Offline Maps

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Is it possible to get myTracks to cache google maps so they work when there is 
no cell signal? I recently was on a hike and turned back because I didn't know 
how close I was to my destination. it was only another 600 feet in elevation... 
if it was possible to cache some locations (i.e. national parks and such) I 
think it would make this app far superior.

Original issue reported on code.google.com by NelsMyrv...@gmail.com on 26 Oct 2010 at 6:03

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Original comment by sandordo...@google.com on 27 Oct 2010 at 5:06

• Added labels: Priority-Medium, Work-Large

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Actually, instead of caching own copy, It would be nice if program could 
support existing popular offline map database.

Similar to big-planet (http://code.google.com/p/big-planet-tracks/), which 
supports SQLite database created by using Mobile Atlas Creator

Original comment by joneyc...@gmail.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 2:23

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Is there any way to make this get its maps from Google Maps instead?  Then we 
could use Brut maps as a hack way to do precached maps in AndNav format

Original comment by omegat...@gmail.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 2:31

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Short answer is no. The Google Maps terms of use doesn't allow you to use the 
images offline.

Original comment by rdama...@google.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 2:36

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I don't care about the terms of use.  Is it possible for My Tracks to use the 
official Google Maps app as its "tile provider"?

Original comment by omegat...@gmail.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 2:57

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I'm afraid we cannot "not care" about the terms of service.

It does already use Google Maps as its tile provider, though, not sure what you 
mean.

Original comment by rdama...@google.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 5:52

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well, there are open maps, like http://www.openstreetmap.org/ which are legal 
to download and use offline.

Original comment by acmo...@gmail.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 11:39

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OSM isn't very good quality, but it's better than nothing.

Original comment by omegat...@gmail.com on 16 Nov 2010 at 2:55

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Would be great to be able to import static maps in kml format. There are plenty 
of free maps or satellite imagery available. This is a must have functionnality 
for those that go treckking where no signal is available
regards

Original comment by eric.bay...@googlemail.com on 26 Nov 2010 at 4:45

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One solution would be to direct My Tracks to read map tiles from Brut Google 
Maps directory.

Original comment by ravisgh...@gmail.com on 14 Jan 2011 at 9:08

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Issue 279 has been merged into this issue.

Original comment by sandordo...@google.com on 25 Jan 2011 at 3:48

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I would definitely prefer a solution with OSM, since it's free, legal to 
download, and has often more details than Google Maps.  Especially for footways 
and cycleways OSM is usually (much) better than Google Maps.

Maybe one could use OsmAnd for the map visualization.  It has nearly the same 
functionality as Google Maps (map navigation, rotation, pinch to zoom, caching 
of tiles, ...).  It is capable of drawing GPX paths on the map and has even a 
navigation feature.  I don't know if it provides already an API for other apps. 
 I will take a look at the code and tell you.  Anyway I think the API would be 
worth to implement and if it does not exist so far I'm going to work on it.

PS: Moreover, I personally think Google does not need by GPS tracks for 
optimizing my profile.  They should be fine with the search keywords they get 
from me. ;)

Original comment by ste...@endrullis.de on 27 Mar 2011 at 2:25

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"has often more details than Google Maps"

In the US, Google Maps has far more detail and accuracy.  In other countries, 
OSM is better.

Original comment by omegat...@gmail.com on 27 Mar 2011 at 2:31

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Open Street Map is improving day by day and in some cases is better than Gmaps. 
The Open Street Map based Android app OSMAnd, in particular, makes use of OSM 
vector maps, which consume far less storage space than any tile based maps.

http://code.google.com/p/osmand/

It's feasible to have very large areas available off line and you probably 
could also leave out the points of interest to save on resources. Obviously a 
lot of work to implement but has been shown to work well in OSMAnd.

I use OSMAnd when MyTracks cuts out of mobile range. Refer to this link to get 
an idea of file sizes for the maps. Noting also that the maps are already to go 
and can just be dialled up and downloaded directly in the OSMAnd application.

http://code.google.com/p/osmand/downloads/list

Original comment by bigya...@gmail.com on 2 Apr 2011 at 11:49

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An Android app called 'BackCountry Navigator' by CritterMap Software allows 
offline maps. They encourage users to try the demo version first to see if they 
like the maps available in their country. Maps are mostly TOPO since this app 
is primarily aimed at activities where there is likely no signal 
(hikers/backpackers, hunters, canoe/kayaking). 

The app preloads maps to the phone storage card. Obviously you must define your 
activity area beforehand. I think you set an upper-left/lower-right range and 
the number of desired zoom levels.

App notes says it uses OpenStreetMaps, OpenCycleMaps and NASA landsat data 
worldwide. TOPO for US and Canada. USGS Color Aerial photography. UK Ordinance 
Survey Explorer Maps. Topographic maps of Spain, New Zealand and Italy. Outdoor 
maps of Germany and Austria.

Perhaps these map resources may be of some use unless/until the Google Maps TOS 
could be modified to allow for limited/licenced offline storage. Can only read 
stored map data if signal unavailable/very low signal strength.

