How to access maps?

danandjens_worldtravels

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

agrinnall

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

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

take at least one paper map as backup

Moto2

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.