I use OSM and Organic Maps, but I have difficulty searching by address or business. I end up using my computer, finding the location, matching it to the map in the app, and favoriting it. Am I doing this the dumb way? Is there an alternative FOSS navigation app which has this functionality?
Anything based on OpenStreetMap is going to be limited compared to Google Maps, at least in my experience where I live. Information on public transit, traffic, police, etc is not existent on Organic Maps. If I were only walking or biking it might be a good option, but for me in practice I just have it as an offline backup to Google Maps.
I’m hoping more people contribute to OSM and CoMaps. Building an alternative isn’t easy but very doable if enough people contribute! StreetComplete looks like an easy way for everyone to help out.
Transit (Bike/Bus/Rail) and Waze, sometimes Google maps just for more…global maps. (Eg, stuff like finding a campground on a map, or a certain bakery)
Look I know it’s not Foss and I hate it with a passion. But I had to have good gps the other day. Google maps told me the police was up ahead and like 20 or so people said the police was still there 1 minutes ago. I was like damn. Now Google tells you where the police is 😂
waze did that for years and google purchased them, they are now integrating some of its features into maps.
I didn’t know that. I was looking at a wyze robo vacuum. My father has one. It does a great job actually. Drives over door lips, rugs, extension cords. You name it. Only down side is you have to manually empty the container. But for 150 its worth it for light daily cleaning while everyone is out of the house.
When driving - Google Maps
When commuting - Jakdojade (Polish app)
When riding my bike - Komoot
When hiking/walking - Komoot or Organic Maps
I use Waze because I had issues with organic maps with routes changed and almost did not get to my appointment in time. I still have it to use when I don’t have to be somewhere in time. I also contribute to open street map when I walk on order to improve the navigation in the future
I use OSMAnd+. The searching is the biggest problem, so I will contribute to StreetComplete in an effort to improve the areas in which I travel.
When I do need a location that isn’t found in OSM, I’ll grab the coords from LatLong.net and copy/paste them into OSM. When I get to the destination, I’ll pop open street complete and fill in details in the hopes that next time will be better.
I really wish this was built in!
There’s an app I’ve never used but heard of: https://adresilo.com/
I think the way it works is that it queries Google’s API for locations, proxies through them, but it can’t show them on a map due to Terms of Service, but it can provide links that will then open in any map app of your choice.
The app is open source, but the DB is obviously Google. So it’s trying to blur that line of providing Open Source functionality, and using Open Source maps, with the practicality of “Google has all the stuff” UX problem.
At least I think…
Honestly, don’t know why their search is so broken but it’s a damn near unusable app for that reason. I keep it on my phone for the offline map but it’s almost worthless. If anyone can guide both of us on this, we and our privacy would be in your debt.
I unfortunately mostly use https://f-droid.org/packages/us.spotco.maps/
Apple Maps. The integration across my iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch is too good, and I have Shortcuts and automations to bring up directions as needed. Also, we build guides for vegan-friendly restaurants for out-of-town trips, so it’s a real stress reliever.
