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Maps & GPS Navigation — OsmAnd?
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created by @mouseofleaves
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This app was mentioned in 123 comments, with an average of 3.37 upvotes
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Open street maps is wayy better, people just don't appear to know about it. That plus OSM doesn't record your visits to your dealer.
Why would you use OpenStreetMap if there is Google Maps?
There are free apps built upon OSM for all platforms.
OsmAnd for android is utterly fantastic.
#17: FWIW, you can solve the cell service problem with OsmAnd or Skobbler, which let you save entire states to your phone. I used the Southern Tier map set on that route, but I usually needed something supplemental to get to Warmshowers hosts or for the few times I went off-route. Battery became a big problem in several cases, and I still recommend paper maps. If you have an Android, I highly recommend that first app. Skobbler is probably the best choice for iPhone users.
Osmand works completely offline using only gps. you put in a destination and it gives you direction.
Bon matin! (je dis ça juste pour t'agacer! ��)
Open Street Map sur android permet de télécharger une province au complet (plus qu'une même). C'est ben pratique en tout temps, pour éviter de télécharger des données en LTE/4G. C'est une ressource que j'utilise depuis plusieurs années, autant en Amérique qu'en Europe. Icitte
I've used Osmand+ for over 3 years. It just keeps getting better. There is a free version that limits access to only 10 tilesets. The learning curve is a bit much for the casual user, but enthusiasts will have no problem figuring it out.
A couple of the config options are a little screwy, such as pointing to external SD card for maps downloaded from another source. The UX is decidedly NOT Material.
We were in Europe for 3 weeks with Osmand maps I downloaded before we left. Even though I had data and could use Google Maps, my wife preferred navigating with Osmand. Especially in Netherlands, Belgium and France, because the road data is very precise. Knowing which lanes to be in for turns a kilometer in advance saved my butt more than once.
Edit: add link to free
Download an app with offline maps, like the OpenStreetMap android app. I'm sure there's an iOS equivalent if you're an apple guy. You just download a region in advance, then you have a map of it and you can even get turn-by-turn directions to restaurants/landmarks/whatever or any geographic coordinates with no data coverage.
This app is what I used for a while. Takes a little bit to get used to but otherwise not too bad of an app. It works with gpx files but not all gpx files will be displayed in a correct manner so that it can be used for navigation though.
No, your not the only one. It is hard to get away from them; their service is good.
If you want to try getting more privacy, some pointers: - Maps can be replaced by OpenStreetMap. Apps are OsmAnd (and Maps.me; although that does a little spying). Osmand has a bit of learning curve (due to a lot of features), but it has lots of possibilities. And if you want to add something to the map, drop me a line or head over to /r/openstreetmap.
I've used Osmand on multiple trips through the US. Maps are kept up to date through monthly updates and it's always been pretty accurate and reliable.
I dont know why everyone is suggesting you do weird things with GPX files, but most apps like that can upload straight to OSM. OsmAnd and OsmTracker both can export direct to OpenStreetMap. Then when you're on the website editor, you just enable that in the data sources tab.
Alternately, there's a good chance you can find it on the Strava heatmap.
OSMAND is pretty good but i'm not sure it is worth it's price.
I like it because you can use downloaded maps instead of having to be online to navigate with it.
I've tried all of the ones mentioned here extensively and my choices are...
a. For offline navigation purposes, OsmAnd+ [link]
b. For online/realtime/traffic navigation, Google Maps or Waze. They are difficult to separate, but if data is an issue, Waze uses significantly LESS data than Maps for an identical journey, but Waze uses more battery.
Just wanted to post this as it was a lifesaver for me. The one I used was for Android, I haven't tried the iOS version.
The Open Street Maps App (Android)
You can download the full maps for offline use, it uses GPS which doesn't need an Internet connection.
I tried to use Google Maps, but that didn't work well due to needing an Internet connection in most cases when moving around.
I'll preface this by saying that I know Google Maps is king. I use it constantly when on my desktop. Unfortunately I don't have an always online phone with me, and there are times when I'm on a roadtrip in remote areas and lose reception. In those cases, I can't use Google Maps.
If you're like me, give OpenStreetMap a try. I've known about it for years, but I've always been skeptical about its accuracy. While on a road trip recently, I found myself needing direction ASAP. I downloaded an app onto my phone (OsmAnd specifically) and within minutes I was navigating, all free, all offline and surprisingly accurate!
