Google Maps for Android Gets 'Download Map Area' Feature

Google has announced the release of new 'Download Map Area' feature for Maps application on Android.

--
Before you take your trip, while you still have access to WiFi or data coverage, you can open up any Places page in the world, click "More" to get the Place page menu, and download Google’s maps for a 10-mile radius.

The download can take as little as a minute or two. This download stores only the base map tiles and the landmarks on the map, so you still need a data connection to see satellite view and 3D buildings, search for Places and get directions. But we hope the level of detail available will help you find your way!


All your downloaded map areas can be managed in your Google Maps cache settings so you can delete maps you no longer need or if you want to free up storage. After 30 days, all downloaded map areas will be removed from your cache; they can be re-downloaded any time.
--

We're hopeful that this feature will eventually be added to iOS maps as well. Perhaps it might come alongside the new 'Routes' feature found in iOS 5.

Read More [via TechCrunch]