Accurate navigator for Android. Free GPS navigators for Android with offline maps

Mandatory!

The problem of turning a smartphone into a hiking GPS navigator has been solved. The main navigator is now a smartphone; in terms of functionality and ease of use, it leaves far behind all existing special hiking GPS navigators. And in terms of reliability, sensitivity and battery life, it is on par with them.

I must say, the problem was not solved by me, but by the manufacturers of smartphones, batteries and software. I only selected worthy candidates and tested them in practice. I won’t make any secrets, I’ll be happy to share detailed recipes, use them and continue experimenting.

First about the software.

There are dozens of programs that turn a smartphone into a navigator. The choice according to my requirements left only one program: Locus Map (Locus Map). It is written only for Android, so the choice of smartphones has narrowed significantly. There is a free, slightly cropped version of Locus Free, full version Locus PRO costs $6 one time, I advise you to install it right away, because when upgrading from Free to Pro, you will have to do all the settings again, and there are a lot of them.

So, the main advantages of Locus, because of which it turned out to be out of competition:

Availability of quality free offline vector maps of the whole world based on OSM (Open Street Maps). Here's a link to one of them. There are terabytes of regularly updated maps.
The program understands raster maps, which are easy to make yourself from scanned paper maps. For example, using the Mapc2Mapc program. The beloved General Staff will easily take root here. Here is a gift for you: a map of Crimea and the Lycian Way in Turkey that I made. You will find instructions for using the Mapc2Mapc program just below.
Convenient recording of track and waypoints. You can draw the track manually, put waypoints anywhere, not just in your current location.
Conveniently upload your tracks and points. Both of them can be placed in an unlimited number of folders, enabled/disabled by folders, or individually.
There is no limit on the number of points, tracks and points in tracks.
The ability to disable auto-locking of the display (the display will still turn off to save energy) and assign functions to the volume keys, such as zooming. In practice, this means that the navigator can be controlled without pressing the screen. This is also true when the screen is wet and does not respond correctly to gestures.
It is possible to locate directories with maps on an SD card.
Absolutely everything is customizable: the type and size of the cursor, its position (in the center or on ¼ of the screen), the color and width of the tracks, the size of the point icons, options for displaying the names of the points (permanently, open by tap or when approaching)…
Unlimitedly customizable trip computers: amount of data, location, font (size, transparency and color) - in any combination.
Fine-tuning the recording of track points by time, distance and accuracy. This allows you to record only points of real movements, and not wandering around the bush and jumping hundreds of meters when bad connection with companions.
Configuring the use of the internal compass and barometer: filtering depth, on and off limits.
Setting the GPS receiver to turn off to save power (always on, always off, only on when in use)
Customize all buttons on the top and two side panels, auto-hide.
Running the application as a service, which eliminates failures when simultaneous work other applications (calls, photos...). For example, for me, track recording pauses during calls, if not turned on as a service.
The program is developing and constantly improving, new ones appear convenient features, bugs are fixed when working on new smartphones and versions of Android.

Is it really more than a list? I only wrote down what was interesting to me. The capabilities of the program are simply incredible; the developers are trying to create the most universal application GPS based. Due to the huge number of settings, it is not easy to understand them. I will describe how to make the most necessary things for the hike.

This is what my program window looks like with a vector map of Crimea. The difference from the default one is only in the buttons at the top, on the side and in the trip computer.

Setting up Locus.

1. Select all default directories- in the phone memory, Not on an external SD card. This is done in the settings - miscellaneous. Directories for vector maps locus/mapsVector and raster maps locus/maps can also be placed on an external SD card by specifying this in the program settings.

2. Download a map of the area where you are so that you have something to work with.

First, copy vector maps (in .map format) to locus/mapsVector, and raster maps to locus/maps. If you took a vector map from the link above, then they come with their own styles, which Necessarily you need to install it by going to the site with maps from your smartphone https://www.openandromaps.org/en/legend/elevate-mountain-hike-theme. In a collumn " Quick install in Android" Click Locus. Then you need to enable themes. First, activate the vector map. Then drag the bookmark at the bottom left. there you select “external” and there will be “Elevate” and “Elements”. They are exactly the same, but the first is, by default, designed for wild areas, the second for the city. The only difference is in the checkboxes, including different elements on the map. The theme needs to be installed once, suitable for all cards.

The map can be downloaded directly to the smart phone. The maps are multilingual, the language can be switched for each map separately, click the three dots in the catalog with maps to the right of the map name.

