Almost every person at least once in their life has encountered a situation where the Internet on their phone has “ended” or does not work, but they need to find the right street or house right now? In addition, recently there have been more frequent cases of GPS failures and building the right short route is a real problem.
It is worth remembering that offline maps are not omnipotent, and if your GPS fails, it is best to be able to navigate the map “in advance”. For example, if you are planning a short route from point A to B when traveling by car, then it is worth looking in advance at which route this or that map will lead you. The same applies to walking.
We have compiled a list of 10 offline maps for smartphones on Android and iOS, which will allow you to choose your best navigator for your phone, listed the pros and cons of each.
Google Maps
The most obvious map option, available on every smartphone. By default, many gadgets have Google maps installed right out of the box. These maps can be used both with the Internet and offline. The only thing you will need to do is download the region you have chosen in advance. Thus, if you are going on a trip, say, to Tbilisi, then do the following:
- Open the google maps app on your phone;
- Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner;
- Find the “Offline Maps” item;
- Next, the application will prompt you to select the required section of the map for downloading;
- Select the section you need and click “Download”.
In the screenshots we have analyzed an example on a phone with an Android system. The procedure for iPhone will be the same.
Pros :
- Free, accessible and distributed on many gadgets;
- User-friendly interface;
- Details – almost all buildings and structures are listed (the note “almost” is here because after 2022 Google will not officially update information about buildings/organizations in the Russian Federation);
- Reviews from real users on various organizations and catering establishments;
- Offers different route options – on foot, by car, by public transport (bus/metro);
- There is information about traffic jams on the roads, shows the location of public transport.
Minuses :
- You need to take care of downloading the required region in advance;
- Does not always build the most optimal (read as “short”) route option;
- Data is current as of 2022;
- There are few relevant reviews of organizations/establishments from Russian-speaking users.
Yandex maps
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: timeweb.com / Yandex maps
For Russia, one of the best options will be Yandex maps. Data is entered quickly, all buildings and organizations will be reflected on the map.
Pros :
- You can plan a route taking into account public transport and even a bicycle/scooter with an accuracy of up to the minute;
- Convenient tracking of the required bus/tram route;
- Traffic jam forecast;
- Road markings taking into account signs;
- Voice navigator with advance warning of turns;
- Detailed information about the organizations, including the time until the establishment closes.
Minuses :
- The first three pluses do not work offline;
- There is not such detail for European/USA countries as for the CIS;
- They do not moderate user reviews that may contain either offensive or inaccurate information;
- Rarely, but there are failures in route construction, when you are led along a path that is initially closed to pedestrians. Especially in small towns.
- If your GPS is out of order, it can take you quite far from your desired route.
2 GIS
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: forbes.ru / 2GIS application on the phone
The most convenient application for offline maps, in the humble opinion of the author of the article, 9+ years of its use cannot lie. Always up-to-date data (major changes are made to the maps every month), fast and optimized work even on old versions of phones. It is very easy to find and add your reviews on everything, as well as photos, for example, of your house/yard, and even correct inaccuracies yourself. Just click “Report a data error” in the organization card and the developers will promptly send you a response by e-mail.
Screenshot CQ.ru / Report an inaccuracy in the card
Downloading offline maps is extremely simple here. In the application, tap the ☰ icon, then you need the “Download cities” section. Using the search, enter the area/city you are interested in, download and enjoy convenient navigation.
Pros :
- Detailed information about all routes/places/establishments in the Russian Federation;
- Convenient navigator for moving around by car/bicycle;
- New section with friends’ marks: you can see where your friend is on the map;
- There is online tracking of public transport (for large cities);
- Rating of establishments and reviews.
Minuses :
- Without timely updates, it may glitch (for example, if you haven’t had the Internet/updates on your phone for 2-3 months);
- When it freezes, it crashes, resetting the route;
- When searching and changing the map scale, it may not show all establishments in the specified area.
OsmAnd
- Download : Play Market
Source: YouTube / OsmAnd Logo
This application is more focused on hikers who prefer active recreation – hiking on rough terrain, rafting on rivers and the like. The main advantages here are precisely in tracking and recording tracks (routes of movement) taking into account the landscape, altitude, descents and ascents.
