Onboard vs. Offboard Maps in Navigation Apps

This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of using onboard or offboard maps in the Navigation by Verizon Connect mobile app.

Onboard Maps

Onboard maps are stored on your device. You must download the maps onto your device before you can use them. To do this, follow the instructions in the Navigation Getting Started Guide.

Advantages of using onboard maps include:

  • Access to turn-by-turn directions at any time, even when you are offline or you temporarily lose your data connection.

  • Lower network data usage.

  • Additional features such as speed alerts, junction views, and turn arrows are displayed on the map.

Disadvantages of using onboard maps include:

  • Longer device set-up time of 30-60 minutes instead of 5 minutes when using offboard maps.

  • Map files consuming storage space on your device. Data files for the US, for example, require around 5.5 GB.

  • Manual map updates (for example, every quarter) are required to stay up-to-date.

Offboard Maps

Offboard maps are stored on our servers and you must have an Internet connection to access them.

Advantages of offboard maps:

  • You can start using the Navigation app immediately, without first downloading map data.

  • Short device set-up time of only 5 minutes instead of 30-60 minutes when using onboard maps.

  • Map data is always up-to-date and you don’t need to update the map data stored on your device.

Disadvantages of offboard maps:

  • An internet connection is required to use offboard maps.

  • Turn-by-turn directions and the map view might be unavailable if you lose your data connection.


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