Maps Without WIFI?

How do you think Google Maps would work offline?
It needs to connect to the Google servers to download maps, just like the web version.

There's not enough room to store a whole planets worth of maps and high-res satellite imagery in the iPod touch.

Well, in "Apple's World" everyone and everywhere is in reach of an accessible Wi-Fi hotspot...

Now that's intelligent observation?

I can agree with that last part. You should be able to load at least 2 "trips" like a to and from. Then it only needs to have the area's you would be traveling through. Or maybe the ability to have an area available.

There is some functionality. I've found that if I get a map while WiFi is avaliable, I can still view the map later when it is not.

For example, if you bring up a map at home, you can still see the map later while you're on the road by opening the Maps application, you just can't get additional data.

I haven't yet tried getting the driving directions and then using them disconnected, but I'm going to find out about that the hard way Thursday night on my way to the Beloit International Film Festival.

It would be cool if you could save off driving directions somehow, but I can't think of an elegant way of managing that offhand.

Remember, these apps were originally designed to be used with the iPhone which can connect to the web via edge.

Well, the glaringly absent copy/paste would come in handy there, wouldn't it?

I wanna know, if I have a single map in there, which I;m using offline, and I accidentally try to access something that can't be accessed online, what happens? I;ve heard it "greys out." So one it greys out, can I get the map I just had back? or is everything wiped?

Without true application ability, that is, being able to store data and apps on the iPod touch rather than just run them off the Internet, the Map app will be extremely limited. It is of course extremely limited if you use Google Maps on a Mac or PC too--try doing that without an Internet connection. Even on a MAC or PC, you would have to buy a Map app to run locally--like Delorme or Microsoft apps which cost $40 and up.

Here's a tip, although it isn't a solution for what you want the Map app to do. It is however a way to get maps onto your touch. Make jpegs of the maps you will need and sync them to the iPt. You cannot zoom them or interact with them, but at least they will be viewable.

Let's hope Apple will open up the iPt to true app development and not just to Web Apps that they pre-approve. But don't hold your breath in the meantime.

Message was edited by: w5jck

That's a good idea. I could stick 'em in iPhoto. Don't gotta spend 20$ to do it either.

Ahh, but if you do turn the maps into photos, you CAN "zoom" them, with two finger tips.

Web apps for the iPhone/touch already exist already exist.
The SDK is for applications directly on the iPhone/Touch-as has been clearly stated.
Stop spreading your FUD.

Yes you can download the directions, switch off wi-fi jump in the car and follow directions works well untill you take the wrong turning not nearly as good as my Garmin but better than a old map

well they at least hooked a deal with starbucks (T-mobile actually since they own startbucks hotspots) to allow access to free wifi.. plus Several restaurants have free wifi now, so do schools... some towns even have it.. i know 8 or 9 places in my small town where i can get free wifi

Doesn't a selected route get saved onto the cache? i'm too lazy to try now... maybe someone else tried already?