I still use Google Maps, but when on the road, I've permanently switched to OpenStreetMap.
Hopefully this nugget of information might prove to be useful to someone :)
But it is free. I'm sorry I didn't link directly to it.
Here is the free play store version.
and Here is where they post their apks on the site I linked.
I think the free version limits you to downloading 10 regions or something. I think the apk from their site may be the full version, but don't quote me on that.
This isn't 100% true. Smartphones have a GPS receiver in them that receives the signals from GPS satellites. There are a few reasons why someone would say that GPS phones use. One reason is that Google maps does not preload map data for you. So if you try and pull up the maps without a cell signal, it will eventually show your blue dot in the middle of an empty screen. It knows your lat/lon but doesn't have a map to show it on. This can be solved by getting an app that preloads map data. Something free like open street maps or like onxmaps which is a paid app but it is aimed at hunters and shows property lines for public and private land. The other reason people may claim cellphones need a connection to make GPS work is that phones uses assisted GPS (A-GPS) This uses land based antennas to get a faster first fix. Normal GPS devices still need a bit of time to get a first fix after being turned on. So a phone can work as a standalone GPS. The disadvantages are that they are not rugged and the battery doesn't last as long. For some people that may be enough to make them get a dedicated GPS unit. For others, they may just get a tough case and a backup battery for their phone. A lot of new phones have GPS and GLONASS receivers along with an accelerator, gyroscope, compass, and barometer, so their GPS accuracy should rival most stand alone GPS units.
I really like OSMAND you can download by country and then it uses the GPS and your offline data
google maps can do this by region as well if I recall
open street maps android
There are apps where you can pre-download maps. GPS needs no cell signal; that's only to have the phone download and draw a map around where you are.
OsMand is one. ([link])
I haven't tried any personally, but have you tried OsmAnd Maps and Navigation? I don't think it's the prettiest app, but it uses OpenStreetMap which is open source maps "built by a community of mappers". It seems to have a lot of really nice features, including offline.
Für Strecken über 10 km nehme ich Runkeeper zum Aufzeichen. Strava hab ich mal probiert, hat mir aber subjektiv nicht zugesagt, obwohl es nicht schlechter ist.
Wenn ich eine neue Strecke plane, nutze ich immer den Routenplaner von Google Maps. Naviki war mal gut, aber spuckt mir mittlerweile nur noch Mist aus. Schade eigentlich.
Unterwegs hab ich dann OsmAnd mit Offlinekarten auf dem Telefon, für den Fall, dass ich mich mal in einem Funkloch verfahre.
Vor ein paar Jahren hatte ich mal einen Falk IBEX 40, also ein dediziertes Fahrradnavi, probiert und war maßlos enttäuscht. Die Routenführung war echt unter aller Kanone. Akkulaufzeit trotz unbeleuchteten Displays nur mittelmäßig. Wenn sich in der Zwischenzeit etwas getan hat, würde ich diesen Geräten nochmal eine Chance geben, aber wenn ich mir Bewertungen auf Amazon ansehe, gibt es auch heute noch kein gutes Fahrradnavi mit funktionierender Routenführung.
>OsmAnd costs money
Yes, and it's well worth it IMO. Other options are the free version or the F-Droid version which has all the features of the paid version.
>Maps.Me uses the open source data?
Yes, Maps.me uses the same OSM data as OsmAnd but it's not updated as frequently as OsmAnd and is funded by advertising. OsmAnd contains no advertising.
I use OsmAnd for navigation, and OSMTracker for recording trails. They work fine with no internet connection. I don't know how much use they'd be for biology field work but what I'm trying to say is that there are GPS apps that work fine without internet access.
No, it's free and opensource, both application and data: [link]
Limit is that you can have only 10 map downloads with free version (which is easy to extend, just uninstall app, leave maps, install it again and you get 10 more downloads.
And it is fully offline with downloaded maps, you also get to chose small maps with roads only or fully detailed maps with all features.
