Organic Maps as a replacement for Maps.me

[Thomas1962]

Many pilgrims use the app 'Maps.me' (with tracks added) to find their way on their camino's. For a few reasons there is another app which looks and works like maps.me, but has some extra advantages: Organic Maps.

'Organic Maps' is like a copy of Maps.me. It was split from Maps.me and further developed by the founder of Maps.me. The current Maps.me users will immediately notice this, organic maps looks nearly the same as Maps.me and Organic Maps also uses the same maps of OpenStreetMap. In addition, it is an 'open source' program that is further developed by many volunteers around the world.
It is completely free, without advertisements and without registration. Another advantage is that the developers want a maximum privacy for the users, there are no 'trackers' in it and no other data is taken from your phone.

Especially for people who are using the "accomodation files" of the "Nederlands Genootschap van Sint Jacob" (NGSJ, the Dutch confraternity of Saint James) it can be usefull to switch.
A few months ago also the code of Maps.me was changed which makes the information which is inside the free files with information of all albergues nearly impossible to read properly any more. You also cannot mail, phone or go to a website directly from the app. Because of all this, the NGSJ recommends from now on to use Organic maps instead of Map.me.
The files from the NGSJ can be found on their downloadpage: www.santiago.nl/downloads. On top you will also find a manual how to use them in a smartphone.

If you switch to Organis Maps, I will be happy to read your experiences.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Many pilgrims use the app 'Maps.me' (with tracks added) to find their way on their camino's. For a few reasons there is another app which looks and works like maps.me, but has some extra advantages: Organic Maps.

'Organic Maps' is like a copy of Maps.me. It was split from Maps.me and further developed by the founder of Maps.me. The current Maps.me users will immediately notice this, organic maps looks nearly the same as Maps.me and Organic Maps also uses the same maps of OpenStreetMap. In addition, it is an 'open source' program that is further developed by many volunteers around the world.
It is completely free, without advertisements and without registration. Another advantage is that the developers want a maximum privacy for the users, there are no 'trackers' in it and no other data is taken from your phone.
Another thing which can be important to some people: it is not clear who the current owner is of Maps.me, but it is probably (partly) a Russian company.

Especially for people who are using the "accomodation files" of the "Nederlands Genootschap van Sint Jacob" (NGSJ, the Dutch confraternity of Saint James) it can be usefull to switch.
A few months ago also the code of Maps.me was changed which makes the information which is inside the free files with information of all albergues nearly impossible to read properly any more. You also cannot mail, phone or go to a website directly from the app. Because of all this, the NGSJ recommends from now on to use Organic maps instead of Map.me.
The files from the NGSJ can be found on their downloadpage: www.santiago.nl/downloads. On top you will also find a manual how to use them in a smartphone.

If you switch to Organis Maps, I will be happy to read your experiences.

Thanks for this. I've noticed maps.me was getting more and more commercialised. I'll give Organic maps a try out.

Edit: good to see they intend to make .gpx files readable.

 

[green_spork]

Many pilgrims use the app 'Maps.me' (with tracks added) to find their way on their camino's. For a few reasons there is another app which looks and works like maps.me, but has some extra advantages: Organic Maps.

'Organic Maps' is like a copy of Maps.me. It was split from Maps.me and further developed by the founder of Maps.me. The current Maps.me users will immediately notice this, organic maps looks nearly the same as Maps.me and Organic Maps also uses the same maps of OpenStreetMap. In addition, it is an 'open source' program that is further developed by many volunteers around the world.
It is completely free, without advertisements and without registration. Another advantage is that the developers want a maximum privacy for the users, there are no 'trackers' in it and no other data is taken from your phone.
Another thing which can be important to some people: it is not clear who the current owner is of Maps.me, but it is probably (partly) a Russian company.

Especially for people who are using the "accomodation files" of the "Nederlands Genootschap van Sint Jacob" (NGSJ, the Dutch confraternity of Saint James) it can be usefull to switch.
A few months ago also the code of Maps.me was changed which makes the information which is inside the free files with information of all albergues nearly impossible to read properly any more. You also cannot mail, phone or go to a website directly from the app. Because of all this, the NGSJ recommends from now on to use Organic maps instead of Map.me.
The files from the NGSJ can be found on their downloadpage: www.santiago.nl/downloads. On top you will also find a manual how to use them in a smartphone.

If you switch to Organis Maps, I will be happy to read your experiences.

I have recently just returned from my 2nd Camino where I predominantly used Map.me/Camino ninja!
I have also used Maps.me for several years as my main app for navigation when travelling throughout Europe!
I have never heard of the Organic maps, but will definitely have a look!
Sometimes I found Maps.me was lacking in details, especially if compared to google maps! Zooming into buildings would display no information, even when you knew the building was a significant site!

 

[VNwalking]

I've been using your wonderful tracks as overlays with OSMand quite happy, so have nothing to add about maps.me or organic.

Except to add that OSMand is super if anyone wants to get off maps.me for any reason - and it works seamlessly with the www.santiago.nl/downloads. (I've used the files very happily for caminos in Spain, France, Holland and Belgium)

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Many pilgrims use the app 'Maps.me' (with tracks added) to find their way on their camino's. For a few reasons there is another app which looks and works like maps.me, but has some extra advantages: Organic Maps.

