Comparison of free off-line satellite navigation software

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 sourceHaving 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), avoid the need of an Internet connection,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 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 deviceTablet PCs have touchscreens, laptops do notOperating systemSoftware with maps? Follows streets?Open source?RemarksAqua MapGECsmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOSYes, yesCoMapsCoMapssmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOSYes (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 under a co-op not for profit organization.Google MapsGooglesmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online)Android, iOSYes, yesMaps can be downloaded, but they expire after 30 days, adsHere WeGoHERE Global B.V., Netherlandssmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online),Android, iOSyes (color maps), ?intended for marine navigationMagic EarthMagic Lane Ltd.Smartphone, tabletAndroid, iOSYes (OpenStreetMap data), yesFree OSM maps intended for car navigation, hiking and biking MapFactorMapFactor, s.r.o., Czech Republicsmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), tablet PC, car navigationAndroid, iOS, Windows, WinCE, Windows Phone 8.1, Windows 10 MobileYes (OpenStreetMap data), yesFree OSM maps, optional non-free TomTom maps, adsMAPS.MEMapsWithMe GmbHsmartphoneAndroid, BlackBerry, iOSYes (OpenStreetMap data), yes?Mapy.comSeznam.czsmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online), car navigationAndroid, iOSYes, yesCar, hiking, cycling, skiing and boating navigation with web and app sync. 1 free offline map, unlimited offline maps for Premium users.Navmii (formerly NavFree)Navmii smartphone, tablet, PCAndroid, BlackBerry, iOSYes (OpenStreetMap data), yes??NaviComputer?Windows PhoneWindows Mobileyes (?), no?For hiking and bikingNavitnonesmartphone, tablet, laptop (online), PC (online)Android, Linux, OpenMoko, Windows for PCYes (OpenStreetMap and others), yesIntended for road navigationOpenCPNlaptop, PCIntelMac, Linux (Fedora, Ubuntu, CentOS),Windows XP SP3, Vista, 7, 8yes (various charts and OpenStreetMap data), N/AIntended for maritime navigationOsmAndOsmAND bvsmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOSYes (OpenStreetMap data), yesLimited to 7 maps for the free Google Play version,maps installation in program unlimited on F-DroidMaps can be added manually via PC in program order on smartphoneOSM Scout for Sailfish OSKaras LukášsmartphoneSailfish OSYes (OpenStreetMap data), yesUnlimited offline maps loaded from within the app.Organic MapsOrganic Mapssmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOSYes (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 + OSM Scout ServerrinigussmartphoneLinux, Sailfish OS, UBportsYes (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?support of add-on GPS receiver, rather than say the embedded GPS receiver of the device the software was initially designed forSoftware with maps? Follows streets?Open-source?RemarksArgo NavigationArgo NavigationSmartphone, Tablet, PCAndroid, iOS?Yes, yesMarine navigation app with autoroutine, customizable nautical charts, crowdsourced data, and offline maps (paid).Aqua MapGECSmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?Yes, yesi-Boatingi-BoatingTablet, PC, SmartphoneAndroid, Embedded Linux & BlackBerry, iOS, Mac OS, WindowsYesYesMarine Navigation Software, free program, but maps need to be paid forHandMap?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 AppNavionicssmartphone, tabletAndroid, iOS?yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?Intended for marine navigation, free program, but maps need to be paid forSailPalm?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?RemarksFieldNoteMobile Computinghandheld PC (pocket PC)Windows CE?no, ??mainly intended to mark specific points without a map, not intended for actual navigation GPSLoggerOpen Project Basic Air DataTablet, PC, Smartphone and any android enabled deviceAndroidYes, no specific hardwareNoFree and no ads. Exports in common formats and via emailosmdroidosmdroid.orgTablet, PC, Smartphone and 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