If you want to use navigation, I'd recommend OsmAnd - it supports offline maps and directions - with the free version you only get a few maps to download, but for biking, that should be just fine. For ride tracking, pretty much any ride tracking app will do.
osmAnd is a very technical open-source GPS solution. It may be worth checking out to see if it will do what you need. I don't know about the AT specific travels, but I would bet someone has a GPX file (that this app can upload and read) of the trail if not.
/r/openstreetmap
PSA: Do not use Google maps for this. They download the vectors offline, but unless it's within a certain zoom, not all of the street names (and obviously not places). It's entirely misleading, and you'll end up in a foreign country with a zoomed in map and no street names to navigate with. I did this is Florence a month ago and ended up totally lost because only the main street names were downloaded.
OSM is a much better app for reliability, even if their UI is abysmal. But it works.
Edit: They have had open bugs for years and haven't done anything to fix it.
Maybe look into OsmAnd. It seems to be similar and looks like you can choose what offline maps you want to download, which gives some more flexibility.
For anyone who likes to hike or backpack, look at OSMand, with its Topography Plugin. Runs completely offline with Open Street Maps. These people wouldn't have been lost if they where prepared.
If you want a separate pin for each location, with your note on the pin... you probably cannot use the Google Maps app for that, but you could construct a web page for use with maps.google.com or something in Leaflet. If it's a one-time thing then constructing a web page is your best bet.
As for the Google Maps app, if you want to use that then you should ask at a forum dedicated to it if one can craft a URL or KML file or something else (i.e. is what you want even possible). If it is possible then Tasker could help you, but if it isn't possible then Tasker won't make a difference.
One other way to do it, if you want it in an app on your phone, OsmAnd: it handles GPX files, you could probably just make a Waypoints file.
Ook al jaren een prima app op Android voor, OsmAnd, vooral op vakantie prettig om een land of regio alvast te kunnen downloaden wanneer je niet zeker bent van het bereik op locatie.
there's an app called osmand it has complete offline maps functionality (can browse and find directions completely offline). Takes a few gigabytes for the state of california. Don't leave home without it.
> Google Maps for nothing but sacrificing your data.
I use OSMand. It uses Open Street Maps and you can download whole countries so you can access the map without a connection.
OsMand maps: [link] does not require an internet connection for the GPS maps to work, you download them in advance, so if you wanted to use it as that, this app will do that for you. Alternately, as omtnt says, a chromecast remote, a media slinger to your TV, a webcam/cctv system for your home, mp3 player...etc...
I use: [link] osmand offline maps as I have an MTK phone with a GPS chip that may as well not be there. I just download the map for where I am/where I'm going and it does it fine with no GPS or internet connection. Maybe this would help?
Hello, I have walked and surveyed every walking track up Mt Barney. You can see the tracks here:
All these tracks were surveyed with either a Garmin 60CSx or Garmin 62s and are accurate to within 3 metres. I also have topographic data for Mount Barney in a format that is suitable for Garmin. You can access (and cache for offline use) this map on Android with OsmAnd and I understand there is an alternative for iPhone but I don't know what that is. I also build the openstreetmap data, including my own custom maps (e.g. Mt Barney topo) into a Garmin format (gmapsupp.img) each day, which I can send you a download link if you like (it's on my home server).
The South East Ridge is not much more difficult than the South Ridge. It has nicer views on the way up, there is a little bit of rock scrambling, and there is a flattening before reaching the East Peak. The gradient will be slightly higher, so you'll need a bit more fitness. You will see the turn to the SE Ridge with a tree marked with the letters SE. It is hard to miss if you are keeping an eye out for it.
I strongly recommend overloading yourself with water on the way up, then stashing (and waypointing!) as you turn up the SE Ridge. Since the walk to this turn is flat, your heavier pack won't be too much of a burden and you can be assured of a closer water source on the way down, whether you choose the South or SE Ridge to come down.
It is possible to turn early for the SE Ridge and make your own tracks a little until you intercept the SE Ridge track, but this is not going to save you very much time or effort.
Hope that helps.
I'm sorry I've never done it on my phone, I just keep seeing uNlp in f-droid updates (it thinks it's an update to Google Play Services) and thought I'd share.
From skimming the instructions, try searching on F-Droid for 'backend' and try the Mozilla backend?
Although reading through a bit closer it seems as this is for getting network location, not GPS location, so there may be something else wrong. Can you confirm GPS doesn't work with OsmAnd? As far as I know that accesses the GPS directly.