Pros :
- Shows paths in forests, even in the wilderness;
- Convenient widgets about the distance traveled, speed of movement and other indicators;
- You can save your routes (including without a network) and download existing ones in GPX or KML formats (if there is no Internet, it is better to think about the second point in advance);
- Compass and radius ruler;
- There is a “night” theme.
Minuses :
- No iOS version:
- There are paid features (unlimited map downloads, terrain, Wikipedia and weather);
- Outdated data for the Russian Federation;
- Users in the Russian Federation do not have access to feedback from developers.
Guru Maps
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: gurumaps.app / Guru Maps Logo
Guru Maps is similar to the previous application, as it is very convenient to build routes for hiking trips. Offline maps, search and navigation are available to users. Tracks can also be saved and downloaded.
Pros :
- Different tracks can be marked with different (up to 7) colors, and the color can be changed for different heights;
- Good optimization and speed of the application;
- Alternative routes in addition to the main one.
Minuses :
- The free version only provides 15 markers/tracks and 3 offline maps;
- The developers are quite slow in responding to user difficulties, and updates are also not frequent.
Maps.Me
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: fstoppers.com / Maps Me on smartphone
One of the most popular map apps after Google Maps. You don’t even need an account (but it’s better to sign up) to enjoy all the benefits of offline maps without ads.
Pros :
- You can download your layers/marks from Google (via the My Maps utility), as well as upload your updated maps to your Google Maps profile;
- Takes up less memory than competitors;
- Good optimization;
- Automatically change from day to night theme.
Minuses :
- A paid subscription is required if you want to download more than 10 regions;
- Non-intuitive interface and inconvenient menu layout;
- It is possible to interrupt the route recording;
- Some updates may delete your tags (developers recommend backing up your app data).
CityMaps2Go
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: Google Play / CityMaps2Go
A detailed offline map with travel tips. The developers position it primarily as a guide. They also offer to develop a route specifically for your needs. You just need to send them an email.
Pros :
- Conveniently mark your favorite places (restaurants, hotels, etc.);
- All online map functions work offline (search, reviews);
- Live update of maps and locations with user participation.
Minuses :
- There is no up-to-date information on the Russian Federation;
- There is no Russian language.
MapFactor
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: medium.com / MapFactor application interface
MapFactor is a navigator that you can install on your phone and use without the Internet. With this application, you can connect to Android Auto, which means you can download it to Android tablets. Users especially note that this application is convenient for drivers of large vehicles on long trips abroad.
Pros :
- Ability to block a specific section of the map/route to avoid building a track through it;
- A voice navigator that will warn you about installed speed cameras/recorders, as well as about exceeding the speed limit established by the regulations;
- Free monthly update of map data.
Minuses :
- Large “weight” of cards;
- Maps are created by users via OSM, so there may be inaccuracies.
Sygic
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: eshop.sygic.com / Sygic Navigator Interface
Like previous representatives of offline maps, this application helps you quickly navigate the roads. Sygic will tell you turns, draw your attention to maps and speed limits, and even tell you the lane to change lanes. Moreover, this navigator can also tell you about parking, especially if you are not oriented in an unfamiliar city and do not know where the paid parking is. But you know English, at least.
The app has Dashcam (aka recorder) and Real View functions – augmented reality for safe driving. However, they are available in the paid version.
Pros :
- Convenient search through filters;
- You can search for tours, excursions and cruises in travel destinations;
- Built-in guide and Wikipedia for different cities;
- Sync across multiple devices.
Minuses :
- The application is paid, a subscription is required for full functionality of offline maps;
- There is no Russian language;
- It may “glitch” and show the name of a different street in the place where you are;
- There is no update for the Russian Federation.
Organic Maps
- Download : Play Market , App Store
Source: flathub.org / Organic Maps logo and look
Convenient offline maps without ads, which you can edit yourself if you find an inaccuracy. You can do this on the OpenStreetMap service, where users themselves create maps and fill them with data.
Pros :
- Large amount of data available offline;
- Good work of the application without deviations in location;
- Useful for both drivers and hikers;
- Convenient navigation, even if you are in the forest;
- Fast response from developers.
Minuses :
- Low detail in areas with low population density;
- There is no automatic change to night theme when you are viewing the map without moving.
You can choose the application that is convenient for you from the 10 that we have listed in the article. We wish you not to wander in search of the right path!