Community Forums

B Bob · 02-28-2016, 08:28 PM

Over the last ten years I have used literally everything for planning trips. I like old style maps but have tried and used all the mapping systems from DeLorme, Streets & Trips, TL Mapping program, several editions, Google Maps, Garmin and so on.

I tried to plan trips with Google Maps starting about 3 years ago when TL cancelled their software. It was hard to use and not intuitive. Since then I have tried it a few times. So a few weeks ago I started putting together this summers big trip and that I would revisit Google Maps in the "My Maps" section. Wow, it has been very much updated. It is far easier to use now and is quite intuitive. You have to go to the My Maps section and start a map. You name it and then add things. They now allow layers like Photoshop. So I started adding campground stops on one layer and points of interest on another. I am using one color to the way to our destination and another coming back.

There are a LOT of choices on how to mark your destinations. And looking things up and adding them to the map is very easy. I am doing this using a Mac. But a PC usually works even better with Google. And of course it auto integrates with your mobile device. Plus the price is, free. Free is good.

I don't know when they added all these features, but must have been in the last couple of months. I can now recommend highly Google Maps as a trip planner. Far and away easier than any of the software systems I have used that were on my computer. And I can even send a copy to my wife so she does not have to ask me where we are going.

Chiefly1 · 02-28-2016, 09:41 PM

I just recently went back to Google Maps and was pleasantly surprised as well. Just getting into it but really like what I've seen so far.

Bill & Christine
40 ft Revolution LE Diesel Pusher & Honda Fit Sport
Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

F4Gary · 02-28-2016, 09:53 PM

Shows traffic jams too.

deandec · 02-28-2016, 10:40 PM

Just used Google Maps in a town of 50,000 people in the Bay Area of NorCal on Friday.

It failed miserably. It could not locate well establish streets and directions to destination.

First time I ever had problems and in a very unlikely place.

wahoonc · 02-29-2016, 04:28 AM

Google has improved quite a bit over the years. I also use it's sister app Waze when traveling to keep track of fast changing road conditions. Waze is a power hog so if you use it, make sure to keep your device plugged in!

Aaron

ctpres · 02-29-2016, 09:05 AM

Cycling mode is not perfect but great when we are in a new area. Just click the bike and it does a reasonable job of keeping you on bike friedly roads if available.

Duner · 02-29-2016, 02:18 PM

I recently discovered a very neat function using Google Voice Navigation.

While you're navigating and you use the search on the navigation screen, it will search along the route ahead, tell you how many locations and how far off the route to get there. It doesn't send you backwards to a location that might be closer, but not in the direction you're traveling. If you touch the selection, it then updates the directions to get there and back on the route again.

I haven't had Google send me off on a wild goose chase in many years. Sometimes it will look like an unusual route because it knows about a road/bridge closure that you may be unaware off.

aauummm · 02-29-2016, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Bob

Over the last ten years I have used literally everything for planning trips. I like old style maps but have tried and used all the mapping systems from DeLorme, Streets & Trips, TL Mapping program, several editions, Google Maps, Garmin and so on.

I tried to plan trips with Google Maps starting about 3 years ago when TL cancelled their software. It was hard to use and not intuitive. Since then I have tried it a few times. So a few weeks ago I started putting together this summers big trip and that I would revisit Google Maps in the "My Maps" section. Wow, it has been very much updated. It is far easier to use now and is quite intuitive. You have to go to the My Maps section and start a map. You name it and then add things. They now allow layers like Photoshop. So I started adding campground stops on one layer and points of interest on another. I am using one color to the way to our destination and another coming back.

There are a LOT of choices on how to mark your destinations. And looking things up and adding them to the map is very easy. I am doing this using a Mac. But a PC usually works even better with Google. And of course it auto integrates with your mobile device. Plus the price is, free. Free is good.

I don't know when they added all these features, but must have been in the last couple of months. I can now recommend highly Google Maps as a trip planner. Far and away easier than any of the software systems I have used that were on my computer. And I can even send a copy to my wife so she does not have to ask me where we are going.

I used it exclusively to plan our 4000 mile trip that we began December 14 and ended last week. Worked very well. It was easier to work with than my Garmin RV 760.

gripper · 02-29-2016, 05:20 PM

B. Bob; How did you download Google Maps? I looked for it in my Apps programs, in Google and Google Chrome, but couldn't find it. I have been trying to find a good replacement for MS Streets & Trips? Gripper

B Bob · 03-01-2016, 10:13 AM

Gripper - On my computer I use Google Maps just using the browser. I use either Chrome or Safari. On my iPad and iPhone I installed the Google Maps from the Apple App Store. I have a couple Windows computers too and I just use the browser on them.

I find Google Maps by logging into my personal gmail account and clicking dot tic tac toe pattern to the right of my name at the top right. To be able to save planned maps in Google Maps you will need to have a Google account. Otherwise how do you save them? So just open a free gmail account. When you open Google Maps on the top left of the page where will be a stack of three little lines. Click them and it will give you a legend. About half was down is "my maps".

Hope this helps. BTW I do still use a big 7" Garmin RV GPS when I am driving. Our Country Coach has a tray that lets me position my Garmin and then right to the left of it my phone. I prefer the turn to turn guidance from the Garmin as it has more details, like which lane to get in. And also, a big feature, huge actually, is it lets me put in the dimensions of my rig and then it makes route decisions based on rig size. And when I put the Gramin in the Jeep I just change over to car mode.

But for planning the new Google Map system is the best system I have ever used.

photopilot · 03-01-2016, 10:34 AM

I'm planning on using Google on my next trip, but will be bringing a Garmin as backup. Does the map app download the entire route map or do you need cell data coverage? We may travel off the beaten path and cell service might not be available. I realize a phone or iPad has GPS, but it has to display on a map, which is either stored, or downloaded 'live'.

trimacon · 03-01-2016, 10:40 AM

I just replaced my rigs magnadyne oem radio with a pioneer satellite capable radio that included Apple car pllay. Apple car play allows you to use several apps like messenger, music, and Other apps such as Google maps. I now can run google maps my phone and display it on the receiver display. Thus I now have google maps on my dash display. No need for a nag system, and it even has voice commands to input and also voice guidance. Not a bad upgrade for $625

gripper · 03-01-2016, 11:16 AM

Thanks B. Bob, I will try what you suggested. Gripper

bud01234 · 03-02-2016, 07:54 AM

question: Doesn't google maps and apple play eat up your phone data allowances? (unless you have an unlimited plan)

The Garmin does not use minutes, but it's nice to use iPhone to find a business or cheap gas then click 'go there'.