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Camino Route using Google Maps

P

ptoledo

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
July 2019
Hi im looking to do the camino this summer and may be joined by various members of my family on various days and locations to support my journey. Im going to do the French Camino from St jean pierre to Santiago and it would be very useful if I had the entire route on my phone (sat nav) via Google maps so that I can communicate my location, never get lost and more importantly meet up with family who will be flying in during the various weeks.

Can anyone tell me if the route map co-ordinates are available which include all the highlights of the journey and the good pilgrim hostals.

if anyone can help it would be much appreciated.

thanks
 
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Welcome to the forum!

Well, I use maps.me (free download), then add gpx files of your route (some available for free in resource section on this forum). This gives you a line of the route on your map. Maps.me works offline too using your phones GPS so no need for internet connection.

Communicating your location is doable, don't know how though - others may advise you. One young girl I met had this so her parents knew where she was at all times. (But as she said, they know where I am but don't know what I'm up to! Not that she actually got up to anything I may add) So I know it can be done!

Highlights/Accommodations - I use a guide book (maps only Brierley guide - other guides are available), but there are many apps you can download onto your phone (for a small cost) for this too.

Davey
 
I use the Buen Camino app, which has the Camino route and uses GPS. It shows where the albergues and other accommodations are, and also has elevation profiles.

APP del Camino de Santiago Buen Camino 2014 - 2024

Aplicación del Camino de Santiago profesional, con mapas, perfiles, alojamientos, planificador de etapas, a pie o en bici (Btt), en idiomas y actualizada.
www.editorialbuencamino.com

I turn location sharing on in Google maps so that my family knows where I am.

Share your real-time location with others - Android - Google Maps Help

You can choose who can find your location and how long to share your location with Google Location Sharing. Tip: Other Google products may also allow you to share a one-time location with others.&nbs
support.google.com
 
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Davey Boyd said:
Communicating your location is doable, don't know how though -
Click to expand...
I will be using the location sharing in Google Navigator (Google map) in my Smartphone. However, it requires data to track a "target" in real time.
 
Google Maps, or any other mapping app intended for auto or bicycling use, will only route you on known roads, not a Camino path, per se. Only where the Camino has you walking on the verge / shoulder of a road, will it be accurate.

If you must have this sort of detailed tracking capability, I recommend the very inexpensive but very comprehensive Wise Pilgrim Guides series of apps and hard copy guide books. The apps have an offline mapping capability that uses the smartphone 'pinging' to cell towers to establish your path and routing along a downloaded topographical map.

This nearly as good as a specific GPS only app, like Maps.me, but contains so much more useful information. Check it out at www.wisepilgrim.com to verify exactly which app you need, then go to the Android or Apple app store as appropriate to download the app.

Also, you can buy the hard copy guidebook here in the forum, at the Camino Forum Store / Casa Ivar. See the blue rectangular button to the right of this page...

Hope this helps.
 
Gaia GPS app will allow you to record your track and publish online so that family could view your page on the Gaia website. You can import KML files as a route, which you follow on your phone to stay on track. The app uses GPS, not cell or wifi to record your walk locally on your phone; when you are online, this is updated to the Gaia website for viewing. This is ideal to maximize battery and minimize data use. Highly recommend.

Here's an example of a route tracking. This route is finished, so you cannot see the exact location data live. https://www.gaiagps.com/public/gJRICFtfMIO8otVFhdpNuvxa

Here is a more detailed overview of setting GPS access while offline (I.e. without cell/wifi): https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-use-the-gaia-gps-smartphone-app-in-offline-mode/
 
Last edited:
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Maybe this helps if you want to use maps.me or any other app. As fas as I know it is not possible in google maps to insert a specific route
 
Others have given good advice about apps you can use to map the Camino. On my last Camino I used an app called Polarsteps to share my location with people at home.
 
Last edited:
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
I am using the Windy Maps app and it's been brilliant. It has the routes already loaded and works offline, once you have downloaded the regions you need.
 
anthikes said:
I am using the Windy Maps app and it's been brilliant. It has the routes already loaded and works offline, once you have downloaded the regions you need.
Click to expand...
I wish there was a way to see the legend for the maps, though. They mark trails differently than OSM, which seems to be where they get their data from. It would be nice to know what the different types of lines mean.
 
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