Creating custom Google My Maps bug out routes.

[Moab]

You can build custom Google Maps that include alternate routes and that highlight emergency or any other services and locations along your routes. 

The uses to create effective bug out maps is endless. And once created you can open them in Google maps and use them as your travel to your bug out location. Or any destination you might plan for. Add gas stations, medical facilities, friends or relatives along your routes, where to get food or supplies. The list is endless. I think this works even if the internet is down. You may or may not be able to navigate automatically with the Google voice telling you where to go live. But it's still a digital map. That can record any number of routes and things along that route. That you can open, look at, move around in, and use while navigating.

Quite a powerful tool.

https://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-my-maps-ideas-3598518/

[Skidjit]

Was thinking about how to best print off custom routes as part of my family's emergency binder. Thanks!

[Moab]

Was thinking about how to best print off custom routes as part of my family's emergency binder. Thanks!

That is an added benefit. But these can also be used while offline in any cellphone. Like if the grid were down. I'm assuming you could also at least download the electronic route. Meaning more than just lines on the correct route you could zoom in and out of. But I have only made one of these thus far.

Another option in google.maos you should help your family become familiar with is multiple locations routing.

You can enter as many locations as you want. And Google will calculate the best route between the various locations. This is of course in a grid up situation. But it's very helpful. For those not that familiar with maps. Or planning routes. But honestly in a large city it's very helpful if say your just trying to figure out how to best get to three or four or more different places. The time it takes, especially in unfamiliar areas, to plan between more than a few locations, gets complicated quickly. And in an emergency with the grid up, Google can calculate based on traffic too. And in an emergency situation avoiding bad trsffice areas would be very helpful as well.

It's a slick function. I have used it many times in LA. Where locations easily be far between and in areas you've never been. And traffic is always an issue. In an emergency situation that can be true of even areas that rarely have traffic problems.

[superduder]

Was thinking about how to best print off custom routes as part of my family's emergency binder. Thanks!

Kinda late to the party, I know.
But, I print out maps onto "iron on" paper (available at big box stores) and then put them on large handkerchiefs.
Then they can be rolled, folded etc without creasing the maps, and they're waterproof..
as far as not being destroyed by getting wet. 
Hope this is useful,
J

[eugenenine]

Keep in mind that Google has changed the way you can use offline maps, you have to download them and they expire so you have to be sure to re-download often.
I suggest using an app that can download and store maps offline such as osmand so if you can't get a good signal during an evac then you can use the offline app.

[Z.O.R.G.]

Another option is to create your own maps using Radio Mobile.  This is a VHF/UHF radio link analysis program made for hams, but you can download elevation, satellite phots, OpenStreetMap, and land cover data as well.  It takes some time playing with it. but you can make custom maps with roads and counter lines, etc.  There's an option to save all downloaded data, so you can create new maps while you're off-line.

You might get suckered into learning something about radios and propagation as well...  

[Moab]

Keep in mind that Google has changed the way you can use offline maps, you have to download them and they expire so you have to be sure to re-download often.
I suggest using an app that can download and store maps offline such as osmand so if you can't get a good signal during an evac then you can use the offline app.

Google Offline Maps expire. But Google My Maps don't. But My Maps requires an internet connection. Kind of defeats the purpose. But an important distinction I thought I would point out. I'm going to do some more research into this. I'm actually traveling to another island and need to make a custom map. 

No — Google My Maps do NOT expire.
Clear breakdown:
Google My Maps (custom maps you create or save):
Do not expire
Persist indefinitely in your Google account
Markers, layers, notes stay intact
But My Maps are not fully offline-capable by default.
If you lose data/service:
The map may not load
Pins and layers may not display
There is no guaranteed offline storage like Google Maps "Offline Maps"
Critical distinction (this trips people up):
Google Maps Offline Maps → expire ~30 days
Google My Maps → do not expire, but depend on connectivity
Practical takeaway:
My Maps are good for planning, reference, and organization
They are not reliable for no-signal scenarios
If your intent is preparedness / redundancy:
Export My Maps as KML/KMZ
Load into Organic Maps, Gaia GPS, or Garmin-compatible apps
Those do not expire and truly work offline
If you want, I can give you the cleanest way to convert My Maps into permanent offline maps with minimal hassle.

