The Route back feature on devices like the HUAWEI watch is designed to help users navigate back to their starting point or any point along their route during an outdoor workout. This feature records the route taken and provides guidance to return to previous locations. However, the specific details about whether it requires a data connection to function are not explicitly mentioned in the available information.
Generally, features that record and navigate routes can often work offline if they store the necessary data locally on the device. For example, many GPS devices and apps can record and navigate routes without an internet connection once the initial route data has been downloaded or stored locally. However, if the feature relies on real-time data updates or dynamic routing adjustments based on external data (like traffic updates), it might require a data connection.
In the case of the HUAWEI watch's Route back feature, it seems likely that it could work offline since it involves recording and navigating back along a previously taken route, which typically doesn't require real-time internet access. However, without specific confirmation from the manufacturer or user documentation, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer.
For most offline navigation features, users typically need to ensure that the necessary maps and route data are downloaded to their device before heading into areas without internet access. This allows them to use the navigation features independently of a data connection. If the Route back feature on the HUAWEI watch follows this pattern, it should work offline once the route has been recorded.
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/komoot/comments/1dnfctk/i_want_my_routes_offline_and_to_stay_there/
[2] https://www.portatour.com/blog/en/work-offline-with-the-portatour-route-planner/
[3] https://support.route4me.com/manually-synchronizing-pending-data-android/
[4] https://forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/7355/creating-a-new-route-while-offline
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whNlnm6mprE
[6] https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/3.2/help/production/location-referencing-pipelines/offline-event-data-collection-and-editing-with-field-maps.htm
[7] https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/4419560659355-Offline-Maps
[8] https://forum.myrouteapp.com/topic/5090/offline-navigation-two-meanings-how
[9] https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/content/en-us15760190/
[10] https://forum.kurviger.com/t/help-with-offline-mode/19576
[11] https://apple.gadgethacks.com/how-to/create-custom-offline-routes-for-walks-and-hikes-apple-maps-0385615/