Original comment by bradsmit...@gmail.com on 8 May 2011 at 11:14

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Google Map for Android can now download maps for offline use. Can MyTracks use 
this downloaded maps? If yes, how? or better why dont add tracking feature on 
Google Map, so that their's no need for MyTracks.

Original comment by imbadt...@gmail.com on 11 Jul 2011 at 3:11

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At this time, it cannot.

Original comment by rdama...@google.com on 11 Jul 2011 at 7:57

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In response to comments #16 and #17, is there any plan to incorporate Google's 
offline maps into MyTracks i.e. use offline map of current location if it 
exists, otherwise revert to attempting to download the map?

It would be an extremely useful feature.

Original comment by markfhan...@gmail.com on 22 Jul 2011 at 9:09

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I can´t believe there are so few comments about this issue. I think Mytracks 
using Google pre-cached maps is a must. It would be so useful I can´t 
understand why it hasn´t been implemented yet.

Thank you everybody. Hope to see this feature in the next update!

Original comment by pacoba...@gmail.com on 13 Oct 2011 at 1:55

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One of my favorite apps, would pay money for it if I could pre cache my maps! 
Haven't been able to use it because no offline map content :-(  Any news on 
when this feature will be enabled? 

Original comment by tommymar...@gmail.com on 22 Jan 2012 at 5:37

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Google Maps for Android can now cache maps for offline use. Can MyTracks use 
these cached maps? This would make MyTracks much better!

Original comment by santino....@gmail.com on 29 Jan 2012 at 9:41

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Please add the possibility to use OSM-maps with offline-cache. Specially since 
Google let go of the whole MyTracks project. If it's not opensource, make it 
open for OSM!

Original comment by delphitu...@gmail.com on 8 Feb 2012 at 1:48

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I would like to see My Tracks access the preloaded pre-cached maps I have in 
Google Maps for android. This is essential to use the app on my treks, where 
there is no cell signal. 
Would be great. 

Original comment by bcurry0...@gmail.com on 12 Feb 2012 at 6:55

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Ditto...   The very nature of back country trekking is directly proportional to 
the lack of adequate cell phone signal resources....  We bring maps for a 
reason, so we don't get lost, but having a smart phone that can log your 
travels and help in route logistics is a must.  

I also work in Search and Rescue and the applications in saving people in the 
back country are HUGE!   Especially in directing resources to the right 
location and not guessing on a map...  Cache the maps please and save someones 
life!!!

Original comment by trfores...@gmail.com on 13 Feb 2012 at 6:10

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there is rungps which uses cached OSM map: http://www.rungps.net/

Original comment by gmngu...@gmail.com on 14 Feb 2012 at 9:34

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Any further updates to MyTracks to allow it to overlay on topo maps ?

Original comment by bhl...@gmail.com on 18 Jun 2012 at 3:51

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Yes Please, I cannot stress enough how handy this would be to have MyTracks use 
the cached maps from Google Maps.

Original comment by eric.con...@gmail.com on 5 Jul 2012 at 2:44

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I think it should not be such a big problem now that it is possible to download 
offline maps in google, simply use the one I already have downloaded in Google 
Maps.

Original comment by jachymcz@gmail.com on 22 Jul 2012 at 7:48

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Yes please!

Original comment by Jondalar...@gmail.com on 26 Jul 2012 at 8:26

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Please fix offline maps. This should be a high priority bug fix, and it 
shouldn't take much work to fix. 

Original comment by freebull...@gmail.com on 29 Jul 2012 at 12:58

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Sadly, this is what holds nearly every hiking app back.  I don't know where 
most people go hiking, but apparently its in areas that you still have service. 
5 miles from my house and people are still throwing spears at each other.  
MyTracks is great and simple when compared to the full blown hiking nav apps, 
of which DO cache offline map data for areas without signal...some of which do 
it with google maps!!! I'd just rather have it integrated with other google map 
services, which are much easier to use overall imo.

Original comment by jtr...@gmail.com on 15 Aug 2012 at 9:05

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Honestly......

Original comment by warrenvi...@gmail.com on 2 Sep 2012 at 10:12

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Absolutely necessary feature.

Original comment by green.m...@gmail.com on 25 Sep 2012 at 6:35

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Live GPS tracking
http://docs.qgis.org/user_guide/html/en/introduction/features_at_a_glance.html#l
ive-gps-tracking
QGIS for Android
http://hub.qgis.org/projects/android-qgis

Original comment by mhno...@gmail.com on 25 Sep 2012 at 12:20

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I don't quite understand why there is a licensing issue with using the Google 
Maps cached. Isn't MyTracks a Google licensed app also?

Original comment by carlands...@gmail.com on 1 Oct 2012 at 4:27

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^ because the people who provide the map information to google have 
restrictions on how it can be used, to prevent competing with their offline 
navigation tools, etc.

