You’ve got this wonderful device in your hand with Google Maps built in.  But you want directions somewhere you won’t have a data signal, either because you’ve got an iPod Touch and no cellular data capability, or you’re going to be roaming overseas and don’t want to be reamed on the data bill and have thus turned Data Roaming off.  There is a solution!

If you know in advance where you’ll be going, you’ve got two options for making your life easier:

  • Option One: Preload your Google Maps cache

Before you go, fire up Google Maps and make sure it’s looking at the area you want.  Make sure you zoom up tight on the areas you’re going to visit, and have the walking or driving directions already displayed.  Then quit the app and don’t look again until you’re there.  If you’ve got an iPhone 3G or an iPod Touch with OS 3.0, your GPS will work and show you the little dot.  And a 3GS will show the compass heading.  Unfortunately, this trick only works once or twice before you need a data signal again, unless you’re staying in that small area.

  • Option Two: Use screencaps!

I did this before my Europe trip.  I knew in each city, I would want walking directions from the train station to the hotel.  I knew where each was, so I fired up Google Maps and got walking directions.  Then, I stepped through them, and on each screen I pressed Home and Power briefly, which captures a picture of your screen to your photo album.  The result?

Very handy.  And I didn’t spend a dime on Data Roaming overseas.