CarPlay Road trip through National Parks in the US West. CarPlay: Apple Maps or Google Maps?

[miamialley]

We'll be driving from Southern California to West Yellowstone, MT and back. I like the interface of Apple Maps and traditionally use it day to day, but prefer the historical data of Google Maps (and other features like 'add stop'). Which maps app would you use with CarPlay and why?

 

[waw74]

google will allow you to download maps to the phone, so if you're say in the middle of a forest or something, and have no signal, you'll still be able to at least see where you are on a map. You won't be able to start new directions without service, but a drive you are already on will continue.

make sure you also download some of your Spotify or Apple Music playlists ahead of time too.

there will be a lot of areas of no signal

I typically use Waze when I drive (not often, live in NYC, so only when I'm on a trip) but I'll make sure I've got maps download to google if I'm going to be out in the boonies.

 

[miamialley]

google will allow you to download maps to the phone, so if you're say in the middle of a forest or something, and have no signal, you'll still be able to at least see where you are on a map. You won't be able to start new directions without service, but a drive you are already on will continue.

make sure you also download some of your Spotify or Apple Music playlists ahead of time too.

there will be a lot of areas of no signal

I typically use Waze when I drive (not often, live in NYC, so only when I'm on a trip) but I'll make sure I've got maps download to google if I'm going to be out in the boonies.

So if you start navigation with Apple Maps and then lose reception, what happens to the route? Do you lose it?
With Google Maps, if I've downloaded a map, I can't start a route without reception?

 

[waw74]

it looks like google now has offline route planning, but it's missing a few things compared to when it's connected

You can get driving directions offline, but not transit, bicycling, or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won't have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance.

I believe for any of the services, when you start new directions it will pull the entire route, and at least basic maps for the entire thing. so even if you loose cell service en route, you'll at least be able to follow that original path and make it to your destination. But if the app crashes or quits when you're in a no-service area, you'll be sad. Also, if you stop navigation it might clear the route and downloaded info.

Download areas & navigate offline - iPhone & iPad - Google Maps Help

You can save an area from Google Maps to your phone or tablet and use it when you're offline. Tip: You’re unable to download offline maps in some countries or regio

support.google.com