Top 5 Best Maps and Navigation Mobile Apps in India in 2023

It is challenging to imagine how people travelled hundreds of miles without cars or trains centuries ago. How did they know where to send their horses? Even later, printed maps and a human navigational device to track the route provided all the drivers who needed relief.

Today, technology is available. Unsurprisingly, navigation and mapping apps have sprung up in our daily lives as smartphones drive innovation.

According to recent research, more than 90% of US consumers use navigation apps regularly. This market is promising, but it’s also overcrowded. To stand out, you must offer something distinctive and feature-packed with the help of a Maps and Navigation App Development Company. Let’s see what works here.

1. Google Maps

It’s time to turn around if you think you need an alternative to Google Maps, as it doesn’t support offline navigation. In addition to offering offline use of Google Maps, it now provides navigational downloads.

A significant and welcome addition to Google Maps for regular users. The same functionality is available online, except that you do not receive traffic information. You should download your desired area online before leaving home.

Benefits:

• Provides transportation services for a variety of modes of transportation
• Traffic issues are discussed.
• The driving time is based on your departure and arrival times.
• Traffic-based ETAs in real-time
• Offers traffic, accident, and road condition rerouting.
• Offline version available

Negatives:

• No sharing function on social media
• The next-turn directions are sometimes missing or incorrect, causing drivers to miss their exits.
• GPS can deplete batteries
• You will often be directed back to the original route if you take the wrong turn, even if the alternative is shorter.
• The reviews from 2021 mention issues with app updates, including automatic route changes caused by accidents and the removal of features such as upcoming turns.

2. HERE Maps

Maps of entire countries can be downloaded HERE and used almost exactly like online maps. To download maps, you must register, but once you do, you can download as many as you want, and registering is free. Nokia developed HERE Maps. It provides global mapping options through a simple, elegant interface. With offline maps, you don’t have to rely on mobile data in your region.

3. MapFactor

MapFactor is a classic turn-by-turn navigation app for Android for those looking for an alternative to Google Maps. The map files are downloaded and installed to your SD card so you can use them offline if necessary.

This application offers turn-by-turn directions in several languages as well as voice guidance. Changing your route based on whether you’re driving a car, a truck, or walking is an option as well.

Audible warnings are also provided when approaching speed cameras. There are maps for countries, regions, and cities worldwide, but this one is for offline use only.

Benefits:

• Due to OpenStreetMap data, the maps are up to date, and the points of interest database are extensive.
• Due to OSM data, it has maps for most countries worldwide.

Negatives:

• Traffic information is not up-to-date.
• Some reviewers say maps are inaccurate, slow to load, and voice navigation does not always work.
• A monthly or yearly subscription is required for features that require a subscription, such as alternate routes, no ads, and live HD traffic information.

4. Waze Social GPS Maps & Traffic

Regarding navigation apps for Android devices, Waze is the second app owned by Google. You can report accidents, police traps, and road closures in the Waze community. Traffic information is sourced from people who drive in traffic. It has an attractive interface as well. The app can also tell you if you’re speeding and how far the police are from you.

Various factors can affect the route that Waze suggests. Additionally, it lets you share your location with friends and find cheaper gas on your route. The crowd-sourced nature of this app makes it unique.

Benefits:

• Real-time traffic updates, such as accidents, construction, police, and road closures, so you can make alternative travel plans as needed.
• To keep the maps up-to-date, community editors continuously update the maps.
• Users can share gas prices.
• A Facebook integration feature allows you to share your location via your timeline.
• The most efficient route can be found based on traffic conditions, saving you time.

5. Maps.Me

The previous Play Store price tag of US$4.99 was well worth it for Maps.Me. Now imagine our delight when we find out that it is now free.

You should pick up this map app if you haven’t already. Not only is it one of the best available Android map apps — with a clear and straightforward interface — but it also works offline and gives you an overview of nearby points of interest, such as subway stations, ATMs, petrol stations, etc.

Globetrotters will love this app as it offers offline access to high-quality maps worldwide.

Benefits:

• With features including auto-following, turn-by-turn directions, traffic data, and more.
• It supports offline capabilities such as searching, navigating, and locating ATMs and restaurants.
• When you’re online, your friends can see your location.
• This app uses less battery power than other background-running apps since everything is offline.

Negatives:

• Business listings on the maps aren’t updated often.
• Updates have made it difficult to read maps, and users have complained about the loading speed and interface.