Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- Privacy-first: No tracking or data collection.
- Offline maps and turn-by-turn directions save battery.
- Free, open-source app for Android and iOS.
Every month, Google sends me a report on my online activity, and I have to say, I’m no fan. In fact, the idea that Google is tracking me through Maps bothers me. That’s not my only problem with the default Maps app. It seems like every time I have to rely on an app, my Pixel 9 Pro’s battery drains faster than using any other app.
Also: Waze vs. Google Maps: I tested the two best navigation apps, and there’s a clear winner
Those two issues alone are enough to make me question why I use such an app.
That’s why, when I heard about CoMaps, I immediately wanted to know more about it.
Open-source map app
CoMaps is a part of Organic Maps, which means it has quite a history (Organic Maps was based on MapsWithMe, which turned into Maps.me). MapsWithMe was an early attempt to bring the open-source concept to map space and used OpenStreetMap data. MapsWithMe was acquired by Maps.ru Group in 2014 and was part of the My.com brand.
Too: Is Instagram Map Showing Your Location? How to check and turn it off as soon as possible
CoMaps is an open-source map app available for both Android and iOS. Comaps Features:
- Offline search and route planning (with or without a network connection)
- Lower battery consumption than Google Maps
- No identification of people, no tracking and no data collection
- Free and no ads
- voice-guided directions
- Access to offline Wikipedia articles and subway maps
- Ability to mark and save locations
- Support to export and import data (in KML, KMZ and GPX formats)
- A built-in map editor (which helps refine OpenTreeMap data)
CoMaps is community-driven, open-source, transparent and developers are not concerned about making a profit. The app is quite new (just available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store around July 3), but it’s still very functional and a great alternative to Google Maps.
Too: This hidden feature of Google Maps is making people emotional – know why
However, there are some distinct differences between CoMaps and Google Maps.
differences in google maps
The first big difference is that you have to download maps for the specific locations you need. This has several immediate benefits:
- This makes it possible to use CoMaps offline
- You don’t waste storage space with maps you don’t need
- CoMaps has a special Outdoors mode, designed for hiking and bike riding. This mode shows hiking trails, points of interest, camping sites, and places to find fresh water
There are plenty of maps to download, so chances are good that your area is included. To download a map, tap the three horizontal lines menu button at the bottom of the main page and tap Download Map. In the resulting page, tap +, locate and tap the map you want, and then tap “Download Map.”
Downloading maps is easy and ensures that you do not need to have a network connection to use the app.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once you’ve downloaded the map you need, there’s nothing else to do. You can start using CoMaps just like Google Maps. You can also get automated directions, just like you get in Google’s app. In fact, once you download the required maps, CoMaps works very similarly to Google Maps.
CoMaps is as easy to use as Google Maps.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
There may be a setting you need to change. By default, CoMaps uses kilometers as the unit of measurement. If you want to change it to miles, tap the Menu button and go to Settings > “Measurement units” and tap Miles in the pop-up.
Too: How to blur your house on Google Street View (and 4 reasons people do it)
my new default app
CoMaps has become my default map app, and I’ve found it to better suit my needs (especially my need for privacy). I am sure that if you feel the same way about your privacy, you will really appreciate this app and make it your favorite too.
You can install CoMaps from either Google Play Store Or apple app store.
