Good free offline maps app

[e9999]

I don't know about you but I think that Google maps leave much to be desired when it comes to offline maps. Sure, you can sort of do a bit but -when I last tried- there was limited ability to store offline maps, which you had to do a bit at a time, and you could not do directions well without cell data.

A bit puzzling considering that many years ago I had a not so smart cell phone from Nokia that would do fantastic offline maps all for free. I travelled all over in Europe with those, no cell data needed, which at the time was a big deal. These maps were through Navteq IIRC.

Well, lo and behold, it looks like Nokia/Navteq maps are back. There is a new app called "Here" in beta mode that does just that. It may be called "Here Beta" for now actually. It's available for some Android Samsung phones already and more soon I read. I tried it and it works very well. You can download maps for the US states individually and other countries for free. They work nicely offline, at least what I've tried, including directions. Easy finger zooming, great graphics, shows speed limits etc. Just got to have enough storage cuz they add up. I think California was something like 450MB. I don't know if they cover much offroad overall but at least locally they do show some remote dirt roads.

Anyway, if you are frustrated with Google maps for offline use, try those. Here Beta. I think I downloaded it from the Samsung app store.

 

[little_joe]

A big +1 to Here on Android. Quick internet search will find the installable apk, which can be used on most any recent Android device.

I still use Nokia Maps (online + offline) on my Nokia N9, which is my daily device. But now that it's available for Android, I may finally retire the glorious N9.

Also, check out OSMAnd for Android, free and paid versions - includes many different map options incl topo, online and offline.

 

[OregonLC]

Just started using Waze. No opinion yet, like the community feedback aspect.

 

[e9999]

Read that Here is now available for other phones too.

 

[BMThiker]

For iOS devices I've been using Ulmon Pro - CityMaps2Go and MotionX-GPS.

CityMaps2Go allows you to download nearby counties, or search regional maps while you have data signal and download them. Then you can see all when you are off network. Routing/Directions are limited though.

MotionX behaves more like your Garmin handheld GPS. It's only as smart as what you give it ahead of time and typically easier through iTunes sync. But it does work when you have no data/cell signal.

 

[IanB]

I use "Topographic Maps of Canada" on my iphone, it's a free app, and you need to download maps to the phone so there are available offline. A bit cumbersome to DL maps for a large area, but it works pretty well. Obviously only for Canada though.

 

[Elbert]

for street convenience...Google maps works very well, at home or in mobile use as long as you have a cell signal. You can print out directions..etc. For topo stuff I've never tried it...I know it will show satellite view...etc, but as I recall I don't think it really is useable for topo/off-road. Or if it shows you off road....you would just have the nearest pavement as a landmark....however far that might be.

 

[crissoni]

For iOS I use MotionX GPS (real GPS) or MotionX GPS Drive (similar to Google Maps). You can pre-download maps of areas to your device so no cell service is needed.

You can import GPS tracks/Google Earth as well.

 

[nitrag]

I'm developing an Offroad App that has offline map capability. Need testers. I only have most of Southern Colorado trails mapped at this point so if you would like to test it elsewhere you will need to send me your tracks. Thanks!

 

[e9999]

I'm developing an Offroad App that has offline map capability. Need testers. I only have most of Southern Colorado trails mapped at this point so if you would like to test it elsewhere you will need to send me your tracks. Thanks!

LOL! Clever!

 

[Rob Tozier]

How do I signup to beta test for you?

 

[surfpig]

for street convenience...Google maps works very well, at home or in mobile use as long as you have a cell signal. You can print out directions..etc. For topo stuff I've never tried it...I know it will show satellite view...etc, but as I recall I don't think it really is useable for topo/off-road. Or if it shows you off road....you would just have the nearest pavement as a landmark....however far that might be.

google maps is useable for offroad but you have to download and save the maps for the area you want to go and it's real klunky. mrs surfpig accidentally erased the map we had saved on our last trip so we were stuck in the middle of a part of bumfuk Nevada we had never been without a useable map. And I was out of beer.



So yeah, I'm looking for a good app too.

 

[BMThiker]

If I'm headed to uncharted off highway territory, I tend to use GPS and topo paper maps that I print/markup during the planning stages. If nothing else I can see my live track on the GPS and match it with features on the topo map. I generate my paper maps with Delorme Topo and I prefer it for its markup ability and readability.

 

[thecanadiangq]

I have used MotionX and its awesome! I got it when it was free, I believe its only $.99 now but I could be wrong. Nice thing about MotionX is if you get the app on an Ipad that is able to accept a simcard it has the gps built in, that being said DO NOT get the data plan turned on unless you would use the Ipad for other uses. You can load the maps via wifi and because the Ipad is enabled with the GPS it will automatically track you on the loaded and un loaded maps.

 

[RhinoFZJ80]

Avenza PDF Maps

 

[woody]

I've been trying out Sygic on my Android phone, and am thus far impressed. Download the maps for each state (or country) and navigate away. The "paid" version adds some features (that you also get during the 7 day trial) but the paid version is only $20/lifetime. Lane notifications, notices for the next fuel stop or exits, etc.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura&hl=en

 

[rusty_tlc]

I've been trying out Sygic on my Android phone, and am thus far impressed. Download the maps for each state (or country) and navigate away. The "paid" version adds some features (that you also get during the 7 day trial) but the paid version is only $20/lifetime. Lane notifications, notices for the next fuel stop or exits, etc.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura&hl=en

Doesn't look like they offer topo maps?

 

[doug720]

Check out ScenicMaps.

I use it on a Ipad 1 and have found it works really well. You get download free maps from the USFS, BLM and USGS. You have 6 map type/view options too. I have the entire West coast East to the Eastern Colorado border from Mexico to Canada and have only used about 30G of a 64G Ipad and it has lots of pictures, videos and more on it also.

 

[re_guderian]

I've been trying out Sygic on my Android phone, and am thus far impressed. Download the maps for each state (or country) and navigate away. The "paid" version adds some features (that you also get during the 7 day trial) but the paid version is only $20/lifetime. Lane notifications, notices for the next fuel stop or exits, etc.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura&hl=en

and you can get a Home Simpson voice for navigation!!! What's not to like about that???

 

[surfpig]

and you can get a Home Simpson voice for navigation!!! What's not to like about that???