If you just purchased a shiny new WiFi only iPad 2 or have the original WiFi iPad, then you know that as a mapping device, it’s pretty useless without a network connection. Skobbler’s new ForeverMap app solves this problem by allowing you to download maps locally to your iPad or iPhone for offline viewing. That means that the stored maps are able to be viewed without a network connection. This would be great for users who take a lot of road trips and would rather have all their maps stored in one place as opposed to looking at a stack of paper maps. The advantage of having them all stored locally is that the maps come up instantaneously so you can look up directions quickly without having to wait.

ForeverMap by Skobbler is available now for $0.99 in the App Store and is a universal app meaning you only need to purchase it one time to use on both your iPhone and iPad. Click the read more link below for more information and full press release.

Press Release

Berlin and New York –  March 22, 2011 –  Skobbler today announces the launch of ForeverMap, a powerful offline map for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, that fully exhibits the potential of the growing OpenStreetMap platform. Thanks to Skobbler’s compression technology and unique integration with the OpenStreetMap database, ForeverMap brings users immediate offline access to stored maps for any
region in the entire United States.

ForeverMap introduces the most sophisticated use of the OpenStreetMap to-date, delivering offline access to city or street search, name browsing, location finder, route calculation and point-of-interest information provided by Wikipedia. ForeverMap also offers users the first comprehensive map solution capable of turning offline devices, like the iPod touch and WiFi iPad, into fully-functional mapping devices that rival conventional online experiences, such as those provided by Google Maps.

What is OpenStreetMap?

Much like Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project of over 320,000 contributors dedicated to revolutionizing digital maps by creating a free, editable map of the world using data from satellites, GPS logs, local knowledge, and other sources of geographic information. With quality assurance tools that monitor data for accuracy, and an army of loyal supporters, the crowdsourced OpenStreetMap is poised to overtake traditional map providers with regard to accuracy, detail, participation and quality.

ForeverMap represents the ideal travel tool as users can maintain access to maps without a data connection, while also retrieving stored information on historic landmarks and significant points of interest. ForeverMap also provides a useful bookmarking system for favorite destinations, and saves search histories for convenient returns to previously visited locations. With multi-touch (pinch to zoom) support and compass integration backed by auto-turning support and auto-follow mode, whereby the map centers around the user’s current position, ForeverMap ensures that can always find their way, regardless of reception bars.

“We wanted to create an app that will ultimately become the last word in the map space, the one app that provides orientation to users without the usual ifs and buts,” commented Marcus Thielking, co-founder of Skobbler. “With ForeverMap, we’ve done just that. Users can now instantly access a detailed digital map without data connectivity, making all the information available on-the-go. For the user, ForeverMap is the one and only map they’ll ever need: they can find what they need, when they need it, no matter where they are.”

ForeverMap is universal and available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad for $0.99 for a limited time on the iTunes App Store or at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forevermap-by-skobbler-north/id424183595?mt=8

Watch Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAzlwrXm4OE