Comparison of free off-line satellite navigation software explained

This article contains a list with gratis (but not necessarily open source) satellite navigation (or "GPS") software for a range of devices (PC, laptop, tablet PC, mobile phone, handheld PC (Pocket PC, Palm)). Some of the free software mentioned here does not have detailed maps (or maps at all) or the ability to follow streets or type in street names (no geocoding). However, in many cases, it is also that which makes the program free (and sometimes open source[1]), avoid the need of an Internet connection,[2] [3] [4] and make it very lightweight (allowing use on small portable devices, including smartphones). Very basic programs like this may not be suitable for road navigation in cars, but serve their purpose for navigation while walking or trekking, and for use at sea. To determine the GPS coordinates of a destination, one can use sites such as GPScoordinates.eu and GPS visualizer.

Some software presented here is free, but maps may need to be paid for. In this instance, and in the instance that some maps (of specific countries) are not standardly available, Mobile Atlas Creator (MOBAC) can be used (e.g. on OruxMaps, Maverick, Sports Tracker, Maplorer).

Some of the software mentioned can also be run on different devices than what they are intended for. A particular case-in-point is the Android software which can often be run on laptops or PCs (running Linux, Windows or Mac OS X) as well. This can be done using emulators.

Some of the software mentioned here may run only on devices that are no longer commercially sold (such as the PalmPilot and PocketPC devices). However, these devices are often still obtainable via second-hand websites.

Navigation software

Free maps

Navigation software with free maps often uses maps from the OpenStreetMap project.

NameCompany or developerType of device[5] Operating system3rd-party GPS-able?[6] Software with maps? Follows streets?Open source?Remarks
Aqua Map[7] GECsmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yes
Google MapsGooglesmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online)Android, iOS?Yes, yesMaps can be downloaded, but they expire after 30 days,[8] [9] ads
Here WeGo[10] HERE Global B.V., Netherlandssmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online),Android, iOS?yes (color maps), ?intended for marine navigation
Magic EarthGeneral Magic B.V.Smartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesFree OSM maps intended for car navigation, hiking and biking
MapFactor[11] MapFactor, s.r.o., Czech Republicsmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), tablet PC, car navigationAndroid, iOS, Windows, WinCE, Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 10 Mobile?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesFree OSM maps, optional non-free TomTom maps, ads
MAPS.ME[12] MapsWithMe GmbHsmartphoneAndroid, BlackBerry, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yes[13] ?
Mapy.czSeznam.czsmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online), car navigationAndroid, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile?Yes, yescar, hiking, cycling, skiing and boating navigation with unlimited offline maps
Navmii (formerly NavFree)[14] [15] Navmii smartphone, tablet, PCAndroid, BlackBerry, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yes??
NaviComputer[16] ?Windows PhoneWindows Mobile?yes (?), no?For hiking and biking
Navit[17] [18] nonesmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online)Android, Linux, OpenMoko, Windows for PC?Yes (OpenStreetMap and others), yesIntended for road navigation
OpenCPN[19] laptop, PCIntelMac, Linux (Fedora, Ubuntu, CentOS),Windows XP SP3, Vista, 7, 8?yes (various charts and OpenStreetMap data), N/AIntended for maritime navigation
OsmAnd[20] OsmAND bvsmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesLimited to 7 maps for the free Google Play version,[21] unlimited on F-Droid
Maps can be added manually via PC in program order on smartphone
OSM Scout for Sailfish OS[22] Karas Lukáš[23] smartphoneSailfish OS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesUnlimited offline maps loaded from within the app.
Organic Maps[24] Organic Mapssmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesPrivacy-focused navigation - no location tracking and no data collection. For hiking, cycling and driving. Developed by the community as a free and open-source project.
Pure Maps[25] + OSM Scout Server[26] rinigus[27] smartphone?Yes (OpenStreetMap data), yesPure Maps acts as frontend and OSM Scout Server as backend. Unlimited offline maps loaded from within OSM Scout Server.