Eat big drawback from maps from the resource openandromaps.org. The problem is with street names in populated areas. There are either none, or they are displayed only on a couple of scales. But in terms of detail in the wilderness, these maps have no equal.

It happens that the program sees newly downloaded maps after rebooting the smartphone.

3. Now some important settings. The rest can be left as default.

If you don’t want to deal with long disputes, you can just copy my settings. Download the settings file, copy it to the phone in the Locus/Backup folder (do not unpack it, just as downloaded, with the .zip extension), and then in the program menu select “Additional functions” - Backup manager - Restore. Please note that in these settings, map folders are configured in the phone memory by default. If you want, change to an external SD card. You can also pick up my Trip Computer. This trick only works in Pro versions. Download the computer file, copy it to the Locus/data/dashboard folder. Then select it (called kravchik1) with a long tap on the computer icon (with the eye, top second from the right).

If you still want to figure it out yourself (due to constant updating Settings applications can be in other sections and renamed):

Editing the top and right sidebar buttons.

Entering the editor - long tap on any element of the panel - panel settings. Set the number of buttons to top panel 5, right panel 2 and change the elements (remove unnecessary ones and add new functions): GPS, Data, Maps, Track recording, Trip computer, New point, New route. Move elements by clicking on the icon. "GPS" is the satellite visibility icon. Yellow - no signal, green - there is a signal. “Data” is a directory of your tracks and points. “Maps”—entrance to the catalog with maps. "Record Track" opens additional panel track recording (it can be adjusted, I recommend placing it below). “Trip computer” turns on/off the selected computer, and with a long tap you select the computer. You can draw whatever you want through the settings/ additional functions/route editor. I didn’t like any of the ready-made ones - the symbols were too large and covered half the screen. I made simple little black numbers at the top of the card, on the left. It shows the speed, altitude, distance traveled. "New point" records the center of the screen as new point, asks for the name and destination folder. “New Route” allows you to draw a route manually. I use this function as a distance meter.

The first five buttons will be on the top panel, the rest on the side panel.

The sixth, leftmost element of the top panel changes differently: just click and select from several options. I advise you to choose GPS here. Will show accuracy and quantity visible satellites. If the accuracy is displayed at, say, 50m, then the navigator can fool you at 300m; you should not take such readings seriously.

Controls/Screen:

“Lock auto-rotate” - check “all screens” and “portrait mode” (this will disable auto-rotate display)
“Disable screen lock” - check the “Disable all locks” checkbox (the screen will still turn off when not in use, but it will not need to be unlocked with gestures)

Controls/Map Screen

hardware buttons: zoom control

Controls/panels and buttons

left panel buttons - map style switch - check the box. This is a switch of those very topics. Different themes for different purposes
It is better not to enable auto-hiding of the top, bottom and function bars, they do not interfere if the screen is more than 4.5 inches

Recording tracks:

pedestrian profile: 20m/10s/35m
view of the track recording panel - bottom panel

GPS and sensors:

launch at application startup - always
Disable when inactive - I advise you to uncheck the box.

compass-auto switching, 2km/h
use true path angle: yes

Miscellaneous:

exit confirmation: yes
Locus as a service: yes

Points and tracks:

track line style: I advise you to choose purple color so as not to blend in with any symbols on the map, track width: 4px

Instructions for converting raster maps into the Locus.sqlitedb format using the Mapc2Mapc program.

Download the Mapc2Mapc program and install it. In the free version, the functionality is the same, but the map will be littered with red crosses. If this is critical for you, the license costs a one-time fee of $20. Or look for the broken version. I've only seen older versions, they have a lot of bugs and worse functionality.

The program has the ability to link a card: File/load image for calibration. But I haven’t figured out this option and am linking maps in oziexplorer. How the binding is done is a separate topic, read specialized sites and forums.

Open the desired map: File/Load calibrated map. Sometimes the program finds it difficult to select a projection. For example, for Pulkovo1942 (our favorite General Staff) you need to choose from the list, this is Russia, Georgia or Asia.

Then File/Write map for mobile device, select from the list Locus/Rmaps/Galileo .sqlitedb. You can leave Zoom and all the checkboxes as default. Click OK. Now attention! A page will open where the map is divided into squares and you can disable any. If you click OK here, the number of squares increases 4 times so that you can select more accurately. If you do not need to throw out individual pieces of the card (or you have already thrown it away), check the “No more selections” checkbox and click OK. The conversion will begin. Depending on the size of the card and the performance of the computer, it can take a lot of time, up to several hours. Look for the converted map next to the original one.

