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GPS Application
- Thread starter yjsk2100
- Start date
Hi yjsk2100,
GPS (Global Positioning System) is what navigation apps use to carry out the function of providing you with directions for travelling by vehicle or foot.
Google Maps is one of many such apps and is probably the best known because, as far as I know, it is pre-installed on most, if not every, Android device. The significant drawback with Google Maps is that although it is possible to download limited map areas they cannot, as yet, be used off line for navigation, so you need to have a data connection open for the duration of your journey, which can mean considerable mobile data usage.
There are navigation apps available in Playstore which allow downloading of comprehensive maps, usually on a country basis, into your device storage by wifi, prior to your journey, which can then be used off line, thus incurring no mobile data usage.
These apps fall into two main categories - free and paid for. Beyond that, the 'best' app is very subjective and depends on each individuals personal requirements.
From my own experience I can suggest two fully functioning navigation apps which you could try. The first is OsmAnd (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand ) which has a free version with a limit of 10 map downloads and a paid for version with unlimited downloads (£4.99 when I purchased it about two years ago). I use this app for hill/fell-walk navigation and find it exceptionally good for this particular activity.
For road navigation I use Navigate ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.route66.maps5 ) by Route66. The app and maps are free to download and can be used for route planning and general mapping with a 30 day trial for navigation and you purchase a 'perpetual' licence to continue the use for navigation - the price varies depending on country/region required. This app is not suitable for off-road/hill walking activities, but I find it exceptionally good for road navigation - coming back to my point of subjectiveness.
You can try both of these with no initial cost to see if you like them.
Other than those two examples there are many more available in Playstore for you to research.
There are also a number threads here on Android Forums where the pros and cons of various apps are discussed eg :-
http://androidforums.com/threads/my...d-offline-gps-navigation-applications.806872/
Hope this helps.
GPS (Global Positioning System) is what navigation apps use to carry out the function of providing you with directions for travelling by vehicle or foot.
Google Maps is one of many such apps and is probably the best known because, as far as I know, it is pre-installed on most, if not every, Android device. The significant drawback with Google Maps is that although it is possible to download limited map areas they cannot, as yet, be used off line for navigation, so you need to have a data connection open for the duration of your journey, which can mean considerable mobile data usage.
There are navigation apps available in Playstore which allow downloading of comprehensive maps, usually on a country basis, into your device storage by wifi, prior to your journey, which can then be used off line, thus incurring no mobile data usage.
These apps fall into two main categories - free and paid for. Beyond that, the 'best' app is very subjective and depends on each individuals personal requirements.
From my own experience I can suggest two fully functioning navigation apps which you could try. The first is OsmAnd (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand ) which has a free version with a limit of 10 map downloads and a paid for version with unlimited downloads (£4.99 when I purchased it about two years ago). I use this app for hill/fell-walk navigation and find it exceptionally good for this particular activity.
For road navigation I use Navigate ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.route66.maps5 ) by Route66. The app and maps are free to download and can be used for route planning and general mapping with a 30 day trial for navigation and you purchase a 'perpetual' licence to continue the use for navigation - the price varies depending on country/region required. This app is not suitable for off-road/hill walking activities, but I find it exceptionally good for road navigation - coming back to my point of subjectiveness.
You can try both of these with no initial cost to see if you like them.
Other than those two examples there are many more available in Playstore for you to research.
There are also a number threads here on Android Forums where the pros and cons of various apps are discussed eg :-
http://androidforums.com/threads/my...d-offline-gps-navigation-applications.806872/
Hope this helps.
Last edited:
steiny180
Android Enthusiast
My favorite, and I've used them all - the free offline GPS navigators, that is.
Free offline GPS navigation and free offline unlimited maps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapfactor.navigator
Free offline GPS navigation and free offline unlimited maps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapfactor.navigator
yjsk2100
Newbie
I downloaded Navigate by Route 66. Just doing the trial period. I was trying out MapFactor Navigator free but not really sure how to get that to work. I can find one location but not sure how to do driving directions from one place to another. Still in seeking out process but thanks for the responses I got.
Hi, I'd like to know how you get on with Navigate. I've used it for about three years now and can't fault it.
steiny180
Android Enthusiast
Search for your departure location via the google search option in Mapfactor Navigator.
Long press on the match and set it as the departure.
Search for your destination location via the google search option.
Long press on the match and set it as the destination.
If you'd like to save the departure and/or destination locations, select add to favorites after the long presses.
A great little free offline navigation app once you get used to the interface...