you working on?
A handy tool, however I would, personally, always use a dedicated hiking app.
I don't find Google maps to have the required level of detail to safely navigate.
However I'm not in the US so I appreciate that things may be different there.
this is too sweet. wish I had know about this for hunting season....
I wish I would have known about it long ago... very handy!
Thank you for all the information I'm one of those guys who didn't know i I really like your presentation keep up the good work I remember my first I think it was a Garmin cost me $1,500 it took me 30 days to figure it out written buy Asians great job keep up the good work
Thanks! I just used this to download Big Bear valley for biking/off-roading 2N08 and Skyline trail, sure beats the outdated paper maps.
Right one! Have a good time out there!
Thank you. FYI Fun Treks sells an SD card of the books.
just purchased it today for my dads Trail Tech GPS- I hope it loads and can view the routes/tracks. I'm planning on importing it to my Gaia as well if that works.
Thank you for the tip! Did't know about this off line maps!!
You are welcome. Glad you found it helpful.
As you and many others probably already know by now, the GaiaGPS app is an exceptionally useful tool for offline use. It's easy to download highly detailed maps of all kinds, topo and otherwise, before you go offline. Works great on your phone. I don't even use a dedicated GPS anymore. The are several levels of membership, all reasonable, and you have to at least have the Basic membership to download maps for offline use.
I've been using maplets app as some of the off road parks have trail maps that will sync up with your phone's GPS as well. There are some public trails that also show up in maplets too.
Learned something new and important. Many thanks!
Your welcome!
No doubt! Thanks for the Tip.
Very helpful! I use Google Maps a ton but did not know how to do this. Thank you Brad!
Wow, nice to have a San Diegan here. I am literally packing up the YJ for a weekend on Palomar Mountain, the exact example you gave. I just downloaded the maps on Google Maps. I'll wave if I see you up there.
Thank you so much. I didn't know you could do that. That's a great feature.
Learning this in 2020 THANK YOU!
Jetzt habe sogar ich es begriffen, thank you
Great tips. LOVE The offline option :)
No clue here! Thanks! Really found it helpful!!!!!🙏🏻
I always enjoy finding helpful hints about off-roading or my Jeep and Brad you've been my go-to person when searching UA-cam! Thanks for all the helpful info. Another Jeeper told me about an app called Forest Maps that works along the same lines as Google Map. I was out wheeling yesterday and my GPS in the Jeep sucked so I just went to the app and it got me out of a jam without even having cell reception. We were heading away from the main road and would have been lost for a while but the Forest Maps app got me heading in the right direction.
Hell, I learned this just now. Thank you.
I certainly didn't know this could be done. Thank you. I think it will be great for motorcycling.
Awesome, glad it will help you out on your motorcycle. Thanks!
Spyglass is an awesome navigational app. Still trying to figure out all the features. You should check it out
Good video! There is also a short cut to all this...just type in "ok maps" into the google maps app search bar and it downloads whatever is on your screen.
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I've been using Google Maps since they first allowed offline usage, but still have to use another program to map new trails I discover. I wish Google would add a record feature, but I suppose that would put all the paid GPS app people out of business lol.
Um, it does have that option. Under the menu its call my contributions.
@@Geeios1 thanks been pulling my hair out trying to get guy in phone shop to conceive that this was even possible. do you know any vids that show it in use now or in the past few years?
I *just* found out about this! I'm traveling to Europe soon and my phone won't work there. That completely stressed me out for getting around! Then I searched YT to just figure out how to download the maps and here I am. Thanks! Aaaaaand this video is 2 years old! Yes, I'm a dinosaur.
Thank you and safe travels!
Can you still track yourself as you walk if there is no satellite coverage?
I use topo maps on my nexus, doing the same thing downloading the maps so I can use them offline. I have a ram mount in my jeep that holds the tablet so it works awesome.
Right on man, thanks for the comments!
Google where can I buy garbage bags
Garbage bag?