About smartphones and increasing their reliability.

Once Locus is selected, Iphone and others automatically disappear, leaving only Android. It would be nice to use a special protected smartphone. They are not only protected from damage and water, but can also work normally in temperatures down to -20. True, they are so hefty, in Everyday life I don't feel like carrying it. And if you don’t have the means to buy a separate device for a hike, you can get by regular smartphone with water protection. Super impact protection is useless. You need to put the smart in silicone, stick it on protective glass and tie the device with a cord to your backpack or belt. The cord is ordinary, 35-40 cm long, so that the phone does not reach the ground and does not interfere with putting it to your ear. If your phone doesn't have an eyelet for a lanyard, you can attach it to the silicone case.

This is how I carry mine in my backpack pocket.

Experience has shown that minimum requirements such: 4 nuclear processor 1.2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 4.5″ screen. It is vital that the screen can be operated normally in the rain, that is, when there are drops of water on it and your fingers are wet. For example, Samsung S7-S10 has such screens. I'm currently using the S7 edge and am very pleased.

Autonomy of the smartphone.

Conventional devices can withstand 1.5 hiking days under the following conditions: constant track recording, moderate use of the screen, constantly in touch, 10 minutes of calls, 5 MB of Internet (mail, weather forecast). If you turn off the connection, it lasts for 2 days. Not much. Removable batteries are a thing of the past, now the only option is to charge. The solar battery charging option is not suitable for active hiking. Attaching it to a backpack is inconvenient and ineffective. Normally, you can use solar charging only on vacation.

Therefore, there is only one way out: charging from a power bank with lithium-ion batteries. I have already tried a dozen of them, of different designs. You need to choose according to the optimal combination of main parameters: capacity, weight, price, reliability and convenience. With weight and price, everything is simple and clear. But with the most important thing - capacity, manufacturers are messing up. First: absolutely everyone indicates the capacity of the internal battery for a voltage of 3.7V. But it comes out of the power bank 5V. Second: no one indicates the efficiency of the converter from 3.7 to 5V. And it ranges from 70 to 88%. Typical figure is 80%. So it turns out that it is written 10000mAh, but in reality it is 5400-6400mAh. This power bank will charge a 3600mAh smartphone battery from 5 to 100% 1.5 times.

Manufacturers also mess with the charge and discharge current. Of course, to a lesser extent. The higher the charge current, the faster the power bank charges. And the greater the current supplied (per discharge), the faster the phone will charge. Take power banks with fast charging capabilities, this is very important when you only have a short opportunity to connect to an outlet while on a hike.

From the point of view of reliability and convenience, I consider it optimal to use power banks with a “written” capacity of around 10000mAh. One large one is certainly more economical in price and weight. But power banks are often lost, forgotten and broken. Therefore, it is safer to take several smaller pieces.

A solar panel on a power bank is a useless weight. It takes 2 weeks for her to charge it!

The built-in flashlight is a dangerous thing because it likes to turn on accidentally and wastes its charge in vain.

I measure the capacity of power banks with a USB tester. And it’s even better not to compare capacity, but Watt hours. Then we avoid the need to take into account the voltage, which changes during the measurement process and produces an incorrect result.

Here are some tested options for comparison to get an idea of how different they are.

Globex 11500mAh: weight 240 g (plastic body), actual capacity 6000mah/30Wh. Charges with a current of 1A, outputs up to 1.5A. Full charge time 10 hours.

Drobak power roverII 10000mAh: weight 280 g (steel case), actual capacity 5400mAh/27Wh. It charges and produces 0.85A. Full charge time 12 hours.

Xiaomi 10000mAh: weight 210g (aluminum body), actual capacity 6400mAh/32Wh. Charges 2.2A, outputs 1.8A. Full charge time 5.5 hours.

Xiaomi 2 10000mAh (with fast charging): weight 222g (aluminum body), actual capacity 6520mAh/32.6Wh. Charges 2.2A/5V, 1.5A/9-12V, outputs 2A/5V, 1.5A/9-12V. Full charge time is 3-5.5 hours.

