That's good to know. I am in Europe at the moment and haven't got the update to version 7x yet, am still on 6.14.4. I guess the update will become available in Europe before long.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yes, with Google Maps (Android) 7.x, turn-by-turn Navigation with spoken assist and re-routing is available here in Thailand now without the need to hack. Unfortunately, it seems like off-line ("ok maps") map caching is still disabled for Thailand.

Why wait.. Just download the Apk here:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/07/09/google-maps-for-android-gets-updated-with-promised-interface-refresh-functionality-enhancements/

That's good to know. I am in Europe at the moment and haven't got the update to version 7x yet, am still on 6.14.4. I guess the update will become available in Europe before long.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I can afford to wait, won't travel to Thailand again for yonks.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

It is understandable that Google rolls out updates gradually, probably to avoid server overload. I understand from a reliable source that distribution is currently at about 50% and if there is no problem should be completed within a couple of weeks.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have an N4, and was prompted that there was an update for Maps - in the U.S.A. at the time (last week). I'm not certain your current physical location dictates which version is available, but I guess it may be possible given the other 'linkages' in Maps.

Can you go into the Play Store, choose Menu, Choose My Apps, and see if Maps requires an update?

For my N4 now in Thailand I did just see a Maps update, which updated my version from 7.01. to 7.0.2.

Going to Bangkok tonight and we just assumed offline maps would be fine. Tried to do it this morning and it doesn't work, arrrrrgh !

We found off line maps vital last year in Vietnam, are there any alternatives ?

Ta

are there any alternatives ?

That's sorta kinda what this thread is about? Have you reviewed the other suggested options?

If you like Google Maps maybe just spring for a mobile data connection, as it may be cheaper and easier than purchasing a solution or learning a new app/interface?

Yeah but most of this thread is quite out of date :-)

Anyone used Mappa ? It gives regions of Thailand offline for 99p an area.

I installed version 7 on my Asus tf700 and the app often crashes. Message 'Maps stopped responding'.

Note that with Maps 7.0, the "Directions" listings of roads, streets etc. remain in Thai, unfortunately. This change was implemented a few months ago, and is associated with the server information, rather than anything to do with the client. Previously road names were displayed in both Thai and English. And even when I side-loaded an old version of Maps (5.4) it still gets road names only in Thai, so sort of a bummer. There were one or two separate threads on this issue, and my best recollection is that Google responded acknowledging the issue but saying that a fix would be challenging.

I have an N4, and was prompted that there was an update for Maps - in the U.S.A. at the time (last week). I'm not certain your current physical location dictates which version is available, but I guess it may be possible given the other 'linkages' in Maps.

Can you go into the Play Store, choose Menu, Choose My Apps, and see if Maps requires an update?

For my N4 now in Thailand I did just see a Maps update, which updated my version from 7.01. to 7.0.2.

Thanks. That did it. Maps and about ten other apps are listed for update and I am updating Maps now.

P.S. Version 7.0.2 installed now.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

are there any alternatives ?

That's sorta kinda what this thread is about? Have you reviewed the other suggested options?

If you like Google Maps maybe just spring for a mobile data connection, as it may be cheaper and easier than purchasing a solution or learning a new app/interface?

mapfactor navigator

voice

no connection required - no data or wifi

works well

are there any alternatives ?

That's sorta kinda what this thread is about? Have you reviewed the other suggested options?

If you like Google Maps maybe just spring for a mobile data connection, as it may be cheaper and easier than purchasing a solution or learning a new app/interface?

mapfactor navigator

voice

no connection required - no data or wifi

works well

Thank you for the suggestion, but it will not work well for me yet.

Mapfactor Navigator is based upon OpenStreetMap. I understand and appreciate the idea, but, presently, OpenStreetMap is not sufficient accurate ( elaborate ) enough ( in comparison to other already available maps ) for the presumably far too remote relative less popular ( received no attention yet of other OpenStreetMap users ) area in which I'm living in Thailand ...

Today I tested a few apps for android on the road. I had tried to see t each up at home via WiFi. I don't have a data connection for my android tablet.

NOSTRA Map Thailand: wouldn't even open without net connection. Flush.

Maps With Me Lite: severely lacking in road detail. Not much good having "maps with you" if those maps are NFG. Partial flush.

MapQuest: map severely lacking in detail so as to be useless. Flush.

Google Maps: started with promise, delivering correct voice navigation as I left home. Then the voices stopped and were replaced with chimes - the purpose of which remained hidden. Out in the countryside the map detail fizzled down to <deleted>. Apparently, Google Maps are not downloadable for Thailand offline use. Useless. Partial flush and a retry periodically.

Nothing touches my over-priced, the technologically crappy, Garmin Nuvi/esri map yet.

Google Maps: started with promise, delivering correct voice navigation as I left home.

AFAIK, one needs a mobile data connection, even GPRS/EDGE, to support on-line GMaps.

There may be a way to cache GMaps for off-line use. "Okay maps" does not appear to work for Thailand; it does work in some countries. I haven't messed with the old "ownhere" hack which allowed one to cache multiple 20 mile x 20 mile map squares.

