A maps app that doesn't track you but lets you track your path on the map. A pathbreaking open source alternative.

cross-posted from: https://rss.ponder.cat/post/221713

Look Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative Now

Born out of governance concerns in Organic Maps, CoMaps has been created with a goal of restoring transparency, community control, and privacy-focused navigation. It’s a fully open source navigation app that works offline and doesn’t track users.

A few weeks after the project began, CoMaps has officially launched with apps for both Android and iOS. Join me as I take you through its key features and what makes it stand out.

CoMaps: What to Expect?

Look Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative NowA screenshot of CoMaps showing the Wikipedia entry of a location for additional information.

We begin with its most handy feature, offline navigation and search. With CoMaps, you can download entire regions before you begin a trip for easy navigation in places without an internet connection or mobile network connectivity.

The user interface is clean and intuitive. You won’t need a manual to figure it out. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend hiker, everything is simple, fast, and clear.

Moreover, privacy is baked into the app. CoMaps doesn’t track you, collect data, or run background analytics. You are responsible for what you share, and your location stays on your device.

Before you ask, what makes this different from Organic Maps?

CoMaps can remember your navigation routes as tracks, making it easy to revisit past trips or explore alternate routes. It also includes a re-mappable action button (just below the search bar), letting you customize it for quick access to your favorite function.

The map style itself is another highlight; it feels fresh, modern, and thoughtfully designed without being cluttered. Roads, paths, and terrain are clearly differentiated, making it easier to plan routes at a glance.

Bonus Tip: You can pair the default map view with the “Outdoors” map style to highlight more navigation routes. It’s a small change that makes a big difference when exploring.

Get CoMaps

The latest builds of CoMaps are available on F-Droid and the Play Store for Android users, and on the App Store for iOS.

If you’re looking for APK files or want to explore the source code, then you should visit the project’s Codeberg repository.

CoMaps

Suggested Read 📖

Organic Maps Forked Over Governance Concerns: CoMaps is BornAn Organic Maps fork has emerged due to broken trust.Look Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative NowIt’s FOSS NewsSourav RudraLook Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative Now

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  • irotsoma@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    3·
    2 days ago

    I mean, it’s not new, just changed names, and there are several alternatives out there that are more mature.

    That being said, I do hope this one eventually ends up being more feature complete than one of the others. I still haven’t found one that includes all of the Google maps features like:

    • speaks names of streets while navigating
    • shows traffic
    • routes navigation based on traffic
    • includes navigation for all of walking, biking, driving, and public transit

    As well as being as FOSS as possible, with possible exceptions for some of the feeds for traffic, transit, etc, which might not be available for free

    And I’d love to have it allow crowd-sourcing of navigation routing information like accidents, hazards, construction, and dangerous intersections (such as places where it’s technically possible to make a left turn, but practically impossible outside of like middle of the night).