google maps alternatives

Overview

In the recent past, we published some blog posts on some interesting and trending topics such as Free & Open Source Popular JavaScript Frameworks, Things To Review Before Opting Open Source Software In 2021, and some others. In this article, we will go through another exciting topic open source Google Maps alternatives. The emergence of Google Maps is considered a huge development in the world of online navigation. In fact, this interactive maps software offers much more than mapping & navigation such as search places, speed check, voice input, and more. In addition, Google Maps is highly accessible and offers its offline version where you do not have internet availability. Further, there are many provisions for the business owners as it lets people add their businesses on Google Maps along with the contacts, website, photos, and videos.

On the other hand, there are many free navigation software that the open source community has developed. These map applications come with self-hosting capabilities and have very alive communities. In addition, you can use these map software on the web and mobile platforms to track directions and leverage the other features. However, let’s proceed further by covering the following points.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is one of the free navigation software that is Google Maps alternatives. This map application is free, open source, and comes with GPS navigation capabilities. It is editable as it comes with a built-in editor. There is a vibrant community that actively provides support. Moreover, this free navigation software offers very precise and comprehensive navigation so that you can spot places such as police stations and etc. This open source map software offers to zoom in zoom capabilities, and also tracks your current location. Further, it lets you embed and download a specific location so that you can share it with others. Just like Google Maps, you can get directions by setting your source, destination, and mode of travel such as car, walk, or bicycle. However, OpenStreetMap is written in JavaScript with all the documentation regarding development and deployment. Therefore, you can find its source code files at Github.

Following are the prominent features:

  • Self-Hosted
  • GPS Navigation
  • Built-in Editor
  • Search
  • Location Sharing

OsmAnd

OsmAnd is another map application that works online as well as offline. This free navigation software is open source, customizable, and tracks GPS location. OsmAnd is one of the Google Maps alternatives that offers route optimization, helps users indicate paths such as forests, landscapes and etc. In addition, it has text to speech option and comes with night mode options which darken the theme of the user interface. Above all, you can plan your trip as per the routes suggested by OsmAnd as it lets you search various places. The best thing about this offline maps app is that it offers a bunch of plugins that enhance its scope. OsmAnd is mainly written in Java and you can find documentation. Therefore, developers can find the source code files on Github.

OsmAnd has the following key features:

  • Offline Version
  • Text to Speech
  • Night Mode
  • GPS Navigation
  • Plugins

Organic Maps

Organic Maps is another open source map application that works offline as well. Just like other interactive maps software, it is available for both Android and IOS. In addition, it comes with the fastest search capabilities while in offline mode. Organic Maps is one of those Google Maps alternatives that provide night mode in which themes get dark in the nighttime. Further, you can plan your trip either hiking track, cycling, or by walk and it also provides users voice guidance. Moreover, it is ads-free, with no push notifications and no registration required. Organic Maps is written in C++ and comes with documentation. Therefore, you can find the source code files on Github.

Organic Maps offers the following important features:

  • Works Offline
  • Quick Search Options
  • Dark Mode
  • Free & Open Source
  • Andriod & IOS Versions

Leaflet

The Leaflet is another open source interactive maps software that comes with self-hosting capabilities. This map application is lightweight and easy to use. Above all, it is available for all desktop and mobile platforms such as Android, IOS, and web. Further, this offline maps app is highly extensible and offers a well-documented API for third-party integrations. This open source free navigation software provides tutorials too for user guidance. The Leaflet is written in JavaScript with comprehensive documentation available. Therefore, you can find source code files on Github.

Leaflet comes up with the following key features:

  • Self-hosted
  • Lightweight
  • Multiplatform Support
  • Plugins
  • API

Qwant Map

Last but not least, Qwant Map is one of those Google Maps alternatives that is open source and free. Just like Google Maps, this interactive maps software offers rich search capabilities. In addition, you can search for places such as restaurants, hotels, markets, and more. Moreover, it lets you search for nearby places by tracking your location. Qwant Map is based on OpenStreetMap and offers GPS tracking.

Qwant Map offers the following key points:

  • GPS Tracking
  • Open Source
  • Global Search
  • Zoom in / Zoom out
  • Nearby Places

Final Thoughts

This brings us to the end of this blog post. We have gone through open source and free Google Maps alternatives that are self-hosted and extensible. This article will surely help you if you are looking to opt for free navigation software for your business. Moreover, there are other articles in the explorer section below that you may check out.

Finally, containerize.com is continuously writing blog posts on further open source products and topics. Therefore, please stay in touch with the containerize.com for regular updates. Moreover, you can follow us on our social media accounts Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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