Personally, I prefer the Android/GMaps solution, but I do also have a Garmin nuvi 1300, from the U.S. and hacked for Thailand, in the car.

For Android:

Free offline SatNavs with good routing:

Mapfactor Navigator: Good but nigh on impossible to find on Play-store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapfactor.navigator&hl=en_GB

OsmAnd: Also good

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand&hl=en_GB

and if you are only after mapping software:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapswithme.maps&hl=en

All the above use OpenStreetMaps (OSM) which has the beauty of being user updateable if you find errors or roads/tracks missing thereby benefiting the community

I have read through this thread scratching my head with puzzlement, maybe I am missing something. I use Google maps on my small Android, I have navigated all over Thailand with Internet turned off, but with the GPS connection turned on. When I approach Bangkok or other big town I turn on Internet plus 'sensor aiding'. I have occasionally lost the GPS signal but having internet turned on doesn't seem to help, I sometimes turn the Android off and then off again. a process that taked a few minutes.

I don't feel the need for any other app than Google maps, don't even consider buying a stand alone GPS unit.

I have read through this thread scratching my head with puzzlement, maybe I am missing something. I use Google maps on my small Android, I have navigated all over Thailand with Internet turned off, but with the GPS connection turned on. When I approach Bangkok or other big town I turn on Internet plus 'sensor aiding'. I have occasionally lost the GPS signal but having internet turned on doesn't seem to help, I sometimes turn the Android off and then off again. a process that taked a few minutes.

I don't feel the need for any other app than Google maps, don't even consider buying a stand alone GPS unit.

What android phone do you have ?

This one:

Sent from my GT-S7500 using Tapatalk 2

Galaxy ace plus, cost about 8000 I think.

Sygic, works, offline no problems, have on both phone and tablet, never let me down yet, some very useful features too.

Used Google Maps in the cities like BKK and CM and it is great, voice-over turn by turn through the difficult narrow, one way streets of CM right into our hotel car park but in the countryside, it just doesn't have the places, no names for small villages, very few places of interest like waterfalls or wats. This was noticeable over the New Year hols. Trying to find E Saa or Nong Bon, Pha Rom Yen or Phra Charoen. I visited them, great places but I had to get to the nearest town by guess and hope and then start asking around!

A website of popular places and their GPS coordinates would be great. I book Agoda for hotels as they have this like a few more do.

A couple of observations from me.

Firstly, many many businesses have their map position incorrect on google maps.

My phone + ais 3g (is it really?) drops GPS signal constantly when using google navigation and when it comes back I have missed my turn off.

Also, I notice when the think works it doesn't give you much heads up when to turn - not so bad when crawling around Bangkok but if on a expressway it will say "Turn Left Now while you are in the middle lane doing 90kmh lol. If bored while stuck in a traffic jam you can always check out the the 'traffic layer" to confirm in fact that you are in a traffic jam.

Overall, it's a good start and will give you the general idea of where you need to go but I see a garmin in my future and will just use my phone for phoning.

I was thinking of HTC Desire Z as it has a maps function/software with the phone that can be used while off line - i need to run the phone on minimal power as may not have access to recharging all the time-but am quite ignorant on this point (and most others as it is my first time to Thailand).

There is a new ap in google play store for Thailand and SEA, called It's NAV. Tom tom based. Havent tried it as they want 600 baht with no free trial which seems a bit of a stretch for the truly gullible.

I have downloaded just Nostra for Thailand on my phone, yes you need internet to use it on the go. First (very first) impressions is that its more accurate than google. It pinpointed me down to within a few meters when i selected current location and when I picked a route from my office to home, it gave me the exact route I would have chosen.

Will try it some more this weekend.

Has anyone any comments on Back Country Navigator for android

Has anyone any comments on Back Country Navigator for android

I deleted it just ths afternoon since it mostly displays black squares

View ranger is a much better app and uses open street maps which are free

for navigation by foot or on a bike i would use google maps 6.14, not the latest v7

for navigation by car, i much prefer tomtom

Offline maps:

Navigation on roads - Sygic - not free but can be found free on net.

Tracking off road, use Google maps/ Earth or where no maps exist (inc make your own maps) - Orux. (free)

I'm currently in the UK using "navigate 6" seems better than Sygic. Can download maps or use online.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

here we all use waze...

but frankly i prefer maps anyhow due to battery charge failure in areas where i would need a cell phone to work just in case i prefer to save battery, or no phone/lost phone... always be prepared philosophy; and b. huge areas with no receptability or whatever its called. plus we have certain areas that are 'off limits' and cannot cross and if u make a wrong turn u can end up somehwere where u dont want to be... maps are well marked and updated, however, in thailand, i thought to use something in the phone for when i am in large cities like CM KORAT etc... any suggestions?

also, for up coutnry dirt road village areas, is there a recommendation since they arent on maps . i found hubby's house on google earth but takes forever in the phone.seong saeng area korat. im not driving, just like to know where i am and where i am trying to get to... my father always made sure that his daughters knew how to navigate read a map and be alert to surroundings... has helped out more then once.

galaxy 3 .