The best open source map app also works on Android Auto. I see many advantages over Google Maps

It’s not like there’s a wide variety of map apps for Android Auto; The list is quite small; with two clear kings ruling over the rest, especially their advantageous position: Google Maps and Waze form the usual pair of GPS navigators. Are you looking for a good alternative that you can also use in the car? Organic Maps is my favorite. And it has some advantages over its competitors.

Opening Google Maps on an Android mobile phone is the most common and useful thing to do when we encounter a route, but it is not the only valid application that directs us from one point to another. was the first to propose completely free GPS navigation system. And from Maps came other options like Waze; It was acquired by Google. Are there any good alternatives beyond these Alphabet-owned duo? And there are so many.

Organic Maps is free, open source and you can download the maps

This application has several aspects as it is aimed at cycling tours and mountain walks. Moreover, without losing the eyesight of the driver of cars and other motor vehicles. Organic Maps is equally valid while driving. One example of this is that it offers compatibility with Android Auto, with all that entails.

Thanks to the features included in Organic Maps and transferred to the use of the application in Android Auto, have all maps downloaded to your phone To avoid having to deal with creating offline zones like in Google Maps. That I want to avoid problems and maintain point-to-point routing even in areas with no coverage? Organic Maps combined with Android Auto solves the problem perfectly.

This is my favorite feature of the application, being able to download maps. This isn’t the only app that offers this and is also compatible with Android Auto, Here WeGo ticks both boxes. I still prefer Organic Maps for the other added points. They are as they are:

• Organic Maps allows some customization from the tool console. Besides route options (entrance fees, motorways…), Organic gives you the option of night mode and even an adjustment to increase the font size on the screen. It looks silly, but it makes the map much easier to read.
• It has no ads. There are many companies that stand out from the rest when it comes to advertising on Google Maps and Waze; It’s the exact opposite of what happens with Organic Maps. The app uses Open Street Map maps.
• The interface is quite clear when navigating in the car. Open Street Maps doesn’t look very modern on a smartphone, but I like that it transitions to Android Auto. The guidance is relaxed and the order and instructions are much appreciated. In terms of TTS, I prefer Google Maps: Assistant is the voice I like best.
• Can save a lot of battery. Although Organic Maps has an additional option that allows you to save consumption without losing the route, the GPS navigator cannot be called efficient, especially since the screen must be on. The setting is located in the settings menu.
• It is open source. It seems very positive to me that the code of an application is available to users and developers who want to make improvements to the application. And this provides added value to the software.

It’s not as complete as Google Maps, and it doesn’t have the significant social layer that Waze boasts. In contrast, Organic Maps allows offline downloading of maps to go anywhere Knowing that the indicators will not disappear; Apart from other functions which are very interesting at least in my case. For me, it’s an app worth considering.

Organic Maps: Go Bike Pilot

Browse privately – open source and community driven

Download for free

Cover image | Ivan Linares

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