Google understands that there are roughly 60% of the world without internet today, and even where online access is available. That means that quick and easy access to information is still impossible for a majority of the population and this is a huge problem, especially as people attempt to navigate and explore the world around them, so Google Maps is taking steps to help people across the globe to find directions to where they’re going.
You can download an area of the world to your phone, and the next time you find there’s no connectivity, Google Maps will continue to work seamlessly. You can simply view an area of the map offline, and able to get turn-by-turn driving directions. Just follow the steps as following:
1) Search for a city or country.
2) Tap on “Download” on the resulting place sheet, or by going to “Offline Areas” in the Google Menu.
3) Tap on the “+” button.
4) Google Maps will move into offline modes automatically when it recognizes you’re in a location with spotty service or no connectivity.
Google will gradually roll out the first set of these improvements with the latest version of Google Maps on Android first, in iOS on a later date. The company also promises that they will be introducing more offline features to help you find your way even without any connectivity.
SOURCE: Google Blog
