I use OSM and Organic Maps, but I have difficulty searching by address or business. I end up using my computer, finding the location, matching it to the map in the app, and favoriting it. Am I doing this the dumb way? Is there an alternative FOSS navigation app which has this functionality?
I’m Using the Dutch app Here we Go, works pretty good!
I use OSMAnd+. The searching is the biggest problem, so I will contribute to StreetComplete in an effort to improve the areas in which I travel.
When I do need a location that isn’t found in OSM, I’ll grab the coords from LatLong.net and copy/paste them into OSM. When I get to the destination, I’ll pop open street complete and fill in details in the hopes that next time will be better.
There’s an app I’ve never used but heard of: https://adresilo.com/
I think the way it works is that it queries Google’s API for locations, proxies through them, but it can’t show them on a map due to Terms of Service, but it can provide links that will then open in any map app of your choice.
The app is open source, but the DB is obviously Google. So it’s trying to blur that line of providing Open Source functionality, and using Open Source maps, with the practicality of “Google has all the stuff” UX problem.
At least I think…
Apple Maps. The integration across my iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch is too good, and I have Shortcuts and automations to bring up directions as needed. Also, we build guides for vegan-friendly restaurants for out-of-town trips, so it’s a real stress reliever.
Transit (Bike/Bus/Rail) and Waze, sometimes Google maps just for more…global maps. (Eg, stuff like finding a campground on a map, or a certain bakery)
Same except I supplement with Gmaps. Transit is fantastic if you know your destination but Gmaps is way better at looking around for restaurants for example
CoMaps, i transform Gmaps locations to OSM with GeoShare. Both in Fdroid/Droidify.
I’m currently still using Waze. I have CoMaps installed, but it doesn’t seem to be available through Android Auto.
When driving - Google Maps
When commuting - Jakdojade (Polish app)
When riding my bike - Komoot
When hiking/walking - Komoot or Organic Maps
Look I know it’s not Foss and I hate it with a passion. But I had to have good gps the other day. Google maps told me the police was up ahead and like 20 or so people said the police was still there 1 minutes ago. I was like damn. Now Google tells you where the police is 😂
waze did that for years and google purchased them, they are now integrating some of its features into maps.
I didn’t know that. I was looking at a wyze robo vacuum. My father has one. It does a great job actually. Drives over door lips, rugs, extension cords. You name it. Only down side is you have to manually empty the container. But for 150 its worth it for light daily cleaning while everyone is out of the house.
Usually just Apple Maps but be careful when going to places outside of cities as it will choose weird paths through dirt roads that might not even be accessible by car, when there is a perfectly fine road parallel to it.
I use HereWeGo. it has traffic and decent search and POI databases. plus it has offline mode.
Honestly, don’t know why their search is so broken but it’s a damn near unusable app for that reason. I keep it on my phone for the offline map but it’s almost worthless. If anyone can guide both of us on this, we and our privacy would be in your debt.
I unfortunately mostly use https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.maps/
I live in Chicago, which uses a grid system. Apps are unnecessary for in-town trips.
I live in a city that resembles nothing like a grid, but I still don’t need navigation because it’s my home town. Of course you don’t need navigation if you know the way to where you’re going.
Having a grid system makes no difference anyway if you don’t know the address. “Let’s meet up at Starbucks!” “Oh… kay. Where’s that?”
Fair bit of difference between a map app and a navigation app. I’ll use a tool to find out where I’m going but I don’t need one to tell me how to get there.
Fair point, I suppose. Though the original commenter said that “apps” [in general] are unnecessary. That’s how I interpreted it. And that they are so due to the grid system where they live. I call BS. I bet it helps, but not for someone who isn’t used to it either. It wouldn’t help me, as a European, because I have no experience with it.
You probably live in a deep village… I always use a navigator, even for short distances, maps show where the speed limit cameras are, where the police are now (by 80%) because users set where they are now… Interchanges, highways, etc. But in general, of course, cameras (their number grows like mushrooms after rain)Now you can’t go anywhere without navigation.
You probably live in a deep village
A “deep” village? What does that mean?
There are over 130,000 people in my city, growing by about 1,000 every year. So not a huge city but not a village. 😄 Takes probably 30 minutes to drive across town with negligible traffic? Anyway…
maps show where the speed limit cameras are, where the police are now
cameras (their number grows like mushrooms after rain)Now you can’t go anywhere without navigation.
Why do you need to know where speed limit cameras and police are at all times? Sounds to me like you prrrooobably shouldn’t have a driver’s license to begin with? Or you live in a place where police are a danger to society rather than protection. I’m willing to guess which side of the Atlantic but I’ll refrain.
I can definitely travel without navigation lol. Even when visiting a bigger city with maybe half a million people. As long as I know where I’m going, it’s fine. 👍
