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In a tragic incident on Saturday night, three men from Uttar Pradesh lost their lives when their taxi plunged off an incomplete bridge over the Ramganga River in Faridpur, Bareilly district. The victims were traveling from Gurugram to Bareilly and had been using Google Maps to navigate from Dataganj in Budaun to Faridpur via Khallpur. Unaware of the bridge's unfinished state, their reliance on the navigation system ended in disaster, raising serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of GPS navigation systems like Google Maps, especially in areas with incomplete or misleading infrastructure data.

This incident sheds light on the growing issue of over-reliance on digital maps, prompting an important question: Is using online navigation systems like Google Maps always the best choice? What about when there's no internet? Here's a comparison of Google Maps' online and offline features to help you navigate the risks and benefits.

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Online maps connect to Google's servers to provide real-time data, such as traffic updates, route optimisation, and local business information. These maps rely on continuous internet connectivity to function, which can be a double-edged sword.

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Offline maps, in contrast, download a specific area of the map, allowing users to navigate without needing an active internet connection. This can be a lifesaver in areas with limited connectivity.

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Ultimately, whether you rely on Google Maps online or offline depends on your specific needs and location. While online maps provide real-time updates and a wealth of features, offline maps offer a reliable backup in areas where connectivity is an issue. As we continue to integrate these tools into our daily lives,