map.geo.admin.ch : now with offline function for usage in areas without network coverage

Accessing maps in areas without network coverage is now possible with the map viewer of the federal geoportal, map.geo.admin.ch. A new function allows the download and local storage of a predefined map extent for offline usage. This new feature will meet the needs of individual users and provide opportunities to extend application possibilities.

With the ability to store map data locally on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, maps can now also be used without internet connection. Positioning via GPS in real time is enabled. The use of an additional app is not necessary.

Maps including thematic overlays of a selected screen section can be stored locally depending on the available free space on the device and are thus accessible offline. The availability of the functionality itself and the amount of storable thematic maps is OS and web browser-dependent.

The new function allows initially the local storage of an area of 10×10 km.

New web standards allow the use and management of spatial data in the browser cache: no plug-ins are required but existing web standards are used. This recent version of the offline function includes various improvements based on user feedback of the BETA – version.

the map viewer

How it is done and get the code at github