Like many of the readers here, I’m into maps, mapping technology and anything location-aware it seems. A recent visit to the California HQ of HERE (think Nokia maps) provided me with a glimpse inside the company and an up close look at the technology they use to create and deliver such an awesome in-vehicle mapping experience.

I’ve used HERE maps in the vehicle before but this event served as a great reminder to me that the service really is awesome. Since I travel a fair bit I often find myself using my mobile without my data enabled and only over WiFi in order to not incur heavy data roaming charges. This is where HERE maps in offline mode shines. HERE functions amazingly well in offline mode simply by downloading the base maps that are required (I have a bid MicroSD card in my Android mobile so space and file size is no issue). I’m now navigating around my city while offline and most recently I was visiting New York and was walking around the city, navigating offline all while my device was set in airplane mode to avoid roaming fees. Yes indeed, I’m a fan and once you try HERE (iOS, Android, or Windows OS) I’m sure you will be too!

Read more about my visit to HERE HQ

View more photos from the InsideHERE event and tour in this Flickr Gallery