Good news Google Map enthusiasts, the app is now available offline. There will be no dilemma of getting cut off the app because of internet problems. Google has just made their app accessible to Android phone users even if they have connection problems. iPhone users shouldn't worry as Google says there will also be a version for you coming out soon.

However, Google Maps offline feature is limited. It lets the user save an area ahead of time where they can search and get directions turn-by-turn anytime they needed to check it. It's like having and using a paper map. One can't use it for navigation though like the normal digital map apps.

With this new Google Map, one can do almost what they can do now. The users just need to download databases in advance, preferably when they have an internet connection. They have to start by checking out or searching for the location they want or needed to download. Once they have selected an area, they will be informed on how large the file is and how much storage space is left in their smartphones.

Once the area is downloaded, Google will then refresh the data periodically with road change or new businesses within the covered area. It will be updated by default every time the user is connected to a W-Fi connection.

One thing that a user might miss though is the traffic information. Google will not be able to warn them ahead or suggest a detour unless they get back online again. Photos and user reviews for businesses are also not available but their contact information, hours and overall user rating will be provided. For now the direction feature of Google Map works only for driving and is not yet adapted for circumstances like walking, biking or public transit.

With the launch of Google Maps online, the company is hoping to target users who are traveling abroad and want to save on expensive data plans. Google is also targeting those who are in emerging markets where cellular and internet speeds are slower with prices that are highly relative to standard incomes.

This feature is known to be already showcased on Windows phones, but isn't widely known as Windows has a smaller market share compared to that of iPhones and Android. This feature of offline mapping is also available through third-party apps like Nokia's Here.