One of the most common skins for Android devices is to use them as GPS navigators. At first, the monopolist in this area was Google with his cards, but the giants of the industry in the form of Yandex and Navitel were pulled up over time. They did not remain aside and supporters of free software that released a free analogue called Maps.me.
Offline navigation
The key feature of the MAPS MI is the need to load cards to the device.
When you first start and defining a location, the application will ask you to download maps of your region, so you need to connect to the Internet. Maps of other countries and regions can be downloaded and manually, through the menu item "Download Maps" menu.
It's nice that the application creators granted users a choice - in the settings you can how to disable automatic download of cards and select the location for download (internal storage or SD card).
Search for points of interest
As in solutions from Google, Yandex and Navitel, Maps.Me has been implemented to search for a different kind of points of interest: cafes, institutions, temples, attractions and other things.
You can use both the list of categories and search for manually.
Creating routes
Survived by the function of any software for GPS navigation is to lay routes. This function, of course, is in the MAPS MI.
Options for calculating the path depending on the method of movement and setting tags are available.
The application developers care about the safety of their users, so that the message-disclameer about the features of his work placed before creating the route.
Editing cards
Unlike commercial navigation applications, Maps.Me uses non-software maps, but a free analogue from the OpenStreetMaps project. This project is developing and improved thanks to creative users - all marked on maps (for example, institutions or shops) are created by their hands.
Information that can be added is quite detailed, ranging from the address of the house and ending with the Wi-Fi point. All changes are sent to moderation in OSM and are added cumulatively, in subsequent updates, which takes time.
Integration with Uber.
One of the pleasant options for MAPS MI is the ability to directly from the application to call the Uber service taxi.
This happens fully automatically, without the participation of the client program of this service - either through the menu item "Order a taxi", or after creating a route and select a taxi as a means of movement.
Data on traffic jams
Like analogs, Maps.Me can display the traffic status on the roads - loading and traffic jams. You can quickly enable or disable this feature directly from the map window by clicking on the Icon with the image of the traffic light.
Alas, but in contrast to such a service in Yandex. Navigator, traffic data in the MAPS MI is not far for each city.
Dignity
- Completely in Russian;
- All functionality and cards are available for free;
- The ability to edit places yourself;
- Partnership with Uber.
Flaws
- Slow card update.
Download maps.me free
Upload the latest version of the application with Google Play Market