Google introduced a new experimental feature called “Download map area." With Download map area if you are visiting an unfamiliar location, Google Maps for mobile will help you get an idea of how close you are to your destination, where streets and landmarks are in relation to each other, or just for getting “un-lost.”
If you don’t have a data signal, or you’re abroad and don’t have a data plan you’ll never need to carry a paper map again. The “Download map area” lab in Google Maps 5.7 for Android is a step in making that statement true even when you’re offline. For more information visit http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/07/download-map-area-added-to-labs-in.html.
