Got an Android phone and a Google Nexus 7 tablet. I have a Garmin but prefer Google.

I don´t need directions to go from A to B but what to use eg GPS + Satellite view off line in the North.

Doable ?

I'm pretty sure that off-line map caching via the "OK Maps" easter egg is still disabled for Thailand, and many other countries.

It may be hackable, I haven't stayed up to date on this issue as I just use mobile data.

If you prefer Google Maps then just use mobile data; a 2G connection is fine.

There are some off-line maps, not sure how good these are:

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

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

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=th.co.gissoft.nostramap&hl=en

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

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=off.guide.online.thailand&hl=en

I think google maps now caches in Thailand, however I don't think it caches everything and couldn't be relied upon without a data connection.

^ I have the current version, 7.5.0, and the "OK Maps" easter egg returns the message "Map pre-loading is not available in this area."

Further, Thailand is still not on the list of the hundred or so countries, per Google. Strange, as they've been running StreetView here for a while.

In the past one could hack this feature pretty easily, and one could cache everything for a number of 20 mile x 20 mile squares.

But the simplest thing is to just get a mobile data plan, or use one of the gazillion free and paid off-line mapping solutions.

That's odd - pretty sure I've pre-cached in the past as I remember doing it, but can't now find the option. It does seem to cache all by itself though, albeit I think not reliably.

Not odd at all, been that way forever. And no, "it" doesn't cache all by itself. And yes, it is reliable, in those countries where enabled.

Simply type "OK Maps" in the search bar to cache map squares for off-line use in one of the hundred or so countries where this is enabled.

The old "ownhere" hack enabled map caching for Thailand, along with TbT navigation. TbT navigaiton is currently enabled for Thailand, unfortunately the road/street names are only displayed in Thai - for TbT nav. - directions ("keep left at the fork") are in English, so it's a real cock-up - previously, road/street names were displayed in TbT in both English and Thai.

Well I've been through the caching process myself before, I'll admit there is a possibility it was in another country though. It wasn't using OK Maps, Ownhere, Brut etc.

The version I'm using (7.2) certainly does cache as you use it. E.g. if I disable my data connection then load google maps it will show previously downloaded tiles (though perhaps not reliably).

The version I'm using (7.2) certainly does cache as you use it.if I disable my data connection then load google maps it will show previously downloaded tiles

Meh, not really. You're simply storing a bitmap of that image in GMaps cache, if you zoom in you'll see there are no details. Pretty much useless..

What we are discussing here is full off-line caching, which is available in GMaps for most countries, except Thailand. And you have a limited storage ability - in the old days it was ~ 5 'squares' of 20 miles x 20 miles. And you have to proactively choose to "cache" off-line maps. Previously, one would long-press on a map, a square would be highlighted and you could save it. Now that process is accomplished by typing "OK Maps" - if on Android 4.4 simply speak "OK Maps" - in the GMaps search bar. Once you have cached a map section you have all the details you would have if on-line.

I just make computer screenshots of the areas I'm interested in and store them on my phone. done.

Meh, not really. You're simply storing a bitmap of that image in GMaps cache,

What's that if it isn't caching?

if you zoom in you'll see there are no details. Pretty much useless..

If you've previously viewed various levels of detail, those levels will be cached. I'm zooming in and out right now and all those levels have been cached.

What we are discussing here is full off-line caching,

We've been talking about both.

And I've a feeling there may have been a change at some point, as previously I don't remember Google Maps letting you view tiles (cached or otherwise) without an active data connection.

You could have a look at GPS Essentials from the play store. It uses Google maps and Portable maps. Google maps does not seem to cache, but the portable maps does, and there is a 1.95gig cache setting in the settings. A very useful tracking program that works offline and has a shed load of features.

Simply type "OK Maps" in the search bar to cache map squares for off-line use in one of the hundred or so countries where this is enabled.

I just tried it (at Sukhumvit now) - doesn't work, guess Thailand still not on the list of countries?

