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Add to SafariWhen comparing Mapfactor Navigator vs OsmAnd Maps & Navigation, the Slant community recommends OsmAnd Maps & Navigation for most people. In the question“What are the best offline GPS navigation apps for Android?” OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is ranked 1st while Mapfactor Navigator is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is:
[OSM][1] provides a map editable by everyone; just like the web-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Using a community edited map allows one to correct isses they encounter. Combined with the monthly turn around, these edits are added for navigation quickly. [1]: http://www.openstreetmap.org/
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Free with OSM maps
MapFactor also provides regular map updates.
Pro Free monthly updates
Every month there are free map updates.
Pro Very in-depth adjustments in settings
You can define vehicle type, which roads you prefer to use (highway, secondary roads, local road) all with a percentage slider.
Pro Up to 3 suggested routes
This is a premium upgrade but worth the small cost. Without it Navigator always has a preference for main roads.
Pro Highly customisable
Pro Helpful lane guidance
Pro Speed and camera warning
Navigator warns you if you approach a speed camera or exceed the speed limit.
Pro Traffic information
The new 3.0 version includes also the online traffic information. It is also a premium feature but worth it.
Pro Based around crowdsourced OpenStreetMap data
OSM provides a map editable by everyone; just like the web-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Using a community edited map allows one to correct isses they encounter. Combined with the monthly turn around, these edits are added for navigation quickly.
Pro OpenStreetMap contributing made convenient
One can also utilize features to contribute back to OSM. This includes reporting a bug or adding a POI. This feature doesn't require an internet connection as the points can be uploaded latter upon request.
Pro Works offline once the maps are downloaded
Pro Helpful lane guidance
Lane guidance can assist in deciding if one should stay in the right or left lanes. OsmAnd provides detailed information on the number of lanes and which are valid for your chosen destination; based on the data available it may show too many or too few lanes.
Pro Excellent general map viewing
Sometimes one needs more than just navigation, they have a need to view a map or specify a specific route. OsmAnd provides a very nice, detailed map. This can be good for seeing what is around you or showing a place you are talking about to a friend.
It also provides a means to add waypoints on the map which can be used to dictate a specific route (not simple enough to do routinely).
Pro Routinely updated maps
Utilizing the community driven OpenStreetMap data has allowed for monthly publishing of new maps that the user can use. Though that doesn't necessarily mean the map data has changed.
Pro Free and open source
Pro Shows speed limit
Pro Contour lines enable understanding the terrain
Through the use of an additional plugin OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is able to utilize contour lines on its maps which helps view the landscape and terrain.
Pro For car navigation, vehicle parameters and specifications can be entered
This helps in optimizing route calculations based on vehicle's maximum speed or a country's maximum speed limits, typical driving speeds, width and height of the vehicle and so on.
Pro Has an option to FAVOUR (rather than avoid) unpaved roads (remember when you have this selected!)
This helps in avoiding often congested main roads and in casually discovering alternative routes, sometimes dirt roads as well, which are commonly far less-travelled in most places. Odd place for this option though, should be near the section where you can select which types of roads to avoid instead.
Cons
Con Ads on application exit
As of Spring 2017, this app doesn't allow you to exit without being nagged to install other apps. If you select "No thanks", you somehow get directed to a Google search page, which is incredibly frustrating. It's acceptable to have a fairly unobtrusive ad at the bottom of a navigation map, but it's definitely a deterrent if every time you exit the app you have to go through a series of annoying screens or take the risk of making a mistake and installing something you actually don't want.
Con Nag screen to upgrade to Premium TomTom maps
Even if you click 'Don't show this anymore' you still get constantly nagged to upgrade.
Con Not very appealing grayish user interface
Con Sometimes questionable navigating routes
For example, in Slovenia, with loaded OSM data, this navigator routed to off-road trails. OsmAnd+ selected much better roads.
Con Slow and sometimes poor search
Most often does not find what you are looking for (which is not caused by bad OSM data).
Con Slow rendering
It can take some time for an area to be rendered. This tends not to be a problem during navigation since only a small area must be rendered as the map moves, and this area isn't immediately needed; though likely a bigger issue with smaller screens.
Con Poor navigation interface
The interface is not the most intuitive, though is continually progressing. It doesn't provide a 3D view like many navigation apps.
Con Near impossible to scroll through map
Due to the slow rendering (already mentioned) it is near impossible to scroll through OsmAnd's maps. You move the map only slightly and it takes ages to redraw all vector layers.
Con No display when the next speed limit occurs
When driving on unknown streets you are often surprised by speed limits or town signs, so you have to friction brake.
Con Terrible address data
This is a limitation of OSM's data, but it is unreliable for locating an address while offline. Even with internet it doesn't appear that it can locate most addresses.
Con No recorded voices can be found for download, only text-to-speech
Though not generally a problem, since OsmAnd+ favours TTS-based voice prompts it does advertise also supporting recorded voice prompts. However they cannot be downloaded or selected anywhere in the app, so you'll end up with awkward pronunciation, depending on your device's TTS engine, especially when setting your language to English in a non-English speaking area. Disabling street names will help as a limited workaround, but for those looking for clear and well-pronounced instructions, it's better to look elsewhere.
Con Being based on OpenStreetMap data can be lacking
The use of OSM also has the drawback of many places not getting the attention needed for updates. Depending on the geographic location OSM may have the most detailed maps or the most bare/outdated map.
