What Android offline GPS app (no data connection req'd) do u use when driving?

[alanbrenton]

Kind of gotten intrigued by Nokia scoffing at Google's offline map so did a bit of reading:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/240001669


If Nokia can do offline navigation and store the entire map of US for 1.8GB, why can't Google do it?
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/uq0rx/if_nokia_can_do_offline_navigation_and_store_the/

one individual from the blog recommend this:
OsmAnd
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand&hl=en

+ version (paid) review:
http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/tests/test/393955/OsmAnd-Navigation-Made-Easy

Another free app:
Navfree: Free GPS Navigation (no data connection required for navigation):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navfree.android.OSM.ALL&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLm 5hdmZyZWUuYW5kcm9pZC5PU00uQUxMIl0.

[alanbrenton]

Best Offline Navigation Maps Apps for Android Devices
http://androidadvices.com/offline-navigation-maps-apps-android-devices/

NavFree: Free GPS Navigation
OruxMaps
Maverick
Sygic: GPS Navigation
RMaps

The Top 3 Free Offline GPS Apps For Android
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-3-free-offline-gps-apps-android/

Another one for NavFree
MapDroyd

Found a few more:
ZANavi for Android
Locus

I guess people will ask me to just buy a GPS unit, which I already have albeit an older Garmin 755T but I don't believe the maps outside North America are free (or cheap) for many stand-alone GPS units.

[HandsomeRob]

My last big roadtrip stateside I used MapDroyd.

Works OK, 1992 compared to google maps but functionality is fine. Especially for the price (free).

[ippon]

i've tried,
Sygic
iGO
NDrive
Navigon

and i like Navigon the best.

[addicted2it]

Not free but I read that CoPilot is pretty decent. They do keep the maps updated once a month.

[Sniper001]

Navigon was the best before they got acquired by Garmin... now the app is ruined.

[Hello-]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/06/google-maps-for-android-gets-offline-support/


Google's Maps event has just given us a much-requested feature: true offline map support. Android users can soon opt to download full maps for given areas (instead of just caching routes) without needing a cellular or WiFi connection. It's a big boon for those of us who have to travel abroad to unfamiliar cities, or just to areas where underground tunnels might cut off Internet access before GPS. Unfortunately, that's all that Google was willing to share: Android phones and tablets will only be getting the upgrade sometime "soon."

[xtwo]

Not free but I read that CoPilot is pretty decent. They do keep the maps updated once a month.

I thought CoPilot was free. I downloaded Canada's map last week. Haven't had time to test it out, but I didn't have to pay anything for it.

[jacky28]

I thought CoPilot was free. I downloaded Canada's map last week. Haven't had time to test it out, but I didn't have to pay anything for it.

i think you need to pay for voice navigation

[xtwo]

Navigon was the best before they got acquired by Garmin... now the app is ruined.

Why is the app ruined now? I was thinking of downloading it and trying it out since CoPilot's voice navigation doesn't work unless you pay them.

[DavidY]

I guess people will ask me to just buy a GPS unit, which I already have albeit an older Garmin 755T but I don't believe the maps outside North America are free (or cheap) for many stand-alone GPS units.

http://www.osmmaps.com/index.html

Download the required map and transfer it onto a memory card...a SD card for the 755T. Follow the instructions at the website. I did notice that POI's for my area were lacking.

Dave

[goothu99]

navfree requires wifi?

[alanbrenton]

Tons of information on the first post.

[GUIDE]Offline Maps for GPS USERS (Android)..!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1412755

[jensen1]

+1 for igo

[alanbrenton]

+1 for igo

I couldn't find igo in google play nor on the developers website: http://www.igonavigation.com/

Seems like only the iphone version is listed there.

[ShadowVlican]

None.. my nexus s GPS updates too slow for use as driving aid (1 location update per second... far too slow)

[alanbrenton]

None.. my nexus s GPS updates too slow for use as driving aid (1 location update per second... far too slow)

Have you tried most apps posted? Google Navigation on our Nexus S has been decent but that is not one of the offline GPS though.

[alanbrenton]

Not sure if enough Canadians use this free app and if it doesn't require a data plan:

Waze social GPS traffic & gas

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waze&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS53YXpl Il0.

There's one great review from someone in the GTA:

Surge - August 20, 2012 - Samsung Galaxy Nexus with version 3.2.2.2
Essential App for Driving in GTA

Whether your car has a built-in GPS or not, whether you have a standalone GPS with "traffic" or not, whether you have Navigon (etc) with traffic or not - all these don't matter. Waze has very aggressive routing algorithms that actually get you to the destination faster based on the information from other wazers. I'm amazed how well it can re-route when there is an accident that blocks the road or how it ignores streets where it does not know real traffic. Maps are updated monthly and they are user editable so if your neighbourhood has a new streets or intersection, you just visit Waze Editor add a new road and you are done, Waze will start using this new road as soon as new tiles are generated by the server. Fast, easy and fun. Plus it is the most gratifying experience when someone thanks you for the report you've made during the drive about some hidden cop sitting behind the bridge overpass.

[xalex0]

^ you need data connection (as with anything social)

[wilsonlam97]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/06/google-maps-for-android-gets-offline-support/

Sadly the Galaxy Nexus can not properly obtain a GPS lock without data.

But back then I was using ICS. I had the GPS fail while at the Falls.

[will888]

I tried Navfree recently. I found the voice navigation to be somewhat lacking. It would be nice to hear more description of upcoming turns. Telling me to turn with I am already at the intersection is a bit late. Also, the POIs are woefully inadequate. So, it is not easy to simply use POI to pick out an address.

[Canuckerr]

Any updates on which one's you guys are using?

[alanbrenton]

Because these are costly, I suggest you create a gmail account specifically for holding paid apps. This way you can get updates on all your smartphones.

I did and am sharing them with a few other members of my household.

[ablessa]

I use sygic for android on my HTC panache. After you install it asks you to download whichever country map you want. I use it all the time. Its pretty accurate and voice is informative. It'll also tell you if you're going over posted speed limit... :-)

[Number1DealHunter]

Whats a good free app for Ottawa and Toronto Area?

[alanbrenton]

I use sygic for android on my HTC panache. After you install it asks you to download whichever country map you want. I use it all the time. Its pretty accurate and voice is informative. It'll also tell you if you're going over posted speed limit... :-)

How often does this go on sale and how frequent is the map update? TIA.