If you consider that Xiaomi is also not expensive, then they win in all respects! Here is a photo of the hero:

One BUT: the market is flooded with fakes of terrible quality. Look for an original item in trusted stores with a good reputation, and under no circumstances look at one-page sites with a discount of many%. By the way, do not buy anything on such sites! The real price per 10,000 is 15-20 dollars.

The rest of the tested power banks were collapsible, using standard 18650 batteries. Here is the best of them, TOMO:

The charger separately weighs 108 grams, each battery weighs 46 grams. All together weighs 292 grams. It charges and outputs 1.8A. In terms of money, it’s a little more expensive than the previous ones. TOMO has 4 independent charge/discharge channels, one for each battery. There is a charge indicator separately for each battery. And it even shows the strength of the recoil current. It is not necessary to insert all 4 batteries, it will work from one. Of course, the key here is the quality of the batteries. And I took the best ones - industrial Panasonic NCR 18650B with real capacity 3300-3400mAh. This is the discharge capacity, measured with a special charger. That is, the total was 13400mAh. When discharged, 7200 mAh comes out of the TOMO. Obviously, the efficiency of the converter is only 72%. Very bad. More important nuance: when switched off, the discharge current is 0.34 mA per battery. This means that 8% of the charge will go to waste in a week. So you need to remove the batteries if it is temporarily lying around idle.

I also tested similar charges, but with one charge/discharge channel, with batteries connected in parallel. The results are similar to TOMO, but the execution is poor and the quality is low. During the hike, I didn’t dare rely on such things; they would let me down at any moment. One plus is that when the device is turned off, there is no discharge at all.

What are the advantages of charging on 18650 batteries: You can take one charger for 2-4 batteries, and take as many batteries as you need! Yes, at least 10. It will be cheaper and easier.

The main drawback was discovered on the very first trip. Often bad contact with batteries. You have to wipe them and rotate them. You think it's charging, but it's not really charging or it's weak. Such a serious drawback offsets the advantages in price and weight. In addition, all of them have low efficiency. So I recommend non-separable power banks.

Another use for power banks is charging batteries for cameras and video cameras. If their charging only works from 220V, it doesn’t matter: on aliexpress you will find USB 5V chargers for all types of batteries.

Please note: Lithium-ion batteries self-discharge by 10% per month. Therefore, be sure to recharge them before going on a trip.

Today there are special devices that will not allow a person to get lost while traveling. A navigator for a pedestrian, mushroom picker, or tourist will become a reliable assistant on a hike. How to choose the right one this device, what parameters to consider, which manufacturer to give preference to? Tourist navigators do an excellent job of their direct responsibilities: they help to navigate the area, indicate the real location of a person, and the desired direction of movement. Forest navigators are a great gift for lovers of an active lifestyle.

How to choose a portable navigator

Mushroom pickers, fishermen, and lovers of hiking will probably need satellite navigation for greater confidence. Modern devices guarantee trouble-free operation even in bad weather, in mountainous areas or dense forests. A navigator for a pedestrian, mushroom picker, or tourist will help you choose knowledge of the basic requirements that the device must meet.

The number of navigator points affects the duration of the track, that is, the path traveled by a person. Naturally, the more there are, the longer the route the device will remember. Even if you don't plan to use this feature, it is useful to have it in your navigator. Installing markers will make it easier to navigate in completely unfamiliar areas and mark places where you stopped or passed. Many people generally prefer to save successful routes on a personal computer.
Built-in memory primarily affects the number of maps that can be loaded. The amount of memory affects the ease of use of the device, that is, the ability to scale up. The question arises, which tourist navigator is better to buy - the answer is clear - give preference to devices with a large amount of built-in memory, or purchase additional card memory.
Battery life is very important parameter, so it cannot be ignored. It’s hard to imagine a person going out to pick mushrooms for just thirty minutes; usually such trips last for a long time. Accordingly, a navigator for mushroom pickers should work for at least several hours. Sometimes various unforeseen circumstances arise during a hike, so running out of battery in an unfamiliar area can be very untimely and problematic. It is better to give preference to devices with maximum low power consumption and a large battery capacity.
Convenience, speed of map scrolling or zooming depend on the processor. Many people correctly choose navigators with more clock frequency, because such devices load and work faster.
Dimensions. Which tourist navigator to choose, what should be the dimensions of this device? Every traveler knows: extra grams cause inconvenience on the road. If you don’t climb mountains or travel tens of kilometers a day, you can ignore this parameter. Otherwise, experts recommend choosing small navigators that easily fit in the palm of your hand.
Strength characteristics are no less important. If you don’t want to navigate by the stars, choose a navigator with a body made of reliable and impact-resistant material. Poor quality plastic may break at the wrong time, leaving you in a rather difficult situation. In addition, while hiking there is always a chance of getting caught in the rain. Moisture resistance is an important parameter of a travel navigator, so you should not buy a device without moisture protection.
The screen of your navigator should not be very small, otherwise instead of the necessary image you will see only incomprehensible glare.

