Traditional mapping apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps aren't great for backpacking. The biggest problem is that there is an assumption that you are always online with a valid network connection.
Google provides a great download option, but it can be finnicky because Google Maps wants to be online - even if the map is downloaded each and every time you open the app. I've also had difficulty with the actual trails matching the information in the app.
Enter Organic Maps. This app does a bunch of things right, is free, open source with over 6 million users.
Offline by default
When Organic Maps looks for a map in an area, it just automatically downloads the map and saves it offline. From then on, you've got the map available locally, it's fast with no network traffic. This means that once you've used it in area, you've got it available offline. As an example:
- I opened the app when I was in Costa Rica at the hotel.
- It downloaded all of Costa Rica.
- That's it.
As they say "...[it] supports 100% of features without an active Internet connection. Install Organic Maps, download maps, throw away your SIM card, and go for a weeklong trip on a single battery charge without any byte sent to the network"
Unlike Google Maps, routing works for walking when offline.
Open Street Maps
By using OpenStreetMap you are using a map that's open source and been built up the contributors, including partners. There are no big US corporations holding the data. The maps are of extremely high quality and contain all the trails and routes and I've needed so far. Something wrong? You can change it.
No data collection, no ads, no tracking
There are no ads. There's no tracking of the user. There's no data collection at all. There is no data being sent to servers in the US.
For example Google and Apple are constantly collecting all that information and sending it to their servers in the US (that's where traffic information comes from).
Given the political climate in the US, constantly sending your location to US companies on servers in the US, might be something you'd like to avoid.
And that's it, Organic Maps has become the default app for mapping for me with just a couple of notable exceptions:
- When I need to navigate a route including public transit in a new area or,
- When I need to find a nearby restaurant, or other business, and want to see the reviews and ratings.
But if you are backpacking, driving, or navigating a new city or region? Go straight to Organic Maps, your network and battery will both thank you.
