Many online services tend to present a very positive view of their capabilities, and this is especially true when used on mobile devices, but Internet access problems around the globe easily bring down any level of optimism. Google is aware that its services do not escape this situation, and in response, it enabled a new and advanced offline mode for Google Maps, so that it will be possible to search without Internet for specific data about an area, and get directions.
Developing a map service is much more complicated than it seems, and several companies have learned this the hard way. The user usually demands more and more from an application with these characteristics, so it is inevitable to feel annoyed when its functions become a shadow of what they really are due to the lack of connectivity. One thing is "having access" to Internet, and another is achieving a connection stable enough to receive maps, directions and indications dynamically. Reality teaches us that this is impossible in many regions, and waiting for a response from providers would be madness. Consequently, Google decided to take matters into its own hands, and expand the features of its Maps service with the goal of offering a much more complete offline mode.
In the coming days, most Google Maps users will have the possibility to download maps for specific cities, search for places or addresses, and navigate as if it were a GPS, without relying on an active connection. The process is reduced to opening the app, searching for the region we want to download, tapping the download button and confirming the operation (the average map size is around 300 megabytes). Google Maps will automatically enter offline mode when the signal is too low or nonexistent, but we also have the option to force offline mode by deactivating data transfer. At first, this renewed version of Google Maps will be exclusive to Android, but the build for iOS is already in development.
Basically, what Google achieves with an offline Maps service is to give users a solid alternative to connection problems, or to avoid the ridiculous mobile download charges imposed by several companies. Among the elements to be incorporated are the reviews of users, walking and public transit route instructions; however, Google promised they will materialize soon.