It also could be the case of your GPS having stale AGPS data, which would cause it to take up to 10-15 minutes to get a position. An easy way to update this data is by using GPS Toolbox and selecting Manage A-GPS Data in the menu.
Für sowas dann auch vielleicht ganz gut zumindest einen Kartendienst auf dem Handy zu haben der auch Offline funktioniert. Habe die gesamte NRW Straßenkarte von OpenStreetMaps (OsmAnd) drauf.
I think i tried that one in my search for offline maps and ended up going with OsmAnd Maps & Navigation instead for its offline, track making, etc.
I had a similliar problem with this phone. If you find a solution could you please post it here?
My solution, uninstalled google maps and installed OpenStreetMap that works much better (for me ofc). [link]
There's a few ways. You can export out of My Maps as a KML. Or you can create the route on Google Maps and save the URL. After that, load the kml or paste the Google Maps URL here with output format set as GPX. Then you can load the GPX up on OsmAnd, and now you have offline voice/visual navigation.
If you want to have a local copy of Google maps then zoom to an appropriate area on the map and on the "Search Google Maps" type "ok map" without the quotes. You will get the options to download and name the offline map.
Other Android apps you can use for offline maps:
The best way would be to get an English-language navigation (they do exist) from where you rent your car.
Another option would be to use OsmAnd on your smartphone (or if you have an iphone, an equivalent that uses Openstreetmaps), and then download offline korean maps and Wikipedia English POIs. Names are both in English and Korean, and most landmarks and main roads are there. It works 100% offline, offers turn-by-turn navigation, and is free which is nice. It's sometimes a bit wonky, but usually gets you to your destination.
Oh, and quick tip: TripAdvisor often has very incomplete addresses for landmarks, and still show them on a misleading map.
OsmAnd is great. Used it lots in UK and Europe, maps are good and importing gpx is easy. Interface takes bit getting used to but stick with it it's worth it. It has a cycling overlay built in that shows lots of official bike routes, like the NCN ones in UK.
Using high accuracy location settings will chew battery but the same applies with any map app, OsmAnd itself seems light on battery.
Google's location services have upped the ante, they use a better polling interval than before and will attempt cellular triangulation before GPS. The mixed-mode integration has some prediction logic thrown in as well, combined with the cache mode option, should be pretty usable. Disclaimer : I'm a mobile software engineer.
Alternatively, I've had huge success with OSM iterations, particularly with OsmAnd Maps
I use OsmAnd when navigating in Morocco, otherwise people just give approximations ('next to school X on road Y' or 'do you know mosque x? Go straight, take the second turn, and ask for Y')
The Open Street Map app works great offline if you have downloaded the appropriate map first :) Of course it will depend where you are going, but it is certainly worth checking out. I find the coverage of walking routes particularly helpful when in a new place.
Of course there are various offline apps aimed squarely at vehicle driving and routefinding-- I have tended to use NavFree, but it looks as though it is less free now.
<strong>OsmAnd</strong> - best android "offline" gps. It's also free and coordonate tracking is like 10m accurate. I've never been lost using it in Europe!
If you have an android phone you can install OsmAnd for offline maping, it let's you download a whole country or city I believe and does not require a data connection. It's what I used to find my way around Tokyo.
I use furkot ([link]) to make my routes. In the site, there is an option to export the file to GPX file. I then import the GPX file into OSMand app for my android phone. ([link]). I use that app because it is offline and uses no data. I use voice turn by turn navigation, but it also has on screen GPS directions but most of the time my phone is in my windshield pouch and I use bluetooth earbuds.
(android) Phone and app "OsmAnd". [link]
Let's you download maps beforehand. You can track your walk, overlay GPX. It uses the Open Maps err maps.
You can get navigation for walking (and driving) routes which show ETAs distance, elevation.
I used it doing Coast to Coast. Saved me when on top of some mountains in the Lakes at least twice.
Jag röstar också på Google Maps nu när den har stöd för det.
Jag har tidigare kört OSMAND för simpel navigering utanlands, den är inte ultimat men den är i alla fall offline. [link]
I recommend OpenStreetMap. It has more detail than Google Maps, includes many more trails, works totally offline, and is free.
