Offline reliability
Vector graphics also enable another significant new feature: the ability to continue viewing maps even when you have pooror nonetwork connections. Because each vector tile works across multiple zoom levels, it requires more than 100 times less data to view maps across all zoom levels than before, allowing Maps to cache much larger areas of the map on your device.
With this first version, Maps proactively caches map data for the places you use Maps the mostwhere youre actively using it as well as places for which you search or get directions. Then when youre plugged in and connected over WiFi, caching happens automatically. Near your frequent places, youll get detailed vector tiles for city-sized regions so you can see every road labeled. Further away, youll have less detail but will typically have towns and highways labeled for miles. Were continuing to work on these algorithms, so youll see improvements over time.
Offline rerouting
With Google Maps Navigation (Beta), youll also see the benefits of additional caching with offline rerouting. This feature is only possible because Navigation caches not only map data but also data like turn restrictions for the areas surrounding your route. Youll still need to be connected when you first start a trip to download and cache your route. But this way, even if you take a wrong turn after losing your connection, Navigation can use the cached data to get you back on your way. We will be rolling this feature out gradually over the next few weeks.
This is just the start, and were really excited about all the possible ways to use vector graphics technology for the next generation of Google Maps. So please stay tuned!