Original comment by omegat...@gmail.com on 1 Oct 2012 at 4:29

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My Tracks has a cache where it stores its tiles.
Google Maps has cache where it stores its tiles.
Different caches!!!
WHY different caches????
Waste of resources.

Original comment by luisflo...@gmail.com on 19 Oct 2012 at 5:05

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Agreed with #38
Maybe the mytracks team could talk a little with Maps team? :-)

Original comment by nao...@gmail.com on 20 Oct 2012 at 9:22

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Just started using Tracks for my bike rides. I usually cache Google maps for my 
rides as I often travel to places where the are few people and fewer cell 
signals and I need to know where I am. Tried Tracks for a few days now on 
rides. Why offline Google maps are not cached really limits Tracks as a app. 
All the comments above are spot on... especially about duplicating cached 
resources. So I have to use Google maps to tell where. I am.... and Tracks to 
hello where I have been. Pretty doppy. The merge of Tracks into Google maps 
would be ideal.

Original comment by SamsonRe...@gmail.com on 31 Oct 2012 at 8:13

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fully appreciate before google maps supported offline use this would have been 
out of the question, but now that google maps does surely the mytracks team 
must be able to think about combining the cache or atleast adding an option to 
use downloaded google maps.
using the nexus 7 as example (wifi only) its frustrating because google maps is 
great for where i am (having downloaded the maps) and mytacks is just the 
missing link to record where i have been.

Original comment by deviousr...@gmail.com on 19 Nov 2012 at 5:04

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Would the newer Google Play Services Maps API make it possible to use the 
offline map data?

https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/android/

Original comment by ja...@jamesh.id.au on 4 Dec 2012 at 12:56

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The new version of My Tracks uses the new API, and it seems to be able to take 
advantage of the Google Maps app's offline cache unless I'm mistaken.

Original comment by ja...@jamesh.id.au on 15 Dec 2012 at 2:05

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Can anyone else confirm comment 43?
I really need this feature.

Original comment by riazmcgi...@gmail.com on 18 Dec 2012 at 2:17

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To answer my own question. As far as I can tell it does not use pre cached 
Google maps. There is information there but zooming in only blurs things. 
What's worse is I only noticed that there is no way to pre cache terrain whet 
Google maps so even if My Tracks did use Maps pre cache there is only the most 
basic of information there for it. 
Google please try to get Maps, My Tracks & offline terrain detail working. It 
would be a unique selling point for Android phones. 

Original comment by riazmcgi...@gmail.com on 19 Dec 2012 at 9:02

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Google maps allows you to store maps ofline...
Why does mytracks not use these.

Original comment by bas.de.r...@gmail.com on 28 Dec 2012 at 12:57

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I have some areas saved for offline access in my Google Maps app. It would be 
awesome if My Tracks and Google Maps(or all Google Apps, for that matter) could 
use a single offline maps cache. We can have a centralised map cache for all 
the apps by Google. Better yet, for all the apps that want to use Google maps.

If Google Maps app allows us to save some areas for offline access, we are not 
violating any ToS. We can just use the same tiles/maps for My Tracks.

Is that possible?

Original comment by vasanthc...@gmail.com on 30 Dec 2012 at 6:22

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Hi riazmcgi...@gmail.com :)

Regarding comment 43, I read your answer to your own question. I'm using 
version 2.0.3 on my phone and the My Tracks app seems to have a separate cache. 
It doesnt use google maps' offline cache. 

I'm using the app only since last week. Here's what I observed while using the 
app.

If I once go over the area manually, which I want to be offline, with My Tracks 
app, then its there forever(even without an active net connection). 

But, only the tiles for the specific zoom level which I used is there. Also, if 
I select "Map" in "Map Layer" only "Map" is cached. And if I select "Terrain" 
in "Map Layer" only "Terrain" is there. Going over the area is all manual work 
and it takes a bit of time.

I also need the offline maps to work in this thing. So, if you have some ideas, 
pls let me know. Thanks!

Original comment by vasanthc...@gmail.com on 30 Dec 2012 at 6:39

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I gave up. I am using Viewranger now. Offline Ordinance survey maps available 
at 36 cent a tile. I'm still getting use app though. 
http://www.viewranger.com/en-gb

Original comment by riazmcgi...@gmail.com on 30 Dec 2012 at 7:04

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why doesn't mytracks utilize Google Maps offline cached maps feature?  I went 
on a hiking trip 2 weeks ago thinking "hey, Google Maps has a new cache maps 
offline feature.  I want to use MyTracks to know where I'm going and where I've 
been out in the middle of nowhere."
Had no signal and maps didn't display.  Actually, mytracks kept force closing 
the whole time until I got reception again.  Seems like requiring data 
connection defeats the purpose of an app used for "My Tracks records your path, 
speed, distance, and elevation while you walk, run, bike, or do anything else 
outdoors. While recording, you can view your data live, annotate your path, and 
hear periodic voice announcements of your progress."

Needs offline maps and also to work with no cell reception.  Seriously??

Original comment by jrdn....@gmail.com on 22 Apr 2013 at 12:40