Take my Google maps for your trip and check them while offline

In this post, I’m going to teach you the steps to download and use my maps (or any) made with Google Maps. You’ll be able to check the maps without a data connection, and you’ll know your location anytime.

Take my Google maps for your trip and check them while offline

Previous information and what you need

Some important concepts:

➽ KML format file: this file contains geographic information. They allow you to locate different places on a map.
➽ GPX format file: it’s similar to KML, but this one can be used in any GPS device.
➽ Offline Maps Application: these are smartphone applications that let you download offline maps and know your position, without connection to the Internet. There are many applications available; you only keep in mind that, in our case, the application should allow for GPX or KML format. Here are two possible apps:

– Organic Maps: MAPS.ME changed owner in 2020 and lost features. Its original developers created Organic Maps: free, without ads or limits on downloaded maps. You can import KML, KMZ, GPX and GeoJSON files.
– OsmAnd: I use this app. The free version lets you download or update 7 maps. OsmAnd Maps+ has no limit. You can import GPX, KML and KMZ files. KML and KMZ are converted to GPX when imported.

Therefore, if you want to use my maps during your trip, you need first to download an offline maps app and the area of the country which you’re going to visit. I use OsmAnd, although both are free.

Download the map

First, you should watch the map in extended mode (view larger map). For that, you have to click on the top right corner:

Now you can open the menu with the three vertical dots on the left panel ➜ (next to the magnifier). The option to download your map is now called Export to KML/KMZ.

You can choose the whole map or one layer. Leave the checkbox "Export as KML instead of KMZ" unticked to download a KMZ file. Organic Maps and OsmAnd open KMZ files directly, so you don't need to convert the file first.

Important: a KMZ file keeps the custom icons, but a plain KML file does not. Colours may still look different on your phone.

Required format

As I’ve told you, the offline maps apps normally work either with GPX or KML format. If your app uses KML you can skip this step and go to the next.

If your app only accepts GPX you have to convert the KML file to this format. For that we’ll use a simple web site: GPS Visualizer – Convert a GPS file to plain text or GPX. On this web page there is this square area:

The only thing you have to do is:

➧ Output format ➝ Select GPX ➧ Click on the Choose File. Choose the KML file that you have downloaded before.

The last step is to click on the Convert button. The page reloads and the message appears: ‘Your data has been converted to GPX’. A couple of lines below you’ll find the file ready to download, although it has now a weird name, something like 20163028075922-86078-data.gpx.

Using the map

You already have the required file, GPX or KML. Now you only need to open it with the maps application. You can send the file to the smartphone through your e-mail (sending it by e-mail). When you open the email and download the file, the application will open automatically (sometimes you need to select it amongst several options). It’ll be the result:

Any contribution or question is welcome, please write a comment!