Help With Google Maps

[artnbarb]

I'm not the most techie person, so maybe I'm missing the obvious but....I've downloaded a map of Rome to my phone so I have it when I'm offline. I know how to find it and use it, so far so good.

I've also gone to Google Maps on my computer to check the routes to various sites in Rome, and then shared them to my phone. But - I don't know how to find them on my phone! I can find the specific locations that I've saved (with a star), but I can't find the various walking/public transport directions that I sent to my phone. Am I missing something?

 

[Cameron]

Here's what I do.

I use Google maps to route my walk/metro, etc. Then I screen shot the directions, which are saved to Photos (using an iPhone). Easy, but not flexible if you change your plans and don't have wifi access....so...

One of the best apps is CityMaps2Go. You can download to use offline, and since it works off of GPS, rather than cell data, it doesn't add to your phone costs. It shows your location and when you turn around, the pointer on the compass turns with you, so you know that you're going in the correct direction. The only problem I've ever had with it is a certain section of the 9th arrondissement in Paris where the tall buildings seem to block the GPS signal. Otherwise, it's been absolutely accurate and available. I also use it for San Francisco, New York (will soon use it in London), and I also have Rome downloaded. It's worth the inexpensive price. When online with wifi, it also provides links to useful information and websites.


Since this isn't a country-specific forum -- Not relevant to Rome, but for the Paris metro, I rely on the RATP app called Next Stop Paris and use it offline to indicate starting station and destination station. When on wifi, it provides real-time issues with late trains, etc.

Now, to your question -- Google sent those directions as a text or email message (depending upon your option choice), allowing you to click the link to bring up the map again. But, if you're not using cell data, not on wifi, then you can't bring up the map.

 

[Mooph]

Boy, you're a goldmine, Cameron ;~) I was just headed here for 'Help With Google Maps', too.

Is there a version of CityMaps2Go from another company that will let me download a whole GPS map of France like I used on my (now too) small TomTom 7 years ago? I'm considering getting an iPad mini to use for driving France backroads as a GPS, but thus far I'm stumped as to what GPS software I could use if I got one.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Mooph

 

[joe]

On your iPad you can use the navigating function of Google Maps, and also download "Waze" (owned by Google). Both do the job.

 

[Cameron]

You can download a country with CityMaps2Go, but it isn't going to read out directions to you like you get with a navigation system or Google. While driving in Spain and France last fall (with friends), there were times when we questioned our GPS, but I could see where we were on my CityMaps2Go downloaded country map to double-check the instructions.

I've not tried to download Google Maps to see how well it works without an internet connection, but I believe that it works for driving, but not for walking or public transit (as you get online).

I'm not familiar with Waze. I'll have to go research it.

 

[Mooph]

So do I understand correctly that one can't just buy a GPS system for Europe--TomTom or the like--and have it function on an iPad or Kindle Fire? I read somewhere they aren't supporting an 'App' version of their software because it's too cumbersome to manage the updating process. Maybe it means they can only stay in business if they are selling the actual GPS devices.

Because I travel driving solo, having the verbal guide along with the map is helpful. I'd just like to have it a) on a bigger screen, and b) in some sort of window-affixed holder for ease of use. (Hence the thought of using an iPad mini, which I see many Uber-Lyft drivers using.)

 

[Roz]

So do I understand correctly that one can't just buy a GPS system for Europe--TomTom or the like--and have it function on an iPad or Kindle Fire? I read somewhere they aren't supporting an 'App' version of their software because it's too cumbersome to manage the updating process. Maybe it means they can only stay in business if they are selling the actual GPS devices.

Because I travel driving solo, having the verbal guide along with the map is helpful. I'd just like to have it a) on a bigger screen, and b) in some sort of window-affixed holder for ease of use. (Hence the thought of using an iPad mini, which I see many Uber-Lyft drivers using.)

I believe you can still buy the TomTom or Garmin app for an iPad. I have the TomTom app, which I bought a few years ago, and it is still being updated. But the current version (the only one you can actually buy now) is not very well reviewed. I wrote something about it in this topic recently.

 

[Mooph]

Thanks, Roz. Yesterday's research suggests my 2012 TomTom GPS has no free updates, but I can purchase updated 'Western Europe' maps from them for 40-50 Euros (!) I wonder if the GoMobile TT maps with poor reviews are the same as those I'd buy to update my 2012 maps. I was advised on the TT forum to call US TT Customer service, which I will do tomorrow.

I also found TT is no longer updating their App. So buying the updated, now (due to increasing size) only Western Europe map may be my only option if I want verbal guidance. But I will look into those you mention in that post.

