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Comment by UI_at_80x24 | Hacker News Reader

Could we use this as a place to suggest alternatives to Google Maps?

I have tried OpenStreetMaps (albeit 5+years ago) and couldn't search for an address. So if that's improved I'd like to know.

I don't need/want "find X near me" or fluff like "what restaurant's are open right now?".

All I want is navigation between current location and target address.

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Today I found about Organic Maps[0], and it seems like a viable alternative to Google Maps, albeit with some annoying quirks.

It is offline - meaning you download the areas you are interested in first, after which all the data is available fully offline (including stuff like directions, metro maps etc). The interface takes a bit to get used to, but the biggest let down is the fact that you can't edit a route in the route planner - you need to start all over again (selecting start/destination, no way to modify either).

[0] - https://f-droid.org/en/packages/app.organicmaps/ (also available on Play Store)

OSM coverage can be very good, but quality varies by location. People have to be interested enough to put in the detail and keep it up to date.

As far as I know, it doesn't do pathfinding either. A client will have to take the data from OSM and use its own algorithms to navigate.

FWIW, I find the Apple Maps interface & directions to be far more user friendly than Google Maps (at least when using an iPhone).

I use Google maps for navigation between locations and it works great, not sure what your problem with it is, but if you want an alternate Waze works better imo.

I like Waze too, but just wanted to point out that they are also owned by Ggogle.

I don't think GP's beef with Maps is that it's owned by Google, though I could be wrong.

My biggest complaint about Google Maps is the UI. Street names are difficult to read, the scale of how-far-away an upcoming turn is always off. Contrast could use improvements too.

There is also a lot of clutter.

These are traits that have all gotten worse over the years. I'd prefer the UI of the first-gen Google Maps then what we have today.

I have no complaints about the actual navigation, there has been quirks over the years but nothing that stands out in my mind.

The parent wants a map, which Google Maps currently isn't much of.

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