I just use Oruxmaps. Will cache anything you want inc Google maps. I need it all the time as I often am without an internet connection or even a phone signal some places I go.

Digitalbanana , Oruxmaps seems to be it,although I must confess the many options are much beyond me, can you give the most crucial settings ?

I´m not an off-roader but it might be interest to others

Oruxmaps suggested to download app GPS STATUS which looks like a highly sophisticated instrument, that might be of interest to someone with more knowledge.

Oruxmaps Question= How to get into a Thai maps, these many map titles are confusing

Tested Android app OruxMaps v.5.5.16b and the corresponding downloadable Thailand map ( 783 MB, incl. Laos ). Some villages on this map in the northeast of Thailand are still named "Ban ?", so lack sufficient detail for walking and biking. Routes planned inside Google Maps can be transferred quite easily into OruxMaps, but it seems the map itself in use on the background needs to be upgraded to more detail. Comparable maps in other apps such as Sygic do carry more detail, but here, you can end up quite easily with your pickup truck in the mud somewhere.

the corresponding downloadable Thailand map ( 783 MB, incl. Laos ).

I am curious as to where you got this map from or which map you refer to? As you know Oruxmaps has options for many different sources of Thailand maps including latest Google Maps and Google Earth imagery if you use the appropriate onlinemapsources.xml file.

the corresponding downloadable Thailand map ( 783 MB, incl. Laos ).

I am curious as to where you got this map from or which map you refer to? As you know Oruxmaps has options for many different sources of Thailand maps including latest Google Maps and Google Earth imagery if you use the appropriate onlinemapsources.xml file.

Download link for Thailand ( incl. Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam ):

http://www.openandromaps.org/maps/asia/thailand.zip ( 614 MB )

Storage location of map:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapfiles\Thailand\thailand.map ( 783 MB )

Destination for corresponding map styles:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapstyles\Thailand\...

Routes ( for walking, biking or car ) created in Google Maps can be saved and loaded into OruxMaps from here:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\tracklogs\Route Home_Airport.kml ( 73KB )

the corresponding downloadable Thailand map ( 783 MB, incl. Laos ).

I am curious as to where you got this map from or which map you refer to? As you know Oruxmaps has options for many different sources of Thailand maps including latest Google Maps and Google Earth imagery if you use the appropriate onlinemapsources.xml file.

Download link for Thailand ( incl. Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam ):

http://www.openandromaps.org/maps/asia/thailand.zip ( 614 MB )

Storage location of map:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapfiles\Thailand\thailand.map ( 783 MB )

Destination for corresponding map styles:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapstyles\Thailand\...

Routes ( for walking, biking or car ) created in Google Maps can be saved and loaded into OruxMaps from here:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\tracklogs\Route Home_Airport.kml ( 73KB )

Returning to the original question of the OP:

the Android OruxMaps app is quite capable of downloading tiles from a detailed ONLINE map, such as Google Maps. Just select Google Maps as online map, and, via option Create Map, size your area of interest by positioning two dots. Then a maybe more detailed additional automatically selectable local OFFLINE map of just YOUR area of interest will be created and stored on your mobile phone. Maximum map size allowed equals 1 GB of storage space per created offline map. Switching between maps can be arranged automatically. Additional tools such as Mobile Atlas Creator ( Java ) are needed, available elsewhere, to be able to create offline maps larger sized than 1 GB.

Oruxmaps has just created an additional much more detailed local map for me to replace several local "Ban ?" villages in my neighbourhood in the northeast of Thailand on that exceptionally large but not so great offline Thailand map I'm using and was referring to in my earlier posting here above. Latest version of OruxMaps downloaded 25.711 tiles from the online Google Maps via WiFi ( which took quite some time, almost one hour or so ) but the actual size of the new additional offline map showing my local area of interest in much more detail was relative small, only 35 MB. Now, in Oruxmaps, I find much more local streets, directly surrounding our local home, in the northeast of Thailand. Since I do have a new much more detailed local offline map there's no need anymore to startup the onlinie Google Maps for a detailed check of my locally offline logged and tracked latests movements by foot, bike or car. Can do and keep it offline all together within Oruxmaps.

