Best Navigation app

[mark4217]

Hi all, finally after 3+ years I'm heading back to Italy. I was once an avid Tom Tom user, however there are so many new off line apps available these days!. Does anyone have any recommendations ? Thanking you in advance
Mark

 

[SYD]

This is my current backup if I don’t have data access:

‎HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation

‎Welcome to the new HERE WeGo! HERE WeGo is a free navigation app that guides local and global travelers on journeys both familiar and foreign. The app now has a fresh, new design and clearer, easier to use navigation. Enjoy a more carefree journey and reach your destination effortlessly, how…

apps.apple.com

Download offline maps at home or over wifi.

 

[RooFlyer]

Look at maps.me Doesn’t need a data connection to function - you download the maps beforehand.

 

[mark4217]

This is my current backup if I don’t have data access:

‎HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation

‎Welcome to the new HERE WeGo! HERE WeGo is a free navigation app that guides local and global travelers on journeys both familiar and foreign. The app now has a fresh, new design and clearer, easier to use navigation. Enjoy a more carefree journey and reach your destination effortlessly, how…

apps.apple.com

Download offline maps at home or over wifi.

Thanks SYD, I'll check it out.

Post automatically merged: Feb 26, 2023

This is my current backup if I don’t have data access:

‎HERE WeGo Maps & Navigation

‎Welcome to the new HERE WeGo! HERE WeGo is a free navigation app that guides local and global travelers on journeys both familiar and foreign. The app now has a fresh, new design and clearer, easier to use navigation. Enjoy a more carefree journey and reach your destination effortlessly, how…

apps.apple.com

Download offline maps at home or over wifi.

I did see this when I was googling, so it works well yeh ?

Post automatically merged: Feb 26, 2023

Look at maps.me Doesn’t need a data connection to function - you download the maps beforehand.

Hi RooFlyer, thanks for this, I'll check it out and also HEREwego

 

[SYD]

I did see this when I was googling, so it works well yeh ?

It works ok. Better than trying to remember to cache Google maps before you head out.

The search function is a little clunkier than say Google (mainly if looking for a location by name) but otherwise does the job.

It also has a live (online) mode for traffic - so uses less data since the map is already downloaded.

Try it at home to see if it works for you. It also supports Apple and Google car play - which is handy.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Look at maps.me Doesn’t need a data connection to function - you download the maps beforehand.

You can cache maps with Google Maps and Apple Maps as well for when you are out of wifi connection.

 

[Quickstatus]

cache maps with Google Maps and Apple Maps

And Waze.

when you have an active internet connection, go into your preferred Map then enter starting point and destination, and start. It will cache even if wifi is lost.

Or get a cheap sim card when there.

 

[Daver6]

Google Maps and just download offline maps for what you need.

I think the only situation this might be a bit painful would be if you were driving across Europe kind of situation.

 

[SYD]

Google Maps and just download offline maps for what you need.

I think the only situation this might be a bit painful would be if you were driving across Europe kind of situation.

A big fail for me driving around NZ South Island…

 

[Daver6]

A big fail for me driving around NZ South Island…

Can you elaborate?

 

[JohnM]

I have both Maps.me and Here We Go apps on my phone for (essentially) world-wide use. Both free. Before travel, I would simply do an update of the maps for the countries/regions where I'm going just to be sure of being up to date at a granular level.

Within Australia, I have Hema 4WD Maps and ExplorOz Traveller apps. Both one-off $99 and regular free updates. I was happy to pay because I wanted them particularly for their good coverage in remote areas. If that is not needed, the others are fine.

That gives me The Works offline in my pocket continuously with no need to be fiddling around downloading bits and pieces before travelling.

 

[SYD]

Can you elaborate?

I found Google (and Apple) maps generally unreliable even with cached maps driving long distances with intermittent mobile reception. Even with roaming data. You can’t restart or start new nav without data.

HERE got me out of many pickles.

 

[Daver6]

I found Google (and Apple) maps generally unreliable even with cached maps driving long distances with intermittent mobile reception. Even with roaming data. You can’t restart or start new nav without data.

HERE got me out of many pickles.

So there's a big difference between caches maps and offline maps. Offline solve the issues you experienced.

 

[SYD]

So there's a big difference between caches maps and offline maps. Offline solve the issues you experienced.

No. Unless I was doing something wrong.

 

[Brissy1]

No. Unless I was doing something wrong.

Only difference should see is "offline - no traffic data". (and no speed mobile speed camera warnings!)

 

[SYD]

Only difference should see is "offline - no traffic data". (and no speed mobile speed camera warnings!)

Try starting a new route with no mobile reception (or just turn data off).

 

[Brissy1]

Try starting a new route with no mobile reception (or just turn data off).

Yes that's what I did (wifi and data off) to show it still gives directions as shown. I have downloaded offline google maps for most of the east coast. And with "location" ON (gps of course is independent of data), just tap "Start" to navigate. (Although in the example I screenshot I didn't use From: my location... I'm not presently in North Sydney.)

 

[SYD]

Yes that's what I did (wifi and data off) to show it still gives directions as shown. I have downloaded offline google maps for most of the east coast. And with "location" ON (gps of course is independent of data), just tap "Start" to navigate. (Although in the example I screenshot I didn't use From: my location... I'm not presently in North Sydney.)

I also tried and that doesn’t work for me. Just says I don’t have a connection. Maybe an iOS thing?

 

[Daver6]

I also tried and that doesn’t work for me. Just says I don’t have a connection. Maybe an iOS thing?

Perhaps. I'm on Android too. I can test when I next see my parents as they've got iPhones.

 

[Brissy1]

I also tried and that doesn’t work for me. Just says I don’t have a connection. Maybe an iOS thing?

Ah ios. Might still be able to, but you have to be using g maps with the associated Gmail account you used when downloading the maps for offline use.... even though your not online and the maps are stored on the phone.