I use OsmAnd
on IOS: here here here here here here here and for a slightly outdated list of lots of others see here
Android:
I use this one (over a million installs), but also:
here here here here here (over 5 million installs) here (over 10 million installs) here (also over 10 million installs) and for a larger and slightly outdated incomplete list see here.
Please note I have no real idea how to search for ios apps without an apple device, so I may not have found the most popular apps, nor could I find any indication of install numbers there.
Some mapping options:
- Openstreetmap -- the best, in my opinion
- Strava heat map -- shows common routes
- Google maps -- has a cycling route planner
There's also a mobile app called OsmAnd that has a decent cycle route planner.
Have a look at Osmand for offline maps, Offline Survival Manual, Solar Compass... Since all this apps are free and open source software, I recommend you to get them via F-Droid and not Google Play.
Its a database that many apps use. Think of it like Wikipedia for maps (in fact, they work together a lot).
The water thing is just a bit of trivia. A lot of people have decided to use it for humanitarian projects.
And as far as why you'd want to, in many countries it has a more accurate and detailed map than the others. France is one example (and one that surprised me).
For the web (view or edit): [link]
For Android: [link]
Or: [link]
Adding details on Android: [link]
Or a full blown Android editor: [link]
These work offline and are free:
- OSMAnd
- Nokia HERE
- Maps.Me
- Google maps (you have to redownload the area every 30 days)
Offline maps and GPS: [link]
Is there a local government agency that publishes maps? Locally (in NSW, Australia) they are the best source.
As a last resort you can print out Open Street Map data. I've just started using this app with the ($2) contour plugin which uses open street map data. Because the data is open source you can download large chunks (think a couple of GB for half the country) of it for offline use.
The topographic data is based on the SRTM dataset. Typically not the most precise data available but adequate for navigation.
Do you have an android phone? If so, download osmand (open street map android): [link]
It allows you to pre-download all the map data and POIs. It doesn't require any data connection. Instead of roaming, I would pick up a Lycamobile sim (free iirc) and prepaid data plan (10EUR for 4GB): [link]
Go to the Dutch bicycle route planner site: [link] and give it some waypoints. You can tweak the settings (for example I changed scenery and road type preferences, "samenstellen" on the right). Then save your route and export it as a GPX file (also KML if you want to look at the satellite view in Google Earth). Save the GPX file to your phone and open osmand. Set the route to follow along the GPX track file, switch vehicle type to bicycle and hit go! I bought a stem bag with clear top (similar to: [link]) which worked perfectly. I had a 10000mAh battery pack inside the pouch which was plenty of juice. Any other questions let me know!
I can send my GPX route tomorrow if you're interested. It was a fantastic loop starting and ending in Amsterdam with great views and cities along the way. My favourite part was the ride from Zandvoort to Leiden and Den Haag. There are sand dunes along the coast which are amazing to ride along. Also don't miss Kinderdijk!
Osmand has also free version available.
Some mapping options:
- Openstreetmap -- the best, in my opinion
- Strava heat map -- shows common routes
- Google maps -- has a cycling route planner
There's also a mobile app called OsmAnd that has a decent cycle route planner.
Check out this OSM app OsmAnd
Get OsmAnd. And possibly a sim card.
It's great that you are interested in taking up hiking and I wish you a lot of great experiences, but let's not get too much ahead of yourself... It would be quite a bit premature to think about a survival course after doing 11km in the Buda hills. Work your way up to 25-30kms in one day or do 60-80 over a (long) weekend and if you're still in love with the stuff, then start to entertain this idea. People who can comfortably do the latter are the ones who undertake such training as they look to expand their skill set even further.
Hungarian trails are well marked and you are never too far from civilization. For the very basics of survival skills, like starting a fire even WikiHow will suffice or just picking up a book - I don't know of any such courses available, but you won't need it.
For future reference, iKaland runs some prep mountaineering courses for their guests looking to conquer peeks 3000ms and above, but most of them, including the most basic ones are only running in the summer. And this org does theoretical and practical orienteering courses.
