The Global Positioning System (GPS), firstly Navstar GPS, is a satellite-radio navigation system. It doesn’t bear the stoner to transmit data and works singly of any telephonic or internet event. With the help of this technology, one can find their place and reach their final destination; armies can know the status of their enemies. It is easy to use and freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver. GPS, the first spacecraft, was launched in 1978. Currently, GPS has advanced so vital that it has 16 GPS satellites. Some tools used for navigating are as follows:
- Google Map
- Waze
- MapQuest
- Maps. me
- OsmAnd
There are numerous navigation apps, some of which are listed above. We will discuss some of the best navigation apps one by one in detail.
1. Google Maps
The most popular navigation app is Google Maps. Its primary function is to calculate the distance and time demanded to reach your current location to the desired location. It is easy to use and is available for walking distance. Its remarkable features are real-time traffic information, voice-guided directions, trip progress sharing, 360° road-view augmented reality, choosing paths based on traffic, and a maximum of ten stops can be added. It is supported both in Android and iOS. It is not suitable for multiple visits. In some cases, it tells the path that isn’t present. However, it will deflect you to the original track, if you had a wrong turn. Besides some disadvantages, it is best for delivery business and if you are visiting fewer places.
2. Waze
Waze is another popular navigation app owned by Google. Its prominent feature is that it shows roads that are under construction, damaged or prohibited roads. Waze navigation features provide everything you need for the perfect replacement for Google Maps. Its other features are more advanced road closures and traffic conditions, real-time speed cams, voice-guided directions using celebrity voices, parking spaces, and updated gas prices at gas stations on the route. It is free to use and can be used in both iOS and Android. It can only be used for a maximum of two stops. The icons on maps indicating work like construction can make the map more cluttered. However, it is suitable for delivery purposes.
3. MapQuest
MapQuest is one of the oldest navigation apps. It was the first navigation service available on desktops. MapQuest focuses on maps and directions and offers turn-by-turn navigation and traffic information. It is free of cost. Its features are: gas prices can be explored, an interactive map to discover hotels and more, real-time traffic updates including traffic slowdowns and webcams, 26 stops can be added at a time, and custom maps can be produced to share with family and friends. It works well on both iOS and Android. It is not available offline, so a stable network is needed. It contains numerous advertisements so that it may be handy for the users.
4. Maps. me
Maps. me is another free navigation app. It is an open source and uses the OpenStreetMap database. Maps. me is an offline navigation app. It is easy to use and free of cost. Its premium features are turn-by-turn directions, traffic information, maps that are updated daily, available worldwide, and use lower battery consumption. It is available for both iOS and Android. One of the significant downsides is that business maps are not streamlined regularly. Users faced problems such as maps loading sluggishly and being hard to read when streamlined with the software. However, Maps. me is best when there are network problems, as it can work offline.
5. HERE WeGo
HERE WeGo is a navigation app that is well-designed and easy to use. It can be used online as well as offline, thus saving battery consumption. The most important aspect of this app is that it tells you about the correct routes in urban areas. Other features are saving frequently visited locations, traffic information, and parking information before the start of your trip. HERE WeGo provides all features for free. It can be used in iOS as well as Android. The main disadvantage is that it has too many advertisements, which may be annoying. In some smartphones, the map doesn’t go full screen. However, HERE WeGo compares all routes to find the best one available.
6. OsmAnd
OsmAnd is another navigation app that is free and easy to use. OsmAnd uses OpenStreetMap data. Its remarkable point is that it can be used both online and offline. It can be used for different vehicles and on-bottom navigation. It has good privacy policies, so your data will be safe. Some other features include uploading a GPX file and using it as a route, voice-guided directions, and conniving different style maps for different vehicles. It can be used both in iOS and Android. It provides no traffic details. Users also have problems with its interface and chancing app functions.
7. Apple Maps
Apple Maps come preloaded on all Apple devices. It was launched in 2012 and was heavily criticized, but it has improved a lot now. It has a ‘Flyover’ feature, which provides a virtual tour of your destination. It is free of cost and easy to use. Some of its features are: turn-by-turn direction, voice navigation, traffic information, 3D view of roads, weather, and air quality of the destination. It is used only on iOS. It is the direct competitor of Google Maps. Some users complain that business details are inaccurate. The maps are a little dull and uninteresting. Apple Maps are best for iPhone users as Siri is integrated.
8. Scout GPS
Scout GPS is the exclusive social navigation app. It is an old GPS app and has been updated with a changed logo, name, and appearance. It is still dependable and easy to use. Its features are as follows: turn-by-turn navigations, traffic information, speed updates, user-recommended restaurants, and notifying your family and friends about your time of appearance. It is supported in iOS as well as in Android. Its basic version is free, but the premium version charges money. Traffic-related information may not be accurate. It drains the battery as it needs to be open in the background and requires stable internet.
9. MapFactor Navigator
MapFactor Navigator is one of the best options when planning to drive overseas. It can provide you with directions to over 200 countries. The fundamental GPS, navigation features, and OpenStreetMap are included in this app. Its significant features are: maps are updated regularly, turn-by-turn directions, voice-guided navigations with different voices, and 3D-view available. It is supported in both iOS and Android. MapFactor Navigator can be used offline as the maps can be downloaded. It doesn’t give up-to-date traffic updates. Some users have problems with voice guidance, and slow processors. Mapfactor Navigator is good while traveling abroad.
10. Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers is one of the stylish apps for planning trips via roads. The most instigative thing about road trips is exploring new places worldwide and with Roadtrippers the job becomes more accessible. Its prominent features are turn-by-turn directions along the route, estimated gas cost for each trip, pre-planned routes along with sightseeing and restaurants, and seven stops can be fluently added. It is available both for iOS and Android. If you need more than seven stops, you may need to pay charges. Maps are updated for countries like Canada, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia still. However, Roadtrippers is one of the best apps for planning road trips.
