Mapping on the Go

For the past eight years I have been using navigation and mapping based on Open Street Maps (OSM) rather than the better known G**gle Maps.

At first I used Maps.Me, but that organisation was sold to a marketing and finance company. That's when I deleted the Maps.Me app and went over to Organic Maps. Organic Maps was founded by the same team that started Maps.Me, but the new app features no location tracking, no data collection, and no ads. You simply download the maps for where you are, then it runs without a data connection.

EDIT: It's also totally free!

There is a very good reason for using a navigation and mapping app based on OSM. Many organisations (including public authorities) use the maps and provide details. In some cases, especially where local authorities are involved, very detailed details.

This is what a general overview of Paris looks like on OSM.

 

Zoom in towards Place des Vosges

and again

and now, really zoom in

You will see that just about everything is marked: trees, playgrounds, seating, litter bins (trash cans), drinking fountains and fire hydrants. Move the map and you would see post boxes, bollards, shops, hotels, footpaths, bike paths, museums, restaurants, pay parking machines, underpasses, tunnels... Just about everything.

And now... G**gle Maps. Because G**gle is all about profit you get shops and advertising, but only minimal tourist and geographical information.

This is what the same map looks like in Organic Maps.

In another blog post I have described how to use Organic Maps. Click here.