Best models

It’s clear how to choose a tourist navigator, let’s look at it further popular models for ordinary walks or tourism. Today, navigators can easily replace ordinary paper maps and help you get out of even the most impassable thicket.

The Etrex series was appreciated by mushroom pickers, hunters, and ordinary tourists. All devices are very clear, easy to use, controlled by a special joystick located above the screen, as well as buttons located on the sides of the device.

Garmin GPSMAP 64ST is the best travel navigator. Hiking enthusiasts liked this device for its durability and functionality. In addition to the gadget itself, in the box you will find a cable for connecting to a PC, a carabiner for ease of use, a warranty card and an instruction manual. There are no accumulators or batteries included. The navigator boasts a high-quality build. The body of the device, made of durable plastic, looks monolithic and weighty, and is characterized by moisture resistance and impact resistance. Control is carried out using convenient buttons located on the front panel. In addition, the gadget has a massive antenna, a micro-USB port and a connector for an additional antenna. By the way, the antenna recognizes signals from large number GPS satellites, as well as the Russian analogue of GLONAS.

The resolution of the 2.6-inch color display is small (160 by 240 pixels), which means there is graininess, which, by the way, practically does not interfere with working with the navigator. Thanks to the convenient backlight, you can work with the gadget in the dark. Software works stably, the built-in memory (8 GB) is enough to keep in the device not only a road map, but also other interesting places, it is possible to increase the volume by connecting external memory. The navigator does not require recharging for 16 hours and is easily synchronized with a smartphone and other devices.

The Garmin eTrex 10 is the cheapest navigator and has a simple black-and-white 2.2-inch LCD display. Since this model does not have touch support, control is carried out using a joystick. The image on the screen is perceived well regardless of the illumination of the area. The dimensions allow you to carry the navigator in your pocket, and the recesses and bulges on the body make it much easier to use. Accidental hit into the water will not affect the quality of work in any way. It is also worth noting the exceptional strength of the product, its resistance to impacts, ubiquitous dust and dirt.

This, at first glance, quite ordinary navigator can boast of fairly long operation (at least 25-30 hours). Working with GPS and GLONAS opens up the opportunity to travel without fear of getting lost. By the way, Russian system usually finds a location faster than the world one. The navigator's shortcomings are minor: low screen resolution, lack of locking.

The review will continue with the improved Garmin eTrex 20, which replaced the budget eTrex 10 on the market. The gadget is compact in size, the body has rubber inserts, the necessary attachments, quite large buttons, facilitating operation. This model interacts with GPS and GLONASS, is produced with an already built-in package of maps “Roads of Russia”, which is additional advantage. Information is displayed on a color screen, thanks to the use of 65 thousand colors, the picture turns out natural. Availability of built-in memory (1.7 GB), part of which is already full useful information, will significantly increase the coefficient useful action devices. Etrex is the best forest navigator in the mid-price category. Such a device will be able to catch and record the signal even in the most difficult conditions.

The rating will continue with Garmin eTrex 30x. This model represents the next generation of navigators and costs slightly more than the previous device. Let's look at whether this price is justified by comparing tourist navigators from this manufacturer. The diagonal of the color display is the same - 2.2 inches. Thanks to the special IPX7 system, the device is completely waterproof. Experiments carried out with the navigator confirmed this statement. Even after twenty minutes in the water, the device continued to work. In addition, falling onto a hard surface did not disable it either.

The navigator is equipped with an altimeter that measures height, available in the device moon calendar will give you information about sunrise or sunset. Naturally, the device supports all cards, and it is possible to transfer information to other similar devices. Sensitivity to satellites is excellent, the device will quickly determine its location.

Installing the cards is not difficult. Charging is enough for 25 hours of operation. By inserting lithium batteries, you will further increase the operating time. The uniqueness of this model is that it can be used by motorists. Even the longest journey with such a device will become pleasant and easy.

