Android and iOS users who frequently peruse maps for navigation will be pleased to learn that HERE Maps offers users a handy feature, which is notably missing in Apple Maps and Google Maps.
What is this ability you wonder? Free offline turn-by-turn navigation. That's right, while one is required to have an Internet connection (to gain GPS access) for using Google Maps and Apple Maps' turn-by-turn navigation, HERE Maps will let users get access to this feature even offline.
HERE maps, previously known as Nokia Maps, will let both Android and iOS users who download the app access offline turn-by-turn navigation.
"With HERE, you can plan your journey ahead of time and save a map of your destination right on your phone. With maps for more than a 100 countries around the world, you'll never be lost - even when offline," notes the app's description.
So how does one get the offline feature? Here's how:
Step 1: Download the HERE Maps app for your iOS or Android device.
Step 2: Next, download the maps of the areas which are of interest to you from the main menu of HERE Maps. You can download maps for countries, continents or merely states - it's your discretion.
Step 3: Remember to have adequate free storage space on your iOS or Android device as these maps - especially the continent ones - occupy quite a bit of memory. Use a Wi-Fi connection to download as it will be faster.
Step 4: Once the maps have been downloaded you can navigate offline. Simply key-in the location you wish to head to in the search bar. Hitting the Directions button (on the lower right corner) will give the route options.
HERE Map users can also plan set routes from point A to point B. The maps will give users route options for both pedestrians and car.
In the event a user wants his device to stay connected to the Internet, but does not wish that the HERE Maps deploys the data, then the "Use app offline" option will come in handy. One needs to navigate the main Menu to enable the option.
Google is also anticipated to release an offline turn-by-turn navigation option for users of Google Maps. However, with the feature yet to arrive, HERE Maps has a clear advantage over rivals Apple Maps and Google Maps.
To take advantage of the offline turn-by-turn navigation feature, download HERE Maps for Android or iOS.