Name Company Type of device Operating system3rd-party GPS-able? Software with maps? Follows streets? Open-source? Remarks Maverick ? Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ?No ? gvSIG Mini Prodevelop Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? OpenSatNav Kieran Fleming et al. Tablet PC Android, OpenMoko ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? Minimap ? Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? MapDroyd CloudMade Deutschland GmbH Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? OruxMaps ? Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? No ? AlpineQuest Off-Road Explorer Psyberia Tablet, PC, Smartphone and any android enabled device Android ? yes (?), ? No Since 2010. AndNav 2 ? Tablet PC, Android ? yes (?), ? ? ? Big Planet Tracks ? Tablet PC, Android ? yes (?), ? ? ? Sports Tracker Sports Tracking Technologies Tablet PC Android, ? yes (?), noNo Does not allow navigation to specific points, only tracking RMaps ? tablet PC Android ? yes (?), ? ? may not provide actual navigation, only marking of GPS points, and the current position AFTrack ? Tablet PC, handheld PC (Symbian) Android, Symbian OS series 60 ? yes (?), ? ? ? CacheBox ? Tablet PC, PC, handheld PC (pocket PC) Android, Windows Mobile, Windows for PC ? yes (?), ? ? initially intended for geocaching Mapopolis ? Handheld PC (Palm) Palm OS ? yes (black and white maps), ? ? only has maps for USA Magellan Nav Companion ? handheld PC (Palm) Palm OS ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? TZGPS ? handheld PC (Palm) Palm OS ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? Trax Luke Klein-Berndt handheld PC (Palm) Palm OS ? ? (?), ? ? ? SoaringPilot ? handheld PC (Palm, some PocketPC/WinCE devices) Palm OS ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? Originally intended for use in sailplanes CotoGPS ? handheld PC (Palm) Palm OS ? ? (?), ? ? Originally intended for geocaching GpsPilot ? handheld PC (Symbian One) Symbian ? no (?), ? ? ? Maplorer ? handheld PC (pocket PC) Windows CE, Mobile ? yes (?), ? ? ? OSMtracker ? handheld PC (pocket PC), smartphone Android, Windows Mobile ? yes (?), ? ? gpsVP ? handheld PC, certain smartphones Windows Mobile 5,6, 2003 ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? CacheWolf ? Laptop, PC Windows, Mac OS X, Linux ? yes (?), ? ? ? Glopus ? Laptop, PC, handheld PC (Pocket PC) Windows, ? ? yes (?), ? ? ? TrekBuddy ? PC, laptop, handheld PC (Palm, Symbian, BlackBerry), Windows Phone Android, Symbian, Palm OS, SE proprietary OS, Windows Mobile, Windows XP, Vista, ? yes (?), ? ? Runs on Java, hence cross-platform gvSIG 2.0 ? 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 and also allows to easily download maps from any location from an online database as OpenStreetMap, and many others LuckyGPS ? Laptop, PC, smartphone Windows, Linux, OpenMoko ? yes (?), ? ? ? Mumpot ? Laptop, PC, smartphone Linux, OpenMoko, GPE ? yes (?), ? ? ? Pyroute Ojw Laptop, PC, smartphone Windows XP, Linux, OpenMoko ? yes (?), ? ? ? TangoGPS Marcus Bauer Laptop, PC, smartphone Linux, OpenMoko ? yes (?), ? ? ? FoxtrotGPS ? Laptop, PC Linux, OpenMoko ? yes (?), ? ? based on TangoGPS, actively being developed, especially adapted for use with touch screens Rana Ojw smartphone OpenMoko, Neo Freerunner ? yes (?), ? ? runs on Python, so possibly cross-platform BikeAtor ? smartphone (OpenMoko, Symbian), tablet PC Android, OpenMoko, Symbian ? yes (?), ? ? ? Osmarender ? laptop, PC, Linux, OS X, Windows ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? Not intuitive Mobile Trail Explorer ? smartphone, ? Symbian, multiple OSs ? yes (?), ? ? Runs on Java, so a cross-platform GPS navigation software Open Citymap ? smartphone (Qt) Windows CE, OpenMoko ? yes (?), ? ? ? Mappero ? Nokia N810 Maemo ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? NaviPOWM ? handheld PC, Laptop, PC Windows for PC, Windows Mobile 5/6/2003 SE, Linux ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? ? GPSS Robin Lovelock Laptop or Pocket PC Windows for PC, Windows Mobile ? yes (can import) No Since 1995. www.gpss.co.uk NaVisu ? Laptop, PC Linux, OS X, Windows ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? ? Developed for marine applications, not intuitive, built around NASA WorldWind Cetus GPS Cetus software embedded system (Garmin) OS 5 ? yes (?), ? ? ? GPS interpreter Marcel Durieux, Christian Tavernier Embedded system (purpose-build PCB) ? ? yes, ? ? ? Andrew Holme's GPS software Andrew Holme Embedded system (several custom PCB's + Raspberry Pi) Raspbian Linux ? ?, ? ? ? AdvRider WD Adi Barda Android Android ? yes (can import) No Since 2013. TheGOAT ? Tablet PC Android ? yes (OpenStreetMap data), ? No ?

See also Comparison of satellite navigation software Comparison of web map services

References