The Garmin Dakota 20 is a compact navigation device. The small gadget feels equally good in male and female hands. The sensor occupies almost the entire front part of the device; there is only one button designed to turn it on/off and change the backlight. Naturally, there is a strap holder. The battery is insulated from water and dust with a special cover and a thin rubber band located around the perimeter. Unlike eTrex, which last up to 30 hours, the Dakota will last no more than 12. Another drawback of this model is the weak screen backlight and the inability to use it with a laptop as a signal reception.

The well-known Chinese company is known for the production of navigation equipment. The line of navigators is represented by four devices: nava 200, nava 300, nava 400 and nava 600. These devices are designed not only to obtain the necessary cartographic data, but also to carry out various measurements. The scope of navigators is wide: from tourism to use in agriculture and forestry. Such devices have a good price and decent functionality.

The nava 200 model is a compact device with a sensitive GPS receiver and a loaded world map. The case reliably protects the device from water, dust, and shock. Thanks to the rubber pads, the navigator is easy to hold in your hands, which is especially valuable in rainy weather. The small size allows you to carry the device in your pocket or on your belt. By the way, the kit includes a special lanyard for carrying. The interface is clear and simple, control is carried out with minimal button presses. Routing can be done in automatic mode. The device easily synchronizes with other devices. Charging the navigator lasts for 15 hours.

We will conclude the rating with the inexpensive tourist navigator nava 600. This full-featured model copes with all the tasks that high-quality navigators are designed to perform. The device is equipped with a color display that guarantees excellent quality Pictures. This device can be used regardless of the time of day, the resolution is 240x320, stores up to 50 tracks and 5 thousand points in memory. The navigator is equipped with an electronic compass, calculator, thermometer and altimeter, has a hunting and fishing calendar, and provides information about the moon and sun. The device is not afraid of falls, high humidity, dust and dirt. Its light weight and size allow you to carry the navigator in your pocket, on your belt or around your neck.

There is probably no tourist who is not afraid of getting lost. Paper maps and compasses are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to more advanced gadgets. Modern nava or eTrex will solve any problem on the ground: from determining the location to calculating the direction of movement. These devices work for a long time and are equipped with many additional functions.

Greetings, happy owners Android devices– tablet computers or mobile phones (Android). In today's post we will talk to you about navigation programs (GPS). Similar applications to the operating room Android system Quite a lot has been developed, there are both paid and free solutions.

Naturally, paid applications have much more advanced functionality than free analogues data Android applications for navigation. But, if you don’t want to spend money on such applications, then I think the basic functionality in the free versions of navigators (GPS) will be enough for you.

All the programs below were selected according to the following principle:

Map update frequency. In my opinion, this is the most important condition when choosing a good Android navigator. If the maps in the application are not updated or are updated extremely rarely, then using such an application for travel, you risk stopping or going to the wrong place. Therefore, the first thing I paid attention to was the frequency of updates. By the way, paid navigators have everything in order with this, which is difficult to say about free navigators;
Ease of use and intuitive interface. Also, one of the main criteria for selecting a good navigator was an intuitive interface. It is always more convenient and convenient to use simple and at the same time functional navigator than a tool with a bunch of incomprehensible buttons and a huge amount incomprehensible and sometimes completely unnecessary functions;
Nice appearance, thoughtful design. Of course, the appearance of the navigator is not of paramount importance, but rather a pleasant addition to the overall picture. But, all the same, when compiling the list below, I took into account the design of the application, you can consider this as satisfying aesthetic needs.

So, enough of the lyrics, let's get down to business, namely, a review of tools to choose the best navigator.

Navitel Navigator

In my opinion, the Navitel Navigator program is one of the best and convenient Android navigators. At the time of writing, the latest version of the navigator (Navitel) was released on July seventeenth two thousand and fourteen, using the link above you can always find the most latest version Navitel Navigator. I’ll say right away that Navitel Navigator is a paid tool (program), but there is also a trial demon paid version. In general, I think that if necessary good navigator, then use free option makes no sense - it will only cause more problems.

Now, let's go over the main advantages and capabilities of Navitel Navigator:

Navitel loads maps into the memory of your mobile phone or tablet computer, this, in turn, allows you to use Navitel without an Internet connection;
You pay only for the cards you need, not all at once. Agree, it’s very convenient; you can also purchase a card for a while, for example, for any trip;
As I said above, you have the opportunity to use Navitel for free for thirty days from the date of download. This time is more than enough to familiarize yourself with the tool and evaluate all its capabilities, advantages and disadvantages;
Navitel navigator maps display all significant objects, such as gas stations, food outlets, ATMs, recreational areas, etc.