'Organic Maps' is like a copy of Maps.me. It was split from Maps.me and further developed by the founder of Maps.me. The current Maps.me users will immediately notice this, organic maps looks nearly the same as Maps.me and Organic Maps also uses the same maps of OpenStreetMap. In addition, it is an 'open source' program that is further developed by many volunteers around the world.
It is completely free, without advertisements and without registration. Another advantage is that the developers want a maximum privacy for the users, there are no 'trackers' in it and no other data is taken from your phone.
Another thing which can be important to some people: it is not clear who the current owner is of Maps.me, but it is probably (partly) a Russian company.

Especially for people who are using the "accomodation files" of the "Nederlands Genootschap van Sint Jacob" (NGSJ, the Dutch confraternity of Saint James) it can be usefull to switch.
A few months ago also the code of Maps.me was changed which makes the information which is inside the free files with information of all albergues nearly impossible to read properly any more. You also cannot mail, phone or go to a website directly from the app. Because of all this, the NGSJ recommends from now on to use Organic maps instead of Map.me.
The files from the NGSJ can be found on their downloadpage: www.santiago.nl/downloads. On top you will also find a manual how to use them in a smartphone.

If you switch to Organis Maps, I will be happy to read your experiences.

Have imported some bookmarks and tracks from maps.me - any idea how you delete tracks you no longer need?

 

[okright]

I’ve been testing Guru maps. Very impressed. The pro version for a one off charge, allows you to download maps all countries. Unfortunately, it’s still doesn’t work with Apple Watch. But they say it’s coming. iPhone App link

 

[dougfitz]

Another thing which can be important to some people: it is not clear who the current owner is of Maps.me, but it is probably (partly) a Russian company.

The product appears to be owned by MAPS.ME (CYPRUS) Limited (https://maps.me/terms/) which is a listed company on the Cyprus business register (here).

A quick Wikipedia search will lead the ownership trail to a Swiss company, Convexity Holdings AG. That could lead you anywhere, and doesn't disclose where the finance for MAPS.ME was sourced. Of course, that might have included finance sourced from Russia, but that would be speculation, nothing more.

Even if the Maps.me product might once have been owned by a Russian company, the current ownership lines are through Cyprus and Switzerland.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

The product appears to be owned by MAPS.ME (CYPRUS) Limited (https://maps.me/terms/) which is a listed company on the Cyprus business register (here).

A quick Wikipedia search will lead the ownership trail to a Swiss company, Convexity Holdings AG. That could lead you anywhere, and doesn't disclose where the finance for MAPS.ME was sourced. Of course, that might have included finance sourced from Russia, but that would be speculation, nothing more.

Even if the Maps.me product might once have been owned by a Russian company, the current ownership lines are through Cyprus and Switzerland.

It seems like maps.me is now owned by the Daegu Limited company which is a part of Parity.com Group the founders of the company are Victor Mangazeev and Alex Grebnev - two good, solid Swiss names. The headquarters is in Switzerland.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Have imported some bookmarks and tracks from maps.me - any idea how you delete tracks you no longer need?

Have been playing with Organic Maps on and off now and it seems promising but still has a way to go.
It appears there is not yet a means to remove saved tracks - I contacted the company last night and got a very swift reply from Alexander the lead developer.
Watch this space as they say.

 

[Thomas1962]

Have been playing with Organic Maps on and off now and it seems promising but still has a way to go.
It appears there is not yet a means to remove saved tracks - I contacted the company last night and got a very swift reply from Alexander the lead developer.
Watch this space as they say.

View attachment 135196 View attachment 135197

Hi Jeff, it seems like it depends what you want to delete. Bookmarks indeed you can delete one by one. If you would like to specific tracks (like one in the 'all spanish caminos' from the Dutch Confraternity) it seems like you cannot. Or maybe you found out already a way to do it... ;-)
Nice that Alexander replies so quickly. Different times I did try to get in contact with MapsME, without any reply.

 

[Thomas1962]

The product appears to be owned by MAPS.ME (CYPRUS) Limited (https://maps.me/terms/) which is a listed company on the Cyprus business register (here).

A quick Wikipedia search will lead the ownership trail to a Swiss company, Convexity Holdings AG. That could lead you anywhere, and doesn't disclose where the finance for MAPS.ME was sourced. Of course, that might have included finance sourced from Russia, but that would be speculation, nothing more.

Even if the Maps.me product might once have been owned by a Russian company, the current ownership lines are through Cyprus and Switzerland.

There were other sources that led me to writing about the Russian connection.
But you are right, I cannot proof it. So I took that part out.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I use mapy.cz

 

[Ricardo Moretti]

Many pilgrims use the app 'Maps.me' (with tracks added) to find their way on their camino's. For a few reasons there is another app which looks and works like maps.me, but has some extra advantages: Organic Maps.

