A look at a few offline GPS apps that you might want to start using

Written by Adrienne Spitzer

At this point in our lives we all use some kind of mapping app on a daily basis. Most of the common apps require a Wi-Fi connection to provide accurate traffic data and give you real time turn by turn directions. I have encountered times on road trips and even around Portland where my app stops working because it loses connection and I am left to figure out directions without the help of Google Maps. So, I looked into GPS apps (not just for directions!) that work without internet access and have provided a summary of a few that I think look pretty cool. There are a lot of apps out there that work offline- this is just a summary of a few that are highly rated and seem pretty simple to use.

**Disclaimer** I have not actually downloaded or tried any of these apps but I gathered information about them directly from the manufacturer’s website and from reviews by users online.
 
​HERE WeGo
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: free
Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0. Compatible with Android and iPhone/iPad.
Best use: Getting around in foreign countries without internet connection.

Why you want it:

• Think of it as Google Maps but completely offline and it can be used virtually anywhere in the world
• Compare routes for walking, driving, biking, public transport, and taxi/ride services
• Offers transit information in over 1,300 countries
• Has offline maps of more than 100 countries- just download the map and you’re all set!
• Partners with several other companies to provide closest points of interest like ATMs, restaurants, bars, parking, gas stations, etc.

​​MapOut
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $4.99
Compatibility: Require iOS 7 or later. Compatible with iPhone/iPad.
Best use: Best offline mapping using OpenStreetMap. 

Why you want it:

• Uses data from Open Street Maps
• Download any map area you want; they will be stored on your device and you can access them without an internet connection
• Draw your own tours and snap them to road networks
• Add waypoints and record your own tours
• Features 3D tilt view to better understand the surrounding terrain
• Features map overlays for tourism, hiking and biking, ski slopes, and public transport
• Search for place-marks, streets, and points of interest, completely offline
• Simple management and import for GPX and KML tours

Gaia GPS
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $19.99
Compatibility: Requires iOS 8 or later. Compatible iPhone/iPad and Android.
Best use: Best outdoor mapping app for hikers, bikers, and hunters. 

Why you want it:

• You can download topo, road, and aerial maps worldwide
• You can download an unlimited amount of maps to use offline
• Sync and backup all of your tracks, photos, maps, and waypoints to all of your devices
• Use it to record tracks, waypoints, and take geo-tagged photos 
• Display NEXRAD radar, track data, and Gaia points-of-interest data with webpages from their search engine
• Import and export GPX/KML files, by iTunes, Safari, DropBox, and email
• Allows you to customize everything: units, coordinates types, color and sound, and more

 
References:
http://www.cyclingabout.com/best-offline-gps-apps-smartphone-navigation-apps/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/here-wego-city-navigation-offline-maps/id955837609?mt=8
https://here.com/en/products-services/consumer-app/here-wego-app
https://itunes.apple.com/ch/app/mapout/id477094081?l=en&mt=8
http://www.mapout.ch/en/