 

[Roz]

Mooph, don't buy the TomTom app before you read these reviews basically saying it's horrible:
AppAddict
TomTom forum
I need to look more into using Google Maps offline before our next trip. I last tried it a year or more ago, and it didn't work well for me on iOS, but I think it's been updated since then.

 

[Pauline]

For what it's worth, we use a Garmin SatNav (GPS device). The latest ones come with free map upgrades for life. I got a bit of a larger screen and it talks. We use it in the UK, Italy, France, and Switzerland.

I know you are looking for something you can use on your iPad or iPhone, but I thought it was easier for us to just have the GPS device.

 

[Mooph]

I'm hoping this Summary of what I've learned in research over recent days about iOS apps vs GPS vs maps use in Europe-France may end up useful to some folks who visit this site. It's by no means thorough:

First it's useful to know if your main need will be cities, countryside, and/or country-wide trip planning ahead of time.
Also, will you be driving solo or with a copilot? As I've said, my solo driver needs are for voice guidance. And I need a whole country available for pre-trip planning so I can enter villages and towns I want to go to into the 'destinations' before leaving. Then I can easily pull directions to them up on the run.

App solutions for iPhone or iPad or Tablet (Maps.me, Google Maps, CityMaps2Go etc) can provide country maps to download offline for free. These can then be referred to by the copilot as you drive, assuming the device you're using has the memory needed. When in a city or generally urban area, Apps use cell towers and limit your immediate access to 'zones' (the parameters of which I don't yet understand). They generally do not provide voice instructions.

In the GPS world, the main contenders are Tom Tom, an English product with more European users, and Garmin, with a more US & North America user base. These user bases affect the quantity and quality of the feedback you get on reviews for either brand. City traffic is the big popular item for Garmin users. It's hard to find reference to overseas travel on Garmin reviews.

GPS seems better for backroad driving because it uses satellites instead of cell towers which are farther apart in the countryside.

I called Tom Tom because I have an old XXL unit and I wanted to understand options for updating. First, I confirmed that indeed, the prior iOS App Tom Tom had for iPhones, iPads, etc, was discontinued (presumably the one getting all the bad reviews Roz linked to), and it has been replaced with a new one. I was unable (yet) to find reviews specific to that new iOS App software from Tom Tom.

I was told that the best option for me would be their latest updated 'VIA 1505M', which includes all of North America and Europe, and theoretically* ensures updates for life. These units have a slot for a mini SD card, which if 16 or 32 GB's, will allow one to switch between North America and Europe. Without the SD, one has to go into Settings and choose which set of maps to access. This unit is presently $178 on Amazon, $200 from TT directly.

After hours reading mixed reviews, my takeaway is that buyers with forethought and pre-planning found this VIA 1505M TT unit great for Europe. The bad reviews seem to come from either faulty units or impulsive buyers who don't read descriptions carefully, or don't do due diligence research ahead of time, or make assumptions from descriptions which don't really make sense. TT customer service responded to all negative reviews there, some with helpful info.

To buy only France for my old XXL unit from TT would cost $70. Given the improved touch technology on this 2016 made VIA unit, I'm tempted to go with it. If anyone knows more, please advise.

The gist is that the newer technology can be buggy, flawed, with increasing quality control problems

*'Free Lifetime Updates' is a controversial subject, and TT (not sure about Garmin) has promised updates it has not provided. Apparently new purchases with that guarantee are said to come with written documentation as to the lifetime update provision, but I need to pin that down.

 

[Roz]

I confirmed that indeed, the prior iOS App Tom Tom had for iPhones, iPads, etc, was discontinued (presumably the one getting all the bad reviews Roz linked to), and it has been replaced with a new one. I was unable (yet) to find reviews specific to that new iOS App software from Tom Tom.

No, the reviews I linked to are for the new app, which is called GoMobile. Apparently the reviews for this new app were so horrible that TT decided to quit supporting the older app. So if you want something for iOS, I think you should look elsewhere than TomTom. But it sounds as though you have decided to go with a standalone device. If I were going to buy one of those now, I think I'd go with the Garmin, as Pauline recommends. There is also a Garmin W. Europe app for iOS, which costs $70, and might be worth looking at if you want something to use on your iPad.

 

[Mooph]

Pauline said, 'I know you are looking for something you can use on your iPad or iPhone, but I thought it was easier for us to just have the GPS device.' She didn't get the iOS App, but the stand alone device.

I'll look at both options, though I don't think the Garmin iOS App option has voice for Europe.