A good GPS navigator, with a simple and intuitive interface. Even he can figure it out complete newbie. Of course, it is much less suitable for Russian realities than the previous tool (program), but as a good alternative to Navitel Navigator it is quite suitable. Of all the possibilities given software tool I would like to note the following:

2D and 3D viewing mode. I want to warn you right away - in three-dimensional display mode GPS maps navigator battery Android gadgets sit down much faster, so be careful;
Map displays postal codes. This is a really useful function for some;
Ability to block the route selected by the GPS navigator. This allows you to avoid unwanted routes that you don't want to follow;
The ability to add your own routes, for example you can add your favorite route to work.

They say that this is the most downloaded (about thirty million downloads) and most popular GPS navigator for the Android operating system. It is difficult to say how true this rumor is. But, in any case, this navigator (GPS) deserves our attention. There is both a paid version of the GPS navigator and a free one. The free version, as you would expect, has fewer features compared to the paid version.

So, the program provides us with the following features:

Does not require an Internet connection, because only works with GPS. Whether this is a plus or a minus depends on your device, after all, it is GPS;
The program offers three alternative routes to the point you specify; all you have to do is choose the appropriate one and enjoy the trip;
If desired, the navigator can exclude those routes that pass along toll roads. I think it’s a very interesting and useful feature.

That’s all for today, this is a selection of interesting and, most importantly, good Android navigators.

navigator

A well-worn, proven atlas or an advanced navigator?

A navigator installed on a tablet or mobile phone on the Android platform will lead you out of any remote place, circle traffic jams, and help you find attractions hidden from tourists in small towns. However, everything is not so simple. I would like the application to work quickly offline, but often without a network, even a well-promoted navigator turns into a set of maps, and not with all of them settlements. You have to take out an old, worn-out atlas and find out where your “eyes led.”

The list of 10 applications below was chosen taking into account the criticism of users who, through their own mistakes, realized where the navigator slows down and what functions it lacks. Basically we are talking about free versions, but there are also several paid options.

Google Maps

The most popular, widespread maps with which you can travel without the Internet. To download a map of a particular city, you need to go to Google Play, find the right plan and select the area for loading. Click on the phrase “available offline” and download what you need. This way you can travel without a network by car, metro, tram, bicycle, exploring unfamiliar areas.

Google Maps is the most popular navigator that works without the Internet

constant updates;
scaling and the ability to view cities and roads from different angles.

users of the program note that the program often freezes, cards take a long time to download and take up a lot of space.

Yandex maps

Yandex navigator is also well-known, it is quite widespread and is similar in functionality to Google.

The big disadvantage of both options is that without a network they are just cards. Yes, they are promptly updated and feature extensive information, but they work without the ability to plot the desired route.

Sygic GPS Navigation, MapDroyd and Maverick Pro GPS

Sygic GPS Navigation, MapDroyd and Maverick Pro GPS offer high quality maps and various additional features. They can be downloaded to free point Wi Fi and calmly move on, checking the route. All three applications are designed to work in any state and country of the world.

Advice. In order not to fill up the device’s memory, it is better to download maps of 2-3 cities near which you are located, and then delete them and download the next ones.

travelers say the apps can provide directions and suggest detours if the road is blocked;
The downside is that in the Sygic navigator, 3D plans are only available for a fee, although the program itself is free.

GPS Navigation BE-ON-ROAD

It works offline and can be installed for free if you get a license to work with OpenStreetMap.

Among the advantages can be noted:

clarity of maps;
user-friendly interface;
the ability to build a route without connecting to the network.

During the work, several minor shortcomings were noticed:

the application shows the reversal as a turn;
does not find house numbers on small streets.

MapFactor for Android

A good application, it works via GPS, so it can be done offline. You can download site plans and use them in the future.

Advantages of the navigator:

intuitive menu;
availability of free functions;
is able to pave the exact path to a given address.

Flaws;

takes a long time to load;
maps without small streets and other details.

OsmAnd

An excellent option for offline navigation. The application is equipped voice support, it is possible to find your way in the Alps or find the shortest route to a cafe.

The disadvantage of Yandex Navigator is the inability to get directions without the Internet

Only 10 maps are downloaded for free.

