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De-Googling guide

Part 1: Introduction and Google Maps alternatives

Introduction

I admit it. I am someone who panics a lot over small things, like for example Google collecting your data, or the milkman conspiracy. However, with some time and reasoning, I've gotten to a centered point-of-view regarding Google and its bad privacy.

If you were execting a tinfoil-grade de-googling guide, you should go find another website. This guide will explain Google alternatives, not mainly focusing on privacy, but rather on not having to rely on a single company.

Every product I explain here will come with a small description, along with some pros and cons and my own opinion based on my experience.

Alternatives to Google Maps

1. Organic Maps

Organic maps started as an alternative to maps.me, but has gotten some great improvements over time, like the ability to connect to car multimedia systems and overall better functionality. The code is available in Github, and the map data comes from Openstreetmap, a Wikipedia-like map database, so any error can be corrected by anyone.

Pros Cons
  1. Map database updated regularly.
  2. Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatible.
  3. Totally offline, even routes are calculated in-device.
  1. Maps have to be downloaded, there's no "online maps" mode.
  2. Data coming from OpenStreetMap, a community-driven project. There could be missing information.
  3. There's no traffic information.

Personal opinion: Based on my experience, Organic Maps works best for on-foot routes. The lack of traffic and public transport information doesn't make this app my personal best. However, if you are a very adventurous person, this app might be the perfect companion for you. Don't expect any kind of quality from this app, however, as I have seen some terribly wrong information in less "tourist-common" areas. Mark: 3.9/5

2. Here WeGo

Here WeGo was originally Ovi Maps, the navigation app for Nokia devices. Nowadays, Here Maps (the company behing WeGo) is an independent company, focused on custom navigation systems for car manufacturers and parcel companies. Here WeGo is the consumer friendly version of the Here infrastructure. It is available for both iOS and Android.

Pros Cons
  1. You can make an account to store your bookmarks.
  2. Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatible.
  3. There's an optional offline mode, with turn-by-turn navigation (albeit limited).
  4. Traffic information is available and opt-in. Public transport info may be available.
  5. There is a web version of the app available for computer users.
  1. Limited search in offline mode.
  2. Turn-by-turn navigation for public transportation is incomplete.
  3. The web version cannot be used on mobile devices.

Personal opinion: I have used this app for many of my recent trips. Android Auto behaved weirdly on some cases, but it worked great most of the time. Walking turn-by-turn navigation is not as good as other options. Other types of turn-by-turn navigation worked great, nontheless. However, I think there's always room for improvement. Mark: 4.7/5

3. OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is the "map version" of Wikipedia. Anyone with an account can edit the map, or add new places. The website is completely free and the map can be used with no extra cost.

Pros Cons
  1. You can make an account to modify or enhance the maps available.
  2. Great community and map coverage.
  3. Same maps used in other websites and in apps like Organic Maps.
  1. No mobile app.
  2. Turn-by-turn navigation is incomplete.
  3. No satellite images available to the general public.

Personal opinion: I have never really used OpenStreetMap other than to make plans on a slow computer. The UI is unintuitive and the navigation instructions are almost useless. Mark: 3/5