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How to use offline maps for navigation on your Android device

Gone are the days we ask people walking on the road for directions to an unknown place. Now we use our smartphones to navigate from one place to the other. But using navigation involves consuming mobile data which can be costly and very much dependent on your carrier’s signal.

But there are several ways to use your maps effectively without burning a hole in your pocket and here are few ways use can take your maps offline:

Google maps:

Okay, so chances are you might already be using Google maps on your Android device. And why not? You can get train and bus timings to commute, reviews on places, and links for reservation at movie theatres and hotels, etc. While Google maps work great online, you can also save a map of an area for offline use. And here’s how:

Step 1: Open Google maps.

Step 2: Tap the menu option on the top left of the screen.

Step 3: Tap on offline areas.

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Step 4: Click on add.

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Step 5: Choose the area that needs to be saved offline by adjusting the map in the blue box and              select download.

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You’re done!

But here’s the thing. This saved map is nothing but a glorified screenshot where I can zoom in on places. It does not help me in navigation, I cannot search a place within or outside of an area. If you are not experienced in reading paper maps, chances of you getting lost are pretty high. But, there are few more apps that can solve this problem. Read on…

Here maps by Nokia:

This is my personal favourite and I use this all the time to get around places. This app not only allows you to navigate offline, but you can also search for directions of any place you like or search in categories to a place you would like to get to. Using this is very simple and just like using maps online. The only work you need to do extra is to download the maps of the city/country you are in before you take it offline.

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GPS Navigation and Maps by Sygic:       

Another sweet alternative is GPS Navigation and Maps by Sygic, It does all the functionality Here maps does but it also gives you traffic updates, and shows the places you are passing by. Basically, it is a heightened version of Here maps by having a smooth interface. However, to use all the features you need to subscribe monthly and only limited features are free to use.unnamed

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