June 14, 2021
Introduction
It is important for me to read more articles about GPS offline maps, so that I can have basically understanding how to use offline maps.
Best Offline GPS Map Apps for Android & iOS (2017)
By Karrar Haider in Mobile. Updated on .
GPS Maps and navigations apps have totally changed the way we travel these days. You can have access to turn-by-turn navigation, complete traffic update, the best route to a destination, hotels nearby and many other types of handy road information, all in the palm of your hand.
However, almost all of these apps require an internet connection to offer their services, and internet is a luxury that isn’t available everywhere.
If you want to be guided in an area without an internet connection or if you have limited data plan, then you should get a maps app that supports offline maps. And today, I will introduce you to 8 of the best offline map apps, for both Android and iOS platforms, that’ll be a great help when the internet quits on you.
1. HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo is one of the most popular offline maps apps that has reliable online and offline features. It lets you download the complete map of a whole country with support for over 100 countries. The offline maps have full turn-by-turn voice navigation support with details on each aspect of the area.
The app focuses on helping you with your commute by automatically suggesting transit options as well as get the cheapest deals on public transits and car-sharing.
I am sure you will love it’s dedicated guidance based on the transit method you are using, such as how hilly the route is if you are on a bike or offer step-by-step navigation when you are on foot.
2. GPS Navigation & Maps Sygic
This app by Sygic is known for its 3D offline maps that offer great details without any data charges. 3D maps minimize the chances of going into a wrong street, and the maps and details come from TomTom, which is known for its accurate guidance and traffic details.
The app offers accurate turn-by-turn navigation for offline areas. Some of its other features include dashcam access, speed camera warnings, parking suggestions, dynamic lane guidance, and a cool Head-up Display feature that lets you see the map details on your car’s windscreen.
3. Google Maps
Google Maps is definitely the most famous and sought-after maps app and comes by default for most Android phones. It also includes an offline navigation feature, that, however, is a bit limited as compared to most of the other apps in this list.
You are only allowed to save an offline area of 120,000 square kilometers. Even though you can save multiple areas, but this limitation may affect many international travelers.
The main reason why Google beats every other app is its extensive information on maps of over 220 countries, where others hardly support over 100 countries. Like most other apps, Google Maps does a great job of showing places of interest, offering advice on transit mean, 3D maps and much more.
4. CoPilot GPS – Navigation
CoPilot is one of the coolest apps dedicated to drivers, and all of its features are there to help car drivers in optimal driving. It allows you to download a map of a specific region or a country with complete details of POIs and turn-by-turn voice navigation.
It has built-in powerful route planning feature as well as an “ActiveTraffic” feature that automatically manages your commute based on real-time traffic conditions without your manual intervention.
Unfortunately, most of CoPilot features are locked behind a paywall with a 7-day free trial. You will only get free offline navigation for a single region, however, more regions can be downloaded as in-app purchases. Some advanced features like ActiveTraffic also require an in-app purchase.
5. MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME takes a rather simple approach of offering navigation and only offers the essential features. Although its offline maps feature is quite reliable and lets you download any number of maps of countries and regions for free.
It uses OpenStreetMaps for fetching data and updates the app as the OpenStreenMaps data is updated by the million of users.
It also compresses downloaded maps to ensure it takes less space and the app itself is quite light. Although POI data and traffic data are included, but it isn’t as advanced or reliable as some of the other dedicated map apps.
Download app for Android | iOS
6. Offline Maps & Navigation
Indicated by its name, Offline Maps & Navigation is created to work offline using the phone’s GPS. You just need to download the maps once and rest is handled by this app. It offers turn-by-turn voice navigation, automatic map updates, fixed speed camera warnings, 3D view, POI data and complete track recording.
It also has a handy night and day mode that changes app theme to suit day and night timings. If you only need a navigation app for offline use, then Offline Maps & Navigation is a good option.
Download app for: Android
Price: Free/ advanced features available as in-app purchases
7. Polaris GPS Navigation
This app is specifically created for off-road daredevils who’re always on an adventure. Whether you are a hiker, sailor, hunter, camper, biker or involved in any other outdoor activity, Polaris GPS Navigation is your best friend. It offers offline GPS navigation to many off-road areas with handy tools that will help you in the wild.
It has a built-in magnetic compass, odometer, altimeter, speedometer, chronometer, multiple GPS tools, waypoint navigator, annotation tools and dozens of other tools to help you in your outdoor adventures. I was also amazed by dozens of official resources it uses to offer guidance, such as Google Maps, hiking maps, and NOAA Marine Charts, etc.
Download app for: Android
Price: Free
8. MapOut
MapOut is a highly customizable maps app for iOS that gives you full control over your maps. You can draw on the maps and create your own waypoints to follow. You can also download maps of complete regions and navigate places, streets and even mountains offline in both 2D and 3D views.
MapOut is mainly created for adventurers who like to take matters into their own hands. It can also do a reliable job of offering on-road navigation if required. Some of its features include, track recording, topological maps, tilt based 3D view, OpenGL accelerated map rendering and more.
Download app for iOS
Price: $4.95
A quick roundup
I personally use Google Maps for offline navigation, thanks to its reliable vast data on locations. Although, if you are an international traveler who depends on offline maps, then HERE WeGo and Sygic Maps would work better for you. I will also recommend you to check out Offline GPS & Navigation app if you need something that completely focuses on offline navigation.
