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10 best mapping apps for Android
Need a guide through the maze of mapping apps out there? Lost in a Spaghetti Junction of software? Go straight ahead for two sentences. Ignore this one. You have reached your destination.
There are loads of reasons to use a smartphone - but one of the best is to get from A to B. Android really has that sewn up for the basics, but theres loads more to be gained from having a quick run through the Google Play Store.
So check out our rundown of the best apps to get where you want to go, see the best things or explore the night sky.
The world belongs to Google now, so who better to guide you through it? The app already offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic info, Street View and indoor maps for major stores, hotels and airports, with increased personalisation just announced.
This open-source satnav lets you download route maps before you start a journey, so you dont need a data connection once youre on the road, something that still trumps Google Maps. Its various routing options including walking routes, and automatic redirection whenever you take a wrong turn.
Aimed at hikers, bikers, joggers and doggers (probably), this route planner uses Google Maps and others to help you find your way through the woods. Maps display latitude, longitude and a digital compass, while stats track your progress, speed, etc.
Another good option when going off-road, Maverick lets you scroll through a wide range of online maps then caches them for use offline.
Save and share options include Google-friendly GPX route recording, so everyone can see exactly where youve been.
Casual travellers will be overwhelmed by the wealth of data, but hardcore navigators will feel they were headed here all along.
A customisable dashboard offers 45 widgets, ranging from altitude, bearing, declination and distance to latitude, longitude, sunrise, moonrise and more.
The iconic London Underground map is a classic of no-nonsense navigation and this is the best of many Android apps to give it an interactive update, with a GPS station finder and route planner, live arrivals and departures and more.
Offering basic marine navigation, this clever app uses AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to keep you apprised of your place on the water in relation to other vessels, up to 12 miles off the coast in the UK and US.
Taking the art of navigation right back to its roots, this app determines your location by the stars and planets in the night sky.
Using your smartphones sensors as a makeshift sextant, its a fun and battery-friendly alternative to GPS.
This app delivers exactly what it says: cold war topography from behind the iron curtain.
Though mostly complied in the 1980s, its coverage of Africa and Asia offers details Google is yet to get to grips with.
Plus: just look at it. Its more detailed than you can ever hope to see, and reminds us of the long car journeys where looking at the map was the only thing to keep us entertained.
10 best mapping apps for Android
There are loads of reasons to use a smartphone - but one of the best is to get from A to B. Android really has that sewn up for the basics, but theres loads more to be gained from having a quick run through the Google Play Store.
So check out our rundown of the best apps to get where you want to go, see the best things or explore the night sky.
Google Maps
Download from Google PlayThe world belongs to Google now, so who better to guide you through it? The app already offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic info, Street View and indoor maps for major stores, hotels and airports, with increased personalisation just announced.
Navfree
Download from Google PlayThis open-source satnav lets you download route maps before you start a journey, so you dont need a data connection once youre on the road, something that still trumps Google Maps. Its various routing options including walking routes, and automatic redirection whenever you take a wrong turn.
Outdoor Navigation
Download from Google PlayAimed at hikers, bikers, joggers and doggers (probably), this route planner uses Google Maps and others to help you find your way through the woods. Maps display latitude, longitude and a digital compass, while stats track your progress, speed, etc.
Maverick GPS Navigation
Download from Google PlayAnother good option when going off-road, Maverick lets you scroll through a wide range of online maps then caches them for use offline.
Save and share options include Google-friendly GPX route recording, so everyone can see exactly where youve been.
GPS Essentials
Download from Google PlayCasual travellers will be overwhelmed by the wealth of data, but hardcore navigators will feel they were headed here all along.
A customisable dashboard offers 45 widgets, ranging from altitude, bearing, declination and distance to latitude, longitude, sunrise, moonrise and more.
Tube Map Live Underground
Download from Google PlayThe iconic London Underground map is a classic of no-nonsense navigation and this is the best of many Android apps to give it an interactive update, with a GPS station finder and route planner, live arrivals and departures and more.
Boat Beacon AIS Navigation
Download from Google PlayOffering basic marine navigation, this clever app uses AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to keep you apprised of your place on the water in relation to other vessels, up to 12 miles off the coast in the UK and US.
StarStruck Navigation
Download from Google PlayTaking the art of navigation right back to its roots, this app determines your location by the stars and planets in the night sky.
Using your smartphones sensors as a makeshift sextant, its a fun and battery-friendly alternative to GPS.
Soviet Military Maps Free
Download from Google PlayThis app delivers exactly what it says: cold war topography from behind the iron curtain.
Though mostly complied in the 1980s, its coverage of Africa and Asia offers details Google is yet to get to grips with.
Plus: just look at it. Its more detailed than you can ever hope to see, and reminds us of the long car journeys where looking at the map was the only thing to keep us entertained.
Geocaching
A modern take on the treasure map, the official app of Geocaching.com includes coordinates for close to two million hidden containers around the world, with options to sort by difficulty or location. A great way to discover this GPS-based hobby.
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