The option of offline logging and tracking of movements via GPS is available in OruxMaps. These routes or tracks are stored and can be outputted into .kml, .kmz ( zipped .kml ) or .gpx formats. It has become quite difficult these days to get .kml files loaded into the classic and new Google Maps. At this moment in time, when I want to see and check for lack of details, I do use the MyTrack app ( workaround ) for loading .gpx tracks of OruxMaps into the latest Google Maps available.

the corresponding downloadable Thailand map ( 783 MB, incl. Laos ).

I am curious as to where you got this map from or which map you refer to? As you know Oruxmaps has options for many different sources of Thailand maps including latest Google Maps and Google Earth imagery if you use the appropriate onlinemapsources.xml file.

Download link for Thailand ( incl. Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam ):

http://www.openandromaps.org/maps/asia/thailand.zip ( 614 MB )

Storage location of map:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapfiles\Thailand\thailand.map ( 783 MB )

Destination for corresponding map styles:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\mapstyles\Thailand\...

Routes ( for walking, biking or car ) created in Google Maps can be saved and loaded into OruxMaps from here:

Computer\GT-S6810P\Card\oruxmaps\tracklogs\Route Home_Airport.kml ( 73KB )

Returning to the original question of the OP:

the Android OruxMaps app is quite capable of downloading tiles from a detailed ONLINE map, such as Google Maps. Just select Google Maps as online map, and, via option Create Map, size your area of interest by positioning two dots. Then a maybe more detailed additional automatically selectable local OFFLINE map of just YOUR area of interest will be created and stored on your mobile phone. Maximum map size allowed equals 1 GB of storage space per created offline map. Switching between maps can be arranged automatically. Additional tools such as Mobile Atlas Creator ( Java ) are needed, available elsewhere, to be able to create offline maps larger sized than 1 GB.

Oruxmaps has just created an additional much more detailed local map for me to replace several local "Ban ?" villages in my neighbourhood in the northeast of Thailand on that exceptionally large but not so great offline Thailand map I'm using and was referring to in my earlier posting here above. Latest version of OruxMaps downloaded 25.711 tiles from the online Google Maps via WiFi ( which took quite some time, almost one hour or so ) but the actual size of the new additional offline map showing my local area of interest in much more detail was relative small, only 35 MB. Now, in Oruxmaps, I find much more local streets, directly surrounding our local home, in the northeast of Thailand. Since I do have a new much more detailed local offline map there's no need anymore to startup the onlinie Google Maps for a detailed check of my locally offline logged and tracked latests movements by foot, bike or car. Can do and keep it offline all together within Oruxmaps.

The option of offline logging and tracking of movements via GPS is available in OruxMaps. These routes or tracks are stored and can be outputted into .kml, .kmz ( zipped .kml ) or .gpx formats. It has become quite difficult these days to get .kml files loaded into the classic and new Google Maps. At this moment in time, when I want to see and check for lack of details, I do use the MyTrack app ( workaround ) for loading .gpx tracks of OruxMaps into the latest Google Maps available.

I have used the Oruxmaps inbuilt capability to create detailed offline local maps of my area of interest - usually with Google maps or satellite imagery.

For larger areas I too have used Mobile Atlas Creator in past, but in recent years it does not allow access to Google maps servers? NoniMapView will do so however. I have at times also resorted to another Windows product Google Map Saver that does access the map servers, but this doesn't save the geo-tag information with the saved raster imagery unlike NoniMapView. For geotagging and layering I have also used a combination of Global Mapper and OruxMaps Desktop to achieve the same goal to get larger area offline Google maps with/without any number of embedded extra map layers into my Android Orux Maps display.

Edited February 18, 201412 yr by Digitalbanana