Until then:
Buy gear. Decathlon is fine, just don't buy the cheapest stuff. For later, only Mountex carries brands that are actually good and last a long time. A decent Merrell or Salomon shoe will more than suffice for a start. Plenty of lists are out there about what you should have in a kit, most of it is self-evident. Later when you've done a few hikes, you can pick up some merino for base layer. Exofficio or Smartwool for underwear. Mid and outer layers, backpack don't need to cost a fortune if your scope will be Hungarian trails. And don't forget the basic gadgets, like headlamp and powerbank. Later you can treat yourself with something nice, maybe an outdoor watch or proper GPS device (Garmin).
buy a hiking map at any bookstore and peruse this site. From Budapest, the Börzsöny and Pilis mountains are very popular. Try Börzsöny first, they have a nice network of forest trains, although most of them either don't run or only in a very limited capacity between November and March. There's a popular one going from Kismaros village to Királyrét in the forest, from where many trails start. Until the end of this month, they are still on their summer schedule, from November it will only go on weekends, every 2 hours.
download the OsmAnd app along with this custom tile, it containin Hungarian hiking routes and markers in a much deeper detail than the app itself
and happy hiking!
Hungary also has the so-called Blue Trail (Kéktúra) that crosses the mountainous areas of the country and is actually longer than Via Dinarica at 1165kms. Here are its stages. For when you are ready to take on multi-day hikes, just google 'turistaházak' or 'kulcsosházak' for a list of shelters and forest lodges.
As a hiker, I like a good app for that. OSMAnd for Android is great for trails.
Osmand for Android is what I use. Download World map and Philippine map, then use it offline.
OsMand is free [link]
GPS off-line bun, din experienta mea este [link]
Are hărți detaliate și e rezonabil ca mărime din punct de vedere al fișierelor downloadate.
I like Osmand, but there are many others.
Yeah, that's a good idea haha.
I guess I wasn't aware that there were other options, sorry about that!
See also [link] ... offline maps if you're worried about GSM service.
OSMAND - openstreetmap android - allows you to use the opencyclemap.org overlay and record gpx tracks. [link]
Osmand is nice too - not quite as pretty of an interface as HERE, but it's open source and uses data from OpenStreetMap.org, which you can contribute back to from inside the app if it pleases you.
Note that the full version is paid on Google Play. I think it's definitely a great cause to spend a few bucks on, but be aware that you can get the full version free on F-Droid if you'd like.
edit: It looks like the limitations of the free version on Google Play are that you're limited to 10 local downloads of maps for offline use (each download is basically a full state or country), and you don't have access to Wikipedia points-of-interest from inside the app. [source]
OsmAnd has full offline capability, but is a bit energy hungry. Not GMaps though ;)
Osmand, offline maps using OpenStreetMap.
Just download the files for the area you are interested in. Navigation is not as good as google maps, but way good enough. I need to cross borders regularly and do not want to pay roaming fees. Also my phone's battery last longer when using cards on the SD card rather than downloading them.
There are plugins as well, I use the one recording my current path from time to time.
Free version on the play store only has 10 map downloads, but you can update manually from the website (if I remember well you just need to remove the "2" in the file name).
There is a "~" version that has unlimited downloads but sends them anonymous usage stat, it is available from F-Droid if you want to automatically have updates.
I ended up buying the paid version on the playstore anyway.
There is a lot of parameters, so it can feel a bit complicated to use at the beginning, but worth it for me!
The maps are updated from OSM once a month I think.
I'm pretty sure OsmAnd does this. OpenStreetMaps is a great project to support, I recommend getting the paid version.
Open Street Maps is pretty great. You can download four maps for free, but I would suggest getting the full version. [link]
OsmAnd offline maps: [link]
melhor de sempre e podes usar offline
You can laugh about Russia's involvement in Maps.me but during the takeover there were some clear complaints from the users about the privacy implications. It seems that with the competition by other open source apps like Osmand, they have been pushed to address these concerns. Meanwhile the ability to contribute to OpenStreetMap through the Maps.me app is currently non-existent, so that part of the story will need interest from developers and some serious work to make a reality.
O OSMand também é porreiro e funciona offline usando dados gratuitos!
I haven't tried any personally, but when I was looking beforehand, I came across OsmAnd Maps and Navigation. I don't think it's the prettiest app, but it uses OpenStreetMap which is open source maps "built by a community of mappers". It seems to have a lot of really nice features, including offline. In fact, I'm going to try it out as a replacement for google maps.
If you have an iPhone you can view apps that use OSM on the wiki.