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How to access maps?

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As a complete tablet/smart phone novice I have a question...

I am going cycling across Europe in the summer and have a guidebook, I could buy paper maps of the route but I would need to buy at least 5 and thought an alternative option may be either -

1. to buy a tablet and download the route and surrounding maps

2. to get a smartphone with sat nav/positioning on and find my way via that.

3. other better option?

What I'm after is advice on the feasability of these options from a device point of view- which is easier, which is lighter, will a device hold all the maps or will I need to buy extra storage, how do I buy extra storage?

If I use a phone from an access point of view how do I access the maps on phone, do I have to buy data, do extra charges apply with a UK sim being used abroad, is it better to buy individual country based sims (I will be going through 5 countries)?

I don't expect anyone to answer all these questions, but as a complete novice to smartphones etc could someone give me some ideas about the above options and what things to investigate or think about.

Thanks

Comments

  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Any smartphone or tablet will come with worldwide maps already on it - my android phone has Google Maps, the same as you can get on your computer, so check that to see if it will do the job for you. Two potential issues: they usually work better if you are online, which might not be economically feasible with roaming charges; and they may not show enough topographic detail for you to work out routes that avoid hills.
  • bob_a_builder
    bob_a_builder Posts: 2,357 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 16 February 2014 at 9:54AM
    Cost of data might be an issue

    Most tablets will contain a GPS chip but should check

    Some of the Sat Nav software will download all the maps at install time rather than rely on online data

    As a car driver I have used NAVFREE is one which works that way and gives free maps for whole of Europe and beyond - maps are based on openstreetmap.org maps.
    (but only used it in UK myself)

    Size of map files vary of course + size of sat nav software itself
    Benelux = 422MB
    Germany = 830MB

    but as someone already said- no contour lines !
  • Sooler
    Sooler Posts: 3,113 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    take at least one paper map as backup
  • Moto2
    Moto2 Posts: 2,206 Forumite
    Running all day using GPS and maps may well take too much out of the battery.
    For cycle touring, I use a Garmin Dakota 20 with custom maps
    The AA batteries last all day if it's not too cold, either pack a charger or use replaceable ones each day.
    Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
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