Non-free maps

NameCompanyType of deviceOperating system3rd-party GPS-able?Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
Aqua MapGECSmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yes
i-Boating[28] i-BoatingTablet, PC, SmartphoneAndroid, Embedded Linux & BlackBerry, iOS, Mac OS, WindowsYesYesMarine Navigation Software, free program, but maps need to be paid for
HandMap[29] [30] ?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (color maps, basic), ?May be a free program, but maps need to be paid for (hence called "shareware" at Tucows) ?
Navionics Boating App[31] Navionicssmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?Intended for marine navigation, free program, but maps need to be paid for
SailPalm[32] ?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (black and white maps), ?Free program, but maps need to be paid for (hence called "shareware" at Tucows), intended for marine navigation (sailing)

Other satellite navigation software

NameCompanyType of deviceOperating system3rd-party GPS-able?Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
FieldNote[33] Mobile Computinghandheld PC (pocket PC)Windows CE?no, ??mainly intended to mark specific points without a map, not intended for actual navigation
GPSLogger[34] Open ProjectBasic Air DataTablet, PC, Smartphoneand any android enabled deviceAndroidYes, no specific hardwareNoFree and no ads. Exports in common formats and via email[35]
osmdroid[36] osmdroid.orgTablet, PC, Smartphoneand any android enabled deviceAndroidYes, no specific hardwareyes (?), nomay not allow actual navigation from point-to-point, only showing the current position on a map

Miscellaneous / unsorted software

NameCompanyType of deviceOperating systemsupports use of third-party GPS receiver 3rd-party GPS-able?Software with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?Remarks
Maverick[37] [38] ?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?
gvSIG Mini[39] [40] ProdevelopTablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??
OpenSatNav[41] Kieran Fleming et al.Tablet PCAndroid, OpenMoko?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
Minimap[42] ?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
MapDroyd[43] CloudMade Deutschland GmbHTablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
OruxMaps[44] ?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?
AlpineQuest Off-Road Explorer[45] PsyberiaTablet, PC, Smartphoneand any android enabled deviceAndroid?yes (?), ?NoSince 2010.
AndNav 2[46] ?Tablet PC,Android?yes (?), ???
Big Planet Tracks[47] ?Tablet PC,Android?yes (?), ???
Sports Tracker[48] Sports Tracking TechnologiesTablet PCAndroid,?yes (?), noNoDoes not allow navigation to specific points, only tracking
RMaps[49] [50] ?tablet PCAndroid?yes (?), ??may not provide actual navigation, only marking of GPS points, and the current position
AFTrack[51] ?Tablet PC, handheld PC (Symbian)Android, Symbian OS series 60?yes (?), ???
CacheBox[52] ?Tablet PC, PC, handheld PC (pocket PC)Android, Windows Mobile, Windows for PC?yes (?), ??initially intended for geocaching
Mapopolis[53] ?Handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (black and white maps), ??only has maps for USA
Magellan Nav Companion[54] ?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
TZGPS[55] ?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
