My last blog entry made me want to take a loser look on map apps for
smartphones. I have a Sony Xperia so Android app store on Google Play is the
basic investigation tool for this task.
So far I have been using Maps and My Tracks, both developed by Google,
and I consider them sort of basic types of map apps for any novice user. And what I consider essential is that you can use
both offline, so even if you don’t have internet access at all times, you can
still use these apps to figure out where you are.
Maps is just like Google Maps that we all access online to search for a specific street, address or business. Their maps are very accurate and the layers available are satellite, terrain, traffic, etc. You can use as Maps a simple and effective navigation tool, search for near-by business and depending on your location in the world, there are live traffic updates and Street View options available.
Maps
My Tracks app is excellent for recording your path, speed, distance, and elevation during any outdoor activity – I’ve tried it during bus rides, cycling and walking and it works perfectly. You can add notes at certain points, view statistics and hear periodic voice announcements of your progress. Your track can be synced on Google Drive and shared with other Google users.
My Tracks
There’s another nice little free app that a lot of outdoorsy people like
to use, the MapMyRide. It offers the standard services of mapping your route
and tracking the activity type, but it can also keep track of the foods you eat
so as to accurately calculate your calorie output.
MapMyRide calorie counter
Then you can go ahead and share your route with your friends and look
for interesting routes posted by others in your area or anywhere else you’re planning
to visit. A highly recommended app.
A route shared through MapMyRide
There seems to be countless map apps out there, just go ahead and invest a couple of days to try out a few and see which one suits your needs the best. And have fun!
