MyTracks (and I assume the others) only use the cell network to display the street map. GPS tracking continues even when you have no cell coverage.

Can My Tracks use a locally stored map instead of a live, online map?

tcpasley

Reduce, reuse, rebicycle

I’ve been using Sportypal for the past few months to map my routes. I like the app but I’ve noticed that distances tend to measure a little short. Most of the error is caused by rounding corners between gps coordinates. Over the course of a 5 mile run (including almost a dozen 90 degree turns) the distance will be off by about a quarter mile. Not a lot, but it's a phone's GPS so this probably is ok.

Once a workout is uploaded to the web, the software allows me to edit the route. The process is simple but a little time consuming. After editing, the distance is usually right on target.

Mytrack is the one and only. It does the job so easily at any given time.
I love using it when going home, as am not riding at very high speed.
It uploads very fast on googlemaps giving you easy job whenever you are going places.

I don't think SportyPal requires any cell or 3G connection (My 3G is turned off). It does need the GPS active at all times though.