Google Maps Offline Caching for Version 6.0.3

It was difficult to learn how to use Google Maps and Google Navigation offline. While many online resources give instructions on this, they all seem to reference past versions of Google Maps. (The upgrade from 6.0 to 6.0.3 involved a few key menu changes.) Thus, I submit a quick update.

I tested the following procedure on the original Droid and on a Xoom Wi-fi tablet. Both devices have Google Maps version 6.0.3. (To locate your version, go to: Maps, Context Menu, Settings, & About.)

Launch Google Maps and go to the context menu (see the four stacked lines symbol) and select Settings (not the "More" option as with previous versions of Google Maps).

Select Labs and enable Pre-cache map area.

Return to Maps and point and hold on any location. Maps will load the bubble pop-up where you select the ">" icon.

Select the option Pre-cache map area.

That's it. It will take a short while for Maps to download the map area.

In terms of functionality, I'm not entirely sure what is possible. However, I used the service last night and my trip was clearly mapped out. Voice instructions occurred. And I was astounded to find that the Xoom device tracked my location because it is a wireless device and I was out of the range of all wireless transmissions. Very surprised to witness this tracking.

I have not tested whether Maps will guide you to your destination. I also have not tried to select a new location after completing a trip to a location. I will literally go out and test this now and report back.

(I will also like to learn how this thing knows where I am located in the offline mode.)