Offline Maps

Pros

• Completely free to use with no limitations
• Create and save maps for offline use
• Supports road maps, topographic maps and satellite images

Cons

• Not a completely offline tool - map data has to be downloaded first
• No mobile apps for Android or iOS

Create maps that can be used without an Internet connection.

There are plenty of free apps that give you maps and navigation instructions, but the problem with them is that the majority require an Internet connection to work. However, there are times when you're in the middle of nowhere and can't connect to the Internet, but could definitely benefit from having a map. Offline Maps is a Windows app that is there to solve this problem. As its name implies, it allows you to access maps even when you're not connected to the Internet. As long as you have your laptop or netbook with you, your maps will all be there.

Offline Maps is quite easy to use. All that you have to do is to enter the name of a location, an address or a city in its search bar and it will show you a map of the area. The software pulls map data from a variety of sources, most notably Google Maps and saves them for you. This means that it's not a completely "offline" tool, as you'll have to get the maps that you want to use before your journey. However, it does help keep the program small, as it won't have to store map data for the whole world. Though the user interface looks a bit dated, the program is simple to navigate and you'll have no trouble finding all of its features.

The software provides you with all of the mapping options you would see in Google Maps and other tools. You can get a standard road map, a topographic map, as well as a satellite view of a certain area. All of the maps you've downloaded and saved are easily accessible within the program. You also have the option to print maps if you want to.

Other interesting features provided by Offline Maps include the ability to add several layers to a map, as well as to plot directions from point A to point B. This makes it a useful tool to have on your PC if you're traveling. Just make sure to grab all the maps you need when you're connected to the Internet.

Offline Maps is available for Windows PCs, as well as for the Windows Phone mobile operating system. Unfortunately, there are no apps for iOS or Android devices. While some users would find it useful to have a dedicated mobile app, Offline Maps is still very useful if you're the type of traveler that always has their laptop with them when they're on the go. On the plus side, the software is completely free with no purchase or registration required.

Pros

• Completely free to use with no limitations
• Create and save maps for offline use
• Supports road maps, topographic maps and satellite images

Cons

• Not a completely offline tool - map data has to be downloaded first
• No mobile apps for Android or iOS