Trax[56] [57] Luke Klein-Berndthandheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?? (?), ???
SoaringPilot[58] ?handheld PC (Palm, some PocketPC/WinCE devices)Palm OS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Originally intended for use in sailplanes
CotoGPS[59] ?handheld PC (Palm)Palm OS?? (?), ??Originally intended for geocaching
GpsPilot[60] ?handheld PC (Symbian One)Symbian?no (?), ???
Maplorer[61] ?handheld PC (pocket PC)Windows CE, Mobile?yes (?), ???
OSMtracker[62] ?handheld PC (pocket PC), smartphoneAndroid, Windows Mobile?yes (?), ??
gpsVP[63] ?handheld PC, certain smartphonesWindows Mobile 5,6, 2003?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
CacheWolf[64] ?Laptop, PCWindows, Mac OS X, Linux?yes (?), ???
Glopus[65] ?Laptop, PC, handheld PC (Pocket PC)Windows, ??yes (?), ???
TrekBuddy[66] [67] ?PC, laptop, handheld PC (Palm, Symbian, BlackBerry), Windows PhoneAndroid,Symbian, Palm OS, SE proprietary OS, Windows Mobile, Windows XP, Vista, ?yes (?), ??Runs on Java, hence cross-platform
gvSIG 2.0[68] ?PC, laptop,Windows XP, Vista, Linux, OS X?yes (?), ??cross-platform; originally intended as a GIS; however can be fitted with GPS receiver and has support for it[69] and also allows to easily download maps from any location from an online database as OpenStreetMap, and many others[70] [71]
LuckyGPS[72] ?Laptop, PC, smartphoneWindows, Linux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
Mumpot[73] ?Laptop, PC, smartphoneLinux, OpenMoko, GPE?yes (?), ???
Pyroute[74] OjwLaptop, PC, smartphoneWindows XP, Linux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
TangoGPS[75] Marcus BauerLaptop, PC, smartphoneLinux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
FoxtrotGPS[76] ?Laptop, PCLinux, OpenMoko?yes (?), ??based on TangoGPS, actively being developed, especially adapted for use with touch screens
Rana[77] OjwsmartphoneOpenMoko, Neo Freerunner?yes (?), ??runs on Python, so possibly cross-platform
BikeAtor[78] [79] ?smartphone (OpenMoko, Symbian), tablet PCAndroid, OpenMoko, Symbian?yes (?), ???
Osmarender[80] ?laptop, PC, Linux, OS X, Windows?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Not intuitive
Mobile Trail Explorer[81] ?smartphone, ?Symbian, multiple OSs?yes (?), ??Runs on Java, so a cross-platform GPS navigation software
Open Citymap[82] ?smartphone (Qt)Windows CE, OpenMoko?yes (?), ???
Mappero?Nokia N810Maemo[83] ?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
NaviPOWM[84] ?handheld PC, Laptop, PCWindows for PC, Windows Mobile 5/6/2003 SE, Linux?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ???
GPSSRobin LovelockLaptop or Pocket PCWindows for PC, Windows Mobile?yes (can import)NoSince 1995. www.gpss.co.uk
NaVisu?Laptop, PCLinux, OS X, Windows?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ??Developed for marine applications, not intuitive, built around NASA WorldWind
Cetus GPS[85] Cetus softwareembedded system (Garmin)OS 5?yes (?), ???
GPS interpreter[86] Marcel Durieux, Christian Tavernier[87] Embedded system (purpose-build PCB)[88] ??yes, ???
Andrew Holme's GPS softwareAndrew Holme[89] Embedded system (several custom PCB's + Raspberry Pi)[90] Raspbian Linux??, ???
AdvRider WD[91] Adi BardaAndroidAndroid?yes (can import)NoSince 2013.
TheGOAT[92] ?Tablet PCAndroid?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No?