CityGuide

Advanced program with detailed information maps of Russia, CIS countries and parts of Europe. Knows everything about traffic jams, sharp turns, accidents, road signs. Can work without the Internet.

Advantage:

chic free service support, whose specialists answer questions and take calls with information about incidents and traffic jams.

Flaw:

The free version does not work without a network.
free trial period for using the full-fledged application – 15 days.

Navitel navigator

The most popular option after Yandex GPS. Quality service with detailed maps that can be downloaded and do not depend on the quality of the network. The peculiarity is that this application is not provided for free. After a month of using the demo version necessary cards buy or periodically subscribe.

Attention! Navitel significantly saves battery power on any Android device.

Advantages

some of the most accurate data;
excellent speed;
Support service;
paves the way without a network.

Flaws:

the application is paid.

When choosing which application to install on Android, car enthusiasts advise:

If you want to save money, download maps where there are Wi-Fi access points.
Free apps provide great maps with detailed information, but they don't always provide directions.

In any case, the above navigators will help you navigate the direction of travel, get out of any wilderness, and see rare sights around the world.

Navigators for Android without the Internet - video

As an ordinary pedestrian or hitchhiker, it never hurts to have a navigator on your Android smartphone with useful functions at hand. Find the path to a specific object on the map, show a place for a possible overnight stay or snack, provide information about public transport in an unknown city. Some applications can give you all this, you just need to select and install them on your device. Let's look at several navigators on Android that can help a pedestrian navigate unknown terrain.

Maps with GPS navigation from the developers of the giant Google. The most common navigation application that is present out of the box on most Android smartphones. If you are a walker and need a guide, then Google Maps can easily help you with this.

The navigator will lay out a route in several options and show photographs of the area currently around you. He will tell you about public transport that can take you to the desired object. He will not miss useful places in the form of shops, pharmacies, ATMs and other organizations. You can also use maps offline by first downloading them to your device.

Yandex.Navigator

Another app from famous brand, offering users many useful and high-quality services. The Yandex navigator performs its functions perfectly. It has a simple interface and quickly creates several route variations. If on the way to the desired place you see something interesting or some incident happens that may interfere with movement, then you can put a comment about the event on the map.

Once it is published, other users will immediately see it on their Android devices. Some nice additions include changing the simple green triangle cursor used in each navigator to some others in the form of a car from the Transformers movie, a jeep and several more. They did not leave aside the voice acting of the announcer, in addition to the standard female and male voices, the application also contains the voices of some Russian actors and characters from films. Within the framework of this topic, the application still has one drawback - it is focused only on drivers, which it copes with at the highest level.

HERE WeGo

A small application also aimed at pedestrians. HERE WeGo offline maps compared to previous applications, have a small set of functions. But if you move on your own two feet, the navigator will help you with the fastest route planning or provide information about passing public transport.

When traveling to other cities and countries, he will indicate where you can eat, shop and find other useful places. Work offline is also not ignored when preload maps of the desired area. And here the disadvantage of the navigator is files with a large amount of memory, since there is no breakdown by city (to get your city you need to download a file weighing about 500 MB).

MAPS.ME

A navigator that is fast in its work and offers no less interesting features than the previous ones. Mapsmi has in its arsenal the same navigation capabilities as the applications discussed above. There is an offline mode with downloading maps, and useful places in the form of catering outlets, shops and other things.

The presence of a pedestrian mode and setting various markers or adding missing places on the map does not make MAPS.ME less attractive compared to its competitors. IN Lately With the development of online taxis, the integration of the well-known taxi service has been conveniently implemented here, which can be called without resorting to the official application.

MapFactor GPS Navigation Maps

The last navigator in the collection, working with maps from two sources (OpenStreetMap and TomTom). When you log into the application, you will need to choose which ones you will use. A little complex, but at the same time having a full range of functions for high-quality work with route planning. In addition to constructing the movement by the application itself, this can also be done manually, specifying certain points in advance.

When managing maps, you can set prohibited areas so that the navigator does not take this area into account when building a route. A fairly important tool is the function "Simulate route", which will help you look ahead to places to snack, spend the night, and others important details upcoming trip. The disadvantage of the program: it is impossible to use it without first downloading certain maps, which is what you are asked to do the first time you start it.

List navigators that are in free access, you can do it for a very long time and they will all work at approximately the same level. But the applications listed above include all the functions you can imagine. What to use is up to the user.