I need to buy a few cases of garbage bags around Hopkins Minnesota where do I go I need to find a store that sells cases of garbage bags for the lawn leaves
Ram mounts are the bees knees , cats pajamas, tits on glass and slicker than hammered catshit
Yes very helpful!!! I just started wheeling and I got a little lost in Joshua tree national park the others day!!! Lol that would have probably saved me!!!
I am not an expert Trail like you, but yes, I did know about this, therefore you just reminded me.
Do you have a video on how to install Car wifi on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee????
NO hotspot!
I did not know about that, very cool, thank you
I use a tablet for my navigation. It is gps enabled so I navigate and set way points and record different areas for future adventures.
The iPad you have in your vehicle, is it the cellular version?
Great tip!!! I didn't know this was available so thanks for taking the time to do this video!!
HI Brad - What size\model iPad are you using today? I'm looking to get a new one and want to use it for over landing nav. Your setup looks great.
Great info, I did not know this feature existed on Google Maps. Thanks Brad!
Awesome, happy to help!
I have used the offline feature for cities in Mexico and it worked well for both driving and walking. However I did not know that you could zoom in to areas in the U.S. and get the trails - thanks!
Awsome. Didn't even know about this. Thanks for the tip.
Great tip. Thanks.
Cheers from France.
Thanks! I didn't know this yet and I appreciate you sharing!
When I do this, does it save all the layers like satellite and topography too?
2024. Thanks so much. And here I thought I always have to use my data to use google maps.
just getting into overlanding tks good tip add to my garmin
Thank you so much for this information. Thanks to you, I have discovered another tool for my hikes!!
Get a Motorouter. Travel planner, route weather and a nice dashboard are all in one...
Thanks brad, I always knew this could be done but I’m going to try to use it for the first time out in the BLM today.
Cool info. Did not know you could do that. I am a paper and compass type and still have a flip phone if you get me. You mentioned Ramona and Black Canyon. Pretty cool to watch another local.
Cool!!!very helpful...love to get lost..lol...big help to find my way back...thanks
I use Gaia GPS and Lead Navigation, I have a lot of trails on Gaia and Lead Nav I use for single trails and tracking. Google is good depending on what you do.
I've been using Gaia for a couple months now and love it
I took my TomTom through the Rockies I followed the route and it said "Bear left' ..
How did it know? Nearly ran that Bear over!
Haha!
Michael Griffiths 😂😂😂
😳‼️ whaaaatt 🤯💢😂🤣😂‼️ FUNNYMAN... FUNNY..HAHAHA 😄⁉️I NEEDED THAT LAUGHED😕⁉️NOW IM LOCKED IN THE APARTMENT...WITH THE CORONAVIRUS ☹️⁉️ OUTSIDE😕⁉️
Thanks! I didn't actually know this. Very helpful.
Gee something us old guys already new! :-) Yes it is a valuable tool and if you start using directions before you loose service it will keep on telling where to go.
Great tip, I will use when I'm up in the US... doesn't work way down here in Baja Sur, Mexico.
Why doesn't it work in Mexico?
I used my phone and Google maps to navigate around Costa Rica just two weeks ago. I was able to create a route at my hotel when I had wifi, then I put the phone into airplane mode and I could navigate offline and not use any data. I could even get turn by turn voce instructions. The only problem when offline is that if you make a wrong turn, it won't reroute you.
It works fine navigating roads, but trails... not so much. I can find trails with Google Earth, but it doesn't work on my phone. Go figure. Glad it worked for you in Costa Rica.
When I'm doing trails I use an app called Gaia. It's a great app for hiking. I can create a route, download that section of the map, and then it works great offline. The advantage with that app is it gives GPS coordinates and altitude.
I did a 10 country motorcycle trip through SE Europe two years ago. After the first two days I threw my GPS in my luggage and henceforth just used my iPhone. It worked much better.
Thank you very much I really needed this is what I was looking for
Did not know this great information to have thanks