See also

Notes and References

  1. Having open-source GPS programs available for different devices also allows people to expand on this software for certain projects, like automated or semi-automated steering systems for vehicles
  2. Programs like Google maps require an internet connection as the maps are not available offline, in part because this would also make the program very large in filesize
  3. Web site: offline - How to use GPS/Maps without an Internet connection? - Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange . Android.stackexchange.com . 2017-05-03.
  4. Web site: Joe Levi . Here's how to take your Google Maps offline after the v7 update . Pocketnow.com . 2013-07-22 . 2017-05-03 . 2017-06-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170624153222/http://pocketnow.com/2013/07/22/google-maps-offline . dead .
  5. Tablet PCs have touchscreens, laptops do not
  6. support of add-on GPS receiver, rather than say the embedded GPS receiver of the device the software was initially designed for
  7. Web site: Aqua Map - App functions.
  8. News: How to use your Google Maps offline. 2017-08-21. Android Authority. 2017-09-11. en-US.
  9. Web site: Google Groups. groups.google.com. 2017-09-11.
  10. Web site: HERE WeGo App. Here.com. 2017-05-10.
  11. Web site: MapFactor GPS Navigation Maps - Android Apps on Google Play. Play.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  12. Web site: MAPS.ME. maps.me. en. 2017-09-11.
  13. Web site: The Best Free Offline Maps for Traveling. Happy. Map. 2015-06-03. Huffington Post. en-US. 2017-09-11.
  14. Web site: Archived copy. https://web.archive.org/web/20140414024344/http://www.navmii.com/GPSNavigation. 2014-04-14. dead. 2014-04-13.
  15. Web site: Navmii GPS World (Navfree) - Android Apps on Google Play. Play.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  16. Web site: Home. NaviComputer. 2017-05-03.
  17. Web site: Navit . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  18. Web site: Navit - Car navigation system. Navit-project.org. 2017-05-03.
  19. Web site: About OpenCPN. Team. OpenCPN. opencpn.org. en. 2017-09-11.
  20. Web site: Offline Mobile Maps and Navigation. OsmAnd. 2017-05-03.
  21. maps installation in program
  22. Web site: OSM Scout for Sailfish OS. GitHub. 28 February 2022.
  23. Web site: karry.cz. karry.cz. 2020-10-13.
  24. Web site: Offline Mobile Maps and Navigation .
  25. Web site: Pure Maps. GitHub. 17 April 2022.
  26. Web site: OSM Scout Server.
  27. Web site: rinigus Github. GitHub. 2020-10-13.
  28. Web site: i-Boating. December 28, 2016.
  29. Web site: HandMap : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. 27 November 2002. Archive.org. 2017-05-03.
  30. Web site: GPS Plugin : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. January 2002. Archive.org. 2017-05-03.
  31. Web site: Navionics Boating. Navionics.com. 2017-05-03.
  32. Web site: SailPalm : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. 12 April 2002. Archive.org. 2017-05-03.
  33. Web site: Mobile Computing in a Fieldwork Environment. https://web.archive.org/web/20130113221552/http://www.cs.kent.ac.uk/projects/mobicomp/Fieldwork/. 2013-01-13. dead. 2014-04-13.
  34. Web site: Free GPSLogger for Android. www.basicairdata.eu. BasicAirData. 2016-12-06.
  35. Web site: GPSLogger/apk at master · BasicAirData/GPSLogger · GitHub. BasicAirData. Github.com. 2017-05-03.
  36. Web site: Source code on GitHub. GitHub. 2018-05-03.
  37. Web site: Products. Code Sector. 2017-05-03.
  38. Web site: Maverick: GPS Navigation - Android Apps on Google Play. Play.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  39. Web site: gvSIG Mini Maps - Android Apps on Google Play. Play.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  40. Web site: Home - gvSIG Mini - Confluence. Miguel Montesinos. 2012-03-28. Confluence.prodevelop.es. 2017-05-03. 2017-06-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20170625004014/https://confluence.prodevelop.es/display/GVMN/Home. dead.
  41. Web site: OpenSatNav . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  42. Web site: Archived copy. https://web.archive.org/web/20140415014337/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.FK.minimap. 2014-04-15. dead. 2014-04-13.
  43. Web site: Archived copy. https://web.archive.org/web/20140414170904/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.osa.android.mapdroyd. 2014-04-14. dead. 2014-04-13.
  44. Web site: Oruxmaps Homepage. Oruxmaps.com. 2017-05-03.
  45. Web site: Presentation. AlpineQuest. 2017-05-03.
  46. Web site: Android Navigation System. AndNav.org. 2017-05-03.
  47. Web site: Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting. Code.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  48. Web site: Sports Tracker. Sports Tracker. 2017-05-03.
