Logo Questions Linux Laravel Mysql Ubuntu Git Menu
 

Offline maps SDK for Android and iOS [closed]

I would like to use offline map functionality for my application. Could somebody recommend to any useful map SDK?

I found these: Skobbler, Bing Maps, and TomTom. But in not sure which one is better. I need a custom POI, routes highligting, and bubless with some information.

Is possible to use google maps, with some pre-downloaded maps for offline use?

Thanks for any advice.

like image 426
redrom Avatar asked Aug 11 '14 08:08

redrom


People also ask

Will Google Maps continue to work offline?

After you download an area, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your internet connection is slow or absent, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map. Tip: Transit, bicycling, or walking directions are unavailable offline.

Can iOS maps be used offline?

You can't use Apple Maps offline, so you need to use a different app for navigation if you don't have a connection. As an alternative, you can use offline navigation apps like HERE WeGo or MAPS.ME. You can also download maps for offline use using Google Maps.

Is Google Maps iOS SDK free?

The Maps SDK for iOS uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

What happens when offline maps expire?

Once that time is up, the map data will require the user to update it by re-downloading. Unfortunately, once the map has expired, Maps tries to force an update (regardless of whether the device is online or not) and won't allow access to the outdated data in the case of a connection-less device.


1 Answers

With the GoogleMap API on Android and the MapKit SDK on iOS you can implement custom tile providers. This means you can choose the map tiles that your polylines and markers are overlaid on. The beauty of this is you still get the full functionality of the built in mapping APIs but with the added ability to implement offline maps.

You have a few options with a mapping provider like OpenStreetMaps (which is used by many major companies).

  • You could download the entire data set and bundle it with your application so the tiles are already downloaded when the user downloads your app. This will greatly increase the size of your application.
  • Or you implement some offline tile caching. This means that to access the tiles offline the user would have to have seen that part of the map online at some point. You would need to handle the caching of the tiles.
  • You download the tiles for just the area you need them eg. you ask the user if they wish to download the entire data set for the UK. This would reduce the size of the application whilst making the entire UK available offline.

These are just some ideas. Hope it helps.

like image 58
StuStirling Avatar answered Sep 21 '22 12:09

StuStirling