Having Offline Maps. No data or reception? No problem!




When it comes to traveling, having access to reliable and accurate GPS navigation can make all the difference. However, relying solely on data connection for navigation is not always the most practical or cost-effective option, especially when traveling abroad. Fortunately, Maps.me offers a great solution for travelers who need offline GPS navigation.


Maps.me is a free, offline mapping and navigation app that allows users to download maps and use them offline, without the need for an internet connection. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers detailed maps for over 195 countries, including points of interest, hiking trails, and public transportation routes.


One of the most significant advantages of Maps.me is that it's entirely offline, meaning you don't need to use data or Wi-Fi to use the app. Once you download the app, you can download the maps you need for your destination ahead of time, making it easy to navigate around without any worries about data roaming charges or finding Wi-Fi.


Using Maps.me is also incredibly user-friendly. The app offers detailed, easy-to-read maps, with clear markings for streets, buildings, and other landmarks. You can search for specific addresses, points of interest, and even hiking trails. Plus, the app provides turn-by-turn directions and estimates the time it will take to reach your destination.


Maps.me also offers the option to bookmark your favorite places, making it easy to find them again later. You can also create custom routes for your trip, making it easy to plan and navigate your journey.


One of the best things about Maps.me is that it's entirely free to use. The app doesn't have any hidden fees or in-app purchases, and there are no restrictions on how often or how long you can use it.


In conclusion, if you're planning a trip and need reliable, accurate GPS navigation without the need for a data connection, Maps.me is an excellent option. With detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to download maps offline, you can navigate around with ease, no matter where your travels take you. Plus, the app is entirely free to use, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.


As an added bonus, I also like to add all of my destinations ahead of time.  I'll make a KML file (basically just a list of all my hotels/destinations/POIs) ahead of time and import it into my Maps.Me app.

KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language, which is a file format used for displaying geographic data in applications such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and other mapping software. KML files contain information about locations, placemarks, polygons, lines, and other geographic features, as well as data related to those features, such as images, descriptions, and other attributes.


Google MyMaps is a free online tool provided by Google that allows users to create custom maps and share them with others. To create a KML file in Google MyMaps, follow these steps:


Go to Google MyMaps and sign in to your Google account.

Click on the "Create a new map" button to start a new map.

Use the search box to find the location you want to add to your map, or click the "Draw a line" or "Add a marker" buttons to manually add a location.

To add more information about a location, click on the location on the map and then click on the "Add a description" link.

Continue adding locations and information until your map is complete.

Once you've finished creating your map, click on the "Menu" button (the three vertical dots in the upper-left corner of the screen) and select "Export to KML/KMZ."

Choose whether you want to export the entire map or just certain layers of the map.

Click the "Download" button to download the KML file to your computer.  Add it to your phone, open it up, and import it into Maps.me and you're good to go!

You can now use the KML file in other applications, such as Google Earth or other mapping software, to display the data you've created in Google MyMaps.





 

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