Travelers and adventurers who take it to the extreme and chart remote territories often face a significant problem when it comes to map-assisted navigation from a mobile device, particularly in areas with partial or no internet connectivity. That's where offline maps can help you easily navigate through remote locations. In this tutorial, you'll learn what offline maps are, how to use them, various apps you can use for the same, and tips to stay safe when treading uncharted territories. All the apps mentioned in this guide are compatible with both iOS and Android. So, let's get started and learn to conquer off-road adventures.
You can also use offline maps with Android Auto installed in your vehicle. Once you learn the use of offline maps, you can go to remote locations with confidence. It's a boon for off-roading adventures.
I'll suggest first trying out an offline map of your locality with no internet connection. Directly trying to use it at the remote location may put you in trouble if you struggle to understand its usage.
What Is an Offline Map and Why Does It Matter?
To put it in simple words, offline maps enable you to navigate geographical areas even without an internet connection. The offline map data is downloaded in advance in the Maps app and is used later whenever there is no internet connectivity.
Here are some of the scenarios you may want to use an offline map:
- Remote terrains: When you are in a remote area where internet connection is not available.
- Battery-saving modes: When you want to restrict an app's background activities to save battery.
- International travel: When you are in a country where a data plan is expensive.
- Off-grid adventures: When you are off-roading where internet connection is not stable.
Best Offline Map Apps for Outdoor Navigation
Now, let's see some of the best apps for offline maps. You can pick and choose the one that meets your needs. Here's the list:
- Google Maps
- Best For: Urban/offline driving
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Key Features: Limited areas offline, directions
- Gaia GPS
- Best For: Hiking, overlanding
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Key Features: Terrain, topo, satellite layers; GPX support
- Maps.me
- Best For: General offline navigation
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Key Features: Free offline maps, POIs
- OsmAnd
- Best For: Open-source navigation
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Key Features: Vector maps, offline routing, plugins
- AllTrails+
- Best For: Trail hiking, biking
- Platforms: Android and iOS
- Key Features: Trail reviews, GPS navigation, offline use
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Offline Maps for Remote Navigation
Now that we know what offline maps are and all the popular options available for the same, it's time to learn how to use them. We'll also learn about best practices and tips to get more out of offline maps.
1. Choose the Right App
It may sound simple and basic, but choosing the app is the most important step to ensure you get the best experience when using offline maps. Here are some use cases and the best options:
- Gaia GPS or AllTrails should be used for following trails and to get detailed topography.
- OsmAnd is best-suited for highly customizable maps.
- And lastly, Maps.me or Google Maps should be used for basic road navigation.
Pro Tip: Test the app in airplane mode before your trip to ensure map data is accessible offline.
2. Download Maps in Advance
Before heading outdoors, download the offline maps in advance. Here's how to do it.
Google Maps
- Open the app and sign in.
- Search for the desired location (e.g., Spiti Valley).
- Scroll down and tap the More and tap the Download offline map option.
- Finally, click the Download button to complete the process.
You can access this map through the Offline maps option in the Google Maps app.
Gaia GPS
- After opening the app, create a free or premium account for it.
- Next, tap and go to the Map tab.
- Search for the location you want the map of.
- Click the plus button and select the topmost area selection option.
- Tap four points on the map and drag them as you wish to include the area you want in the offline map.
- Finally, tap the save button.
3. Plan and Mark Your Route
Once you have offline maps on your device, it's time to plan and mark the route you are going to tread.
To do that:
- Make sure you mark the waypoints or checkpoints.
- Always trace a route beforehand. You can also import a GPX/KML file for the same.
- To ensure a safe journey, do not forget to save critical points on the route viz., water bodies, shelters, and trail exits.
If you are using Gaia GPS or the AllTrails app, I'd recommend tracing paths manually through the Route Planner option. Once traced, these routes can be saved in My Maps or My Trails for easy and quick access.
4. Enable GPS Location Access
No matter which offline map app you are using, it's going to use your smartphone's built-in GPS system that works seamlessly without any network service.
- Ensure you've enabled Location Services via your phone settings.
- If you are going on a long off-roading adventure, also enable battery-saver mode.
Remember, GPS is most accurate when you are outdoors.
5. Carry Backup Navigation Tools
When you are in remote areas, you cannot rely on a single solution. The same applies to offline map navigation. Some of the inadvertent happenings that can prevent their usage are:
- Dying phone battery.
- Perpetually crashing app.
- Accidental deletion of offline maps.
To counter these situations, do the following:
- Keep a compass and paper map handy.
- Keep a fully-charged power bank—without fail.
- If possible, keep a backup map downloaded in advance on a secondary device.
Offline Map Tips & Best Practices
And here are some of the best tips and guidelines that'll help you get the most out of your off-roading trips.
- Always ensure you are downloading the offline map at the highest possible resolution. The more details, the better and easier it is to navigate.
- To save battery, always keep it in Airplane Mode and ensure you are using GPS too.
- It's advisable to search in advance for nearby points, routes, and trails caching them at the same time while you are online. Later, they'll come in handy.
- Putting helpful labels on all the trails, points, and routes in the map beforehand will help you easily identify and get information about these key spots.
- It's always best practice to do a mock drill with an offline map at your starting point to see if things are working as expected.
Gear Checklist for Off-Grid Navigation
And last but not least, you must check for all the essential gear you'll need for your off-road adventure. It'll ensure you get all the necessary tools and equipment at the time of need.
Out of all the tools listed above, a portable solar charger is optional and is not mandatory. But, if you can include it, it's like icing on the cake.
Conclusion
Using offline maps to explore remote locations isn’t just about convenience—it’s a safety essential. With a good app, a little planning, and a backup power source, you can confidently go where the road doesn’t.
Whether you're trekking solo in the mountains or driving across isolated terrains, offline maps turn your smartphone into a powerful off-grid navigation tool.