  49. Web site: My Android Applications. Robertdeveloper.blogspot.be. 2017-05-03.
  50. Web site: RMaps free app download. 2010-05-28. Android Freeware. 2017-05-03.
  51. Web site: AFTrack - GPS Tracking. Afischer-online.de. 2017-05-03.
  52. Web site: Downloads. 2013-10-16. Team-cachebox.de. 2017-05-03. 2017-05-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20170514205904/http://team-cachebox.de/index.php/en/downloads-en. dead.
  53. Web site: Mapopolis : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. 17 February 2002. Archive.org. 2017-05-03.
  54. Web site: Navigation with Palm OS. Dale DePriest. Gpsinformation.org. 2017-05-03.
  55. Web site: TZGPS - a GPS Applet for PalmOS. Linas.org. 2017-05-03.
  56. Web site: Trax Download. https://web.archive.org/web/20140414044507/http://downloads.zdnet.com/product/2053-18340/. 2014-04-14. dead. 2014-04-13.
  57. Web site: Trax : : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. 25 June 2001. Archive.org. 2017-05-03.
  58. Web site: SoarPilot - Soaring Flight Computer. Soaringpilot.org. 2017-05-03.
  59. Web site: Cotogps. https://web.archive.org/web/20140413200617/http://coto.marsrakete.de/projects/cotogps/. 2014-04-13. dead. 2014-04-13.
  60. Web site: ブライトニングフォーミュラの効果はどう？【@コスメ1位の秘密とは！】. Gpspilot.biz. 2017-05-03.
  61. Web site: Free hiking maps on your Windows CE / Windows mobile based GPS. Maplorer. 2017-05-03.
  62. Web site: OSMtracker . OpenStreetMap Wiki . 2016-07-23 . Wiki.openstreetmap.org . 2017-05-03.
  63. Web site: Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting. Code.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  64. Web site: Home Page - Cachewolf. 2015-08-02. Cachewolf.aldos.de. 2017-05-03.
  65. Web site: Glopus - Home. 2014-03-15. Glopus.de. 2017-05-03.
  66. Web site: Outdoor companion. Trekbuddy.net. 2017-05-03.
  67. Web site: Installation - TrekBuddy Wiki. Trekbuddy.net. 2017-05-03.
  68. Web site: Portal gvSIG — gvSIG. https://web.archive.org/web/20140527150443/http://www.gvsig.org/web/. 2014-05-27. dead. 2014-05-13.
  69. Web site: GPS extension for gvSIG. Joinup.ec.europa.eu. https://web.archive.org/web/20141219060500/https://joinup.ec.europa.eu/software/gvsigps/description. 2014-12-19. dead. 2017-05-03.
  70. Web site: gvSIG 2.0: OpenStreetMap, adding new servers | gvSIG blog. 5 June 2013. Blog.gvsig.org. 2017-05-03.
  71. Web site: OSM gvSIGv2. 2013-05-16. YouTube. 2017-05-03.
  72. Web site: LuckyGPS . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  73. Web site: Mumpot . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  74. Web site: Pyroute . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  75. Web site: TangoGPS . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  76. Web site: FoxtrotGPS . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  77. Web site: Rana . OpenStreetMap Wiki . 2010-12-21 . Wiki.openstreetmap.org . 2017-05-03.
  78. Web site: BikeAtor . OpenStreetMap Wiki. 2017-05-03.
  79. Web site: BikeAtor for Android. Bikeator.de. 2017-05-03.
  80. Web site: Osmarender . OpenStreetMap Wiki . 2016-10-26 . wiki.openstreetmap.org . 2017-05-03.
  81. Web site: Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting. Code.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  82. Web site: Google Code Archive - Long-term storage for Google Code Project Hosting. Code.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  83. Web site: Intro: The Home of the Maemo Community. Maemo.org. 2017-05-03. 2017-05-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200527/http://maemo.org/intro/. dead.
  84. Web site: NaviPOWM download. 2009-11-22. SourceForge.net. 2017-05-03.
  85. Web site: Cetus GPS (Palm) for Mobile - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com. 2007-05-15. Download.cnet.com. 2017-05-03.
  86. Web site: Multi-purpose GPS Receiver. subscription . Elektor Magazine. October 2008.
  87. Web site: MikroElektronika Forum • View topic - GPS interpreter. Mikroe.com. 2017-05-03.
  88. Web site: Elektor Multi-purpose GPS Receiver PCB Elektor. https://web.archive.org/web/20140413223455/http://www.elektor.com/multi-purpose-gps-receiver-pcb-3964. 2014-04-13. dead. 2014-04-13.
  89. Web site: Homemade GPS Receiver. Aholme.co.uk. 2017-05-03.
  90. Web site: Homemade GPS receiver. 2013-05-13. Raspberry Pi. 2017-05-03. 2015-03-17. https://web.archive.org/web/20150317074856/http://www.raspberrypi.org/homemade-gps-receiver/. dead.
  91. Web site: AdvRider WD - Android Apps on Google Play. Play.google.com. 2017-05-03.
  92. Web site: TheGOAT. benpl.net. 2018-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140550/https://www.benpl.net/thegoat/about.html. 2018-06-12. dead.

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