Google Maps is an application created by the cooperative giant Google, this has designed for its users this GPS system that allows you to see your current location, as well as see other places or get directions on how reach these same ones.
This is a tool that comes predefined on all or almost all Android devices. Its success has led it to become the market leader, not only for coming installed natively, but also for containing a wide range of options and uses that makes it very attractive for its users.
But you should know that in addition to it, there are also other apps that can work as GPS. The reason why some alternatives are sought is because of the issue of privacy, because you may not want this company’s algorithms to know where you are or what you are looking for. So in this tutorial we will show you what are the best alternate tools you can use.
Index:
What is it, what is it for and how does Google work? Maps?
It is an application that gives its users the opportunity to view the map of a specific area, either the current location of the user or one that the user wants to know.
>
This allows you to discover the location of a place, some routes or the route of the area, to facilitate the transfer of the person to the place you want. It works by providing to the individual with information about the location, this can be reflected through real images of the place of interest, as well as through of a virtual or real map with satellite photographs of different points.
In addition to this it facilitates the user to know addresses, so that in this way they can better locate those places they are looking to visit and which they do not know how to get exactly.
Advantages
Google Maps has a number of advantages that help it position itself as a good alternative to be used as a global positioning system (GPS) , among them we can name:
- It is very simple to use.
- It has the ability to zoom in or out to get a better view of the map.
- Delivers a lot of information about different places in the world.
- It can show routes to reach different locations from your current location.
- You can print, send or link the maps.
Disadvantages
It should be noted that this will depend on the experience of each person with the app. Although the disadvantages offered by the service are currently few, some can be mentioned.
- Requires an Internet connection.
- Google Street View is not yet complete, so it only offers some cities.
- The speed at which you load the map and locations depends a lot on the navigation speed of the user’s device.
There are many Google Maps alternatives that can be used on Android and iOS devices, each of these can be better compared to others, so you can try all you want and stay with the one that best suits your needs. Among these options we can name the following:
OpenStreetMap.org
This application can be used from the browser or used as an application for Android and iOS. It allows you to easily print maps or share them with friends.
The app can store images and data as if they were a phone number. However, private data is not stored. The program is financed through donations and it requires some type of advertising. In order to use the application without internet you must download the cartographic material, which can consume a lot of memory.
Maps.me
This tool has many details that Google Maps lacks, for example, contains categories such as leisure, hotels, restaurants and food. A very striking feature is that if you select the category “food” and after this you choose the type of food preferred, the app will show you nearby restaurants that offer this selection.
The only drawback with this is that the routes are not accurate and in many cases different deviations are shown. The app needs a lot of storage space, but you can download maps of places or cities, so which allows you to use it abroad or when you have no data connection.
The application Navmii GPS World is a free software, it uses the OpenStreetMap maps. You can store the maps offline once they are manually downloaded if they are downloaded manually decides, allowing them to be opened and used without problems.
In online mode, the program combines a voice guidance navigation system, real-time traffic and road data, that is, it informs you of everything at the moment and many other information that can be very important when driving.
Waze.com
The maps provided by this application are not free, but are subject to Google’s license as well as those of Google. It is available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone . Its main function is to provide data on the current traffic situation.
HERE WeGo
The main feature of this tool is that its maps are free and available offline in almost 100 countries for Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS. It should be noted that satellite images are only available in online mode, among other things. The application has an easy-to-use route planner.
You can also provide route descriptions, data on traffic conditions and all types of transport such as subway, train, bus, etc., as well as detailed urban maps of more than 1,300 cities around the world.
Maps 3D Pro
The platform can only be downloaded from the App Store for 4.99 euros . One of its most special features is GPS navigation for sedentary and cyclists. This can be used both in offline mode and in airplane mode, which translates into considerable data savings.
Citymapper.com
Citymapper is not an application as complete as Google Maps can be, but without a doubt it shows all its users a great variety of information to use public transport such as buses, trains or meters. p>
Bing Maps
This belongs to Microsoft and is an alternative to Google Maps that can be used without problems, as it provides similar features to this. It is an ideal option for those who are looking for something more in terms of visual appearance.
MOOVIT
It is a very curious tool. This was designed in a special way for those people who use public transport frequently. It has its own desktop version so you can find the best routes to move around the city in an efficient way .