OSM maps are highly configurable so you can emphasise roads, tracks, track types or contour lines, depending on preferences. The app supports other international map types, including detailed aerial imagery, but LINZ Topo50 maps are not available. For some parts of the world, it’s the most detailed map, but some regions have more limited coverage, especially in terms of walking tracks. ![]() The benefit of OSM is that it’s open source and users are constantly contributing new and updated data to the map, which regularly updates in-app. Maps: Open Street Maps (OSM) is the engine that drives OsmAnd+. Minuses: Some features are not obvious, Topo50 maps are not available. Plusses: Configurable, offline import, export and route editing, map file sizes are small. The maps render smoothly and the Premium Topo map is high quality, but the app’s features will be too limited for some users. There’s no content buried deep in menus and the titles of the functions are not cryptic. Verdict: OSMaps’ biggest strength is the quality of the app design and its simplicity. Value: OSMaps could be considered expensive for a limited feature set, unless extensive use is made of the route database for uploading personal routes and downloading others. This is a basic feature any mapping app should have. If there is a way to mark and save individual waypoints, I couldn’t find it. For example, there is no capacity to configure the Standard map to make it easier to read, or to import GPX tracks directly into the app. While the app is easy to use, it’s also limited. These include walking, trekking, cycling and horse routes. Along with route creation tools, you can also search (when online) the OSMaps database for public routes which can be loaded and followed. Route metrics: OSMaps provides easy-to-read distance and elevation profiles, as well as total elevation loss/gain along a planned route but there is no way to make a quick distance/elevation measurement along part of a route when offline.Įase of use: OSMaps has a slick, well-designed interface with easily found features. GPX track import can only be done via a desktop computer, but you can export GPX tracks from the app, as well as edit them in-app. For example, I easily routed a trip in Tongariro National Park, but OSM data was lacking for another trip in the Hokitika backcountry. The mapping engine used for route creation is Open Street Maps (OSM), so even though you might be using the Topo50 map as the basemap, some locations won’t ‘snap’ to the track if OSM coverage is limited. Route plotting is intuitive and simple and there’s seamless switching between ‘snap’, which follows existing tracks, and freeform line drawing. Route planning: Route plotting only works while you are online, but once a route has been created in-app you can follow it in the field. There’s a nifty augmented reality feature (online only) that overlays the names of land features on the screen as a scene is viewed with the phone camera. Maps render and scroll smoothly once loaded, but the Standard map is quite simplified and you have to zoom in to see details. However, map data is also cached as you scroll around the maps. The Premium Topo maps can be downloaded for offline use. Maps: OSMaps provides three different map types: Standard (Open Street Maps), Premium Topo (LINZ Topo50 maps) and aerial imagery. Minuses: Functionality when offline is limited. Plusses: Easy to use, three types of map data, database of routes available. These four popular premium apps, each with slightly different capabilities, can help you plan your next trip. Paper maps are still essential, but a good mapping app can provide accurate location, map reading and route planning as well as a recording of your progress. Your cellphone is a powerful navigation and route planning device with accurate GPS and, with the right app, detailed maps that can be used offline. ![]() A good mapping app can provide accurate location, map reading and route planning.
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