[Moab]

UPDATE:

Here are mapping apps that let you create truly offline maps that don't expire — practical for travel, pre-planning, or no-signal use:
1) Organic Maps (Free, no expiration)
Offline from OSM (OpenStreetMap)
Maps never expire
You choose areas and download once
Zero tracking, lightweight, reliable
Works for navigation + searching offline
Great for phones and tablets
Best for: truly permanent offline use without subscriptions.
2) Maps.me
Offline maps based on OpenStreetMap
Downloads stay indefinitely
Navigation + search offline
Some routing quirks vs Organic Maps
Best for: casual offline use + point search offline.
3) OsmAnd
Very strong offline support
Downloads don't expire
Highly configurable routing (car, bike, hiking)
Optional paid plugins
Best for: advanced routing offline.
4) Locus Map (Android)
Offline maps that persist forever
Import GPX/KML easily
Great for hiking/backcountry
Best for: map nerds & outdoor use.
5) Guru Maps
Offline downloads don't expire
Clean interface
Supports custom KML overlays
Good all-around offline map app.
6) Gaia GPS
Offline packs that don't expire (as long as downloaded)
Excellent topo maps and layers
Subscription for premium layers
Best for: detailed topo and outdoor navigation.
7) Avenza Maps
Offline maps that do not expire
Works with geospatial PDFs
Good for professional use
Best for: official maps, survey, search/rescue.
What they all have in common
✅ Offline maps stay stored permanently
✅ No 30-day refresh requirement
➡️ You don't need connectivity once downloaded
Unlike Google Maps offline downloads, these are real offline storage, not temporary caches.
For planning: export your own
If you use Google My Maps or create custom waypoints:
Export to KML/KMZ
Import into Organic Maps / OsmAnd / Guru Maps / Gaia
Your custom layers stay offline and permanent
Best choice for most people
Organic Maps — free, simple, and permanent offline.
If you want advanced routing or topo layers, pick:
OsmAnd (great offline routing)
Gaia GPS (best outdoors, subscription)
Quick recommendations by use case
Use case
Best app
Permanent offline that never expires
Organic Maps
Car navigation offline
Maps.me / OsmAnd
Hiking / trails / GPS tracks
Gaia GPS / Locus
Import custom map files
OsmAnd / Guru Maps
Professional maps
Avenza Maps
If you tell me your device (Android/iPhone) and whether you need turn-by-turn navigation or just offline base maps, I'll tailor a step-by-step setup for you.

[eugenenine]

Another option is to create your own maps using Radio Mobile.  

Looks like its only windows, not easy to get running on a phone. Is the source available so one could port it somewhere decent?

[Z.O.R.G.]

I'm not sure.  It's freeware, but I don't believe I've ever seen source code for it, and I just check the site and I didn't see a link for it.  I've a win pc as part of my bugout preps and also have it installed on a USB drive so source code has never been a concern of mine.

[Skidjit]

I have also used this tutorial from S2 Underground about QGIS to create some custom maps at home with decent results.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=850LCN0KcNM

[eugenenine]

A nice simple one is https://viking-gps.github.io/

[Moab]

The best plan thus far. Please feel free to refute this or add additional information. But this based in deep research of all the available options. With an emphasis on the ability to create offline maps, back them up without any requirements that they be renewed, and be able to navigate using them with a mapping app in a cellphone without internet. As well as provide paper offline backups. 

Best offline map/navigation apps (for bug-out / disaster / long-term offline use):

1) Locus Map (Android)
   https://www.locusmap.app/premium/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
   https://www.locusmap.app/locus-maps-for-free/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2) OsmAnd (Android/iOS)
   https://osmand.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
   https://osmand.net/pricing?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3) Organic Maps (Android/iOS)
   https://organicmaps.app/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
   https://organicmaps.app/faq/bookmarks/how-to-import/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

4) Avenza Maps (Android/iOS)
   https://www.avenza.com/avenza-maps/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

5) HERE WeGo (Android/iOS)
   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.here.app.maps&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Not recommended for your full use case:

- Google Maps Offline
   https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com

- Google My Maps (not truly offline)
   https://support.google.com/maps/thread/11594655/i-created-a-map-on-my-maps-and-now-i-need-to-download-it-so-i-can-view-it-offline?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com

- Gaia GPS offline maps require subscription

   https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/articles/360047131513-Download-Maps-for-Offline-Use?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Recommended workflow:

- Build your routes and waypoints in GPX/KML.
- Load into two offline navigators: Locus Map *or* OsmAnd (primary) + Organic Maps (backup).
- Add a map file vault with Avenza (offline geoPDF/GeoTIFF).
- Validate offline before you need it (airplane mode test).

[eugenenine]

The other thing I do is drive my route(s). You want to be learn and be familiar with the area. You want to look for potential choke points. Take some detours and explore the area in between.
I'm still trying to figure out how/where to cache some supplies in the middle.