The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, the final one visible in the continental US until 2044, is expected to draw millions of visitors to a narrow strip extending across the country from Texas to Maine.
Local officials are warning that those within the path of totality, particularly in areas with large crowds, may experience disruptions in phone service.
This is not due to the eclipse itself but rather the large number of people in one location.
If you plan to view the eclipse in a crowded area, similar to a music festival or sporting event, be prepared for potential network disruptions that could make it difficult to make phone calls or use the internet.
The lack of internet access could pose challenges, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Getting from one place to another may be challenging without access to online maps.
To address this, it is recommended that you download maps on Google Maps before your trip. Here's how:
1. Open the Google Maps app on iOS or Android.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner (ensure you're logged in to your Google account).
3. In the menu, select "Offline maps" > "Select Your Own Map."
4. Use your fingers to select the specific area you want to download within the rectangle border. You can move around the map with one finger and zoom in and out with a two-finger pinch. The app will display the amount of storage space required for the download.
5. Once you've chosen the area, tap "Download."
Alternatively, on an iPhone, you can type a city or area into Google Maps and tap the download button that appears in the pull-up window to download the map offline. Please note that this method only works when connected to Wi-Fi.
After downloading, you'll be able to use Google Maps offline in the selected area.
However, the accuracy of travel times and alternate routes will be limited since traffic and road issues are not updated offline.
Additionally, transit, bicycling, and walking directions are not available offline; only driving directions are supported.