'Organic Maps' is like a copy of Maps.me. It was split from Maps.me and further developed by the founder of Maps.me. The current Maps.me users will immediately notice this, organic maps looks nearly the same as Maps.me and Organic Maps also uses the same maps of OpenStreetMap. In addition, it is an 'open source' program that is further developed by many volunteers around the world.
It is completely free, without advertisements and without registration. Another advantage is that the developers want a maximum privacy for the users, there are no 'trackers' in it and no other data is taken from your phone.

Especially for people who are using the "accomodation files" of the "Nederlands Genootschap van Sint Jacob" (NGSJ, the Dutch confraternity of Saint James) it can be usefull to switch.
A few months ago also the code of Maps.me was changed which makes the information which is inside the free files with information of all albergues nearly impossible to read properly any more. You also cannot mail, phone or go to a website directly from the app. Because of all this, the NGSJ recommends from now on to use Organic maps instead of Map.me.
The files from the NGSJ can be found on their downloadpage: www.santiago.nl/downloads. On top you will also find a manual how to use them in a smartphone.

If you switch to Organis Maps, I will be happy to read your experiences.

You do not need a map to do the Camino! But if you want to understand where you and how many more kilometres you have to go for the day then it can be somewhat beneficial. You are not moving that fast that you risk getting lost and the trail is well marked. As for where to sleep, doing an internet search is just as useful if not moreso. In the end, carrying a small Camino map or guide is practical. Some websites have list of albergues and hotels that you can download.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You do not need a map to do the Camino! But if you want to understand where you and how many more kilometres you have to go for the day then it can be somewhat beneficial. You are not moving that fast that you risk getting lost and the trail is well marked. As for where to sleep, doing an internet search is just as useful if not moreso. In the end, carrying a small Camino map or guide is practical. Some websites have list of albergues and hotels that you can download.

"You do not need a map to do the Camino!"

Obviously some people do, hence the wide interest in the various apps!

BC!

 

[dougfitz]

You are not moving that fast that you risk getting lost and the trail is well marked.

The sort of statement made by someone who has never missed a flecha. Those of us that have appreciate having some additional help.

 

[roving_rufus]

You do not need a map to do the Camino! But if you want to understand where you and how many more kilometres you have to go for the day then it can be somewhat beneficial. You are not moving that fast that you risk getting lost and the trail is well marked. As for where to sleep, doing an internet search is just as useful if not moreso. In the end, carrying a small Camino map or guide is practical. Some websites have list of albergues and hotels that you can download.

That may be true for the Frances and Portuguese but not all routes are as well marked. And as for those camino routes through France or even the Via Francigena having some sort of map app (or actual maps) is extremely helpful if not vital! I was very glad to have maps.me and the downloaded routes on to it while walk in France this summer- it helped me find shops, bars, campsites, accommodation - never mind keeping me on the right track in places were waymarking was limited or non-existent.
But have been playing around with organic maps - so far so good! And I like that open source and privacy mentality that seems to go with it. Will try it on my winter camino week in January as a test run for my next leg on my route through France in summer.

 

[WGroleau]

That may be true for the Frances and Portuguese but not all routes are as well marked.

I am aware of two places on Francés in región Estella that are not. One five-way intersection had the flecha post in a ditch and half of the many times I passed it, a car was parked in front of it. Another post was many meters past the intersection it should have been at. There was also a hotel in one city that painted a yellow arrow to redirect pilgrims to their hotel. And a correct arrow that was ON a hotel's advertisement making me think that it was a deception and I should go straight instead of turning.

 

[daleb]

I am on the Portuguese and everyone here is using mapy.cz
It’s brilliant, the Camino is marked on it already (I don’t understand about downloading routes from kml files) and I’ve checked my home town in UK and it’s very detailed. WORKS OFFLINE WITH GPS which is brilliant. The Ninja app is no longer on the App Store due I think to the passing of the creator. Buen Camino!

 

[VNwalking]

You do not need a map to do the Camino!

Maybe that's so for the Francès. But there are many other caminos and not all of them are well-travelled ant trails.

I got way off track trying to walk without a decent map on the Lana near Burgos. Now I have OSMand on my phone, and use it.

 

[patgreen]

You do not need a map to do the Camino! But if you want to understand where you and how many more kilometres you have to go for the day then it can be somewhat beneficial. You are not moving that fast that you risk getting lost and the trail is well marked. As for where to sleep, doing an internet search is just as useful if not moreso. In the end, carrying a small Camino map or guide is practical. Some websites have list of albergues and hotels that you can download.

I have found an on-line map very useful when navigating through large towns and cities where I've found it hard to follow the marked route.

 

[dougfitz]

I am on the Portuguese and everyone here is using mapy.cz
It’s brilliant, the Camino is marked on it already (I don’t understand about downloading routes from kml files) and I’ve checked my home town in UK and it’s very detailed. WORKS OFFLINE WITH GPS which is brilliant. The Ninja app is no longer on the App Store due I think to the passing of the creator. Buen Camino!

I smile when I see posts like this. For a start, I never go on the camino thinking that I need to collect data about the habits of my fellow pilgrims so that I can make some grand statements about their behaviour later. If I do keep notes, these are far from being even a sample, let alone a census, like the minutiae of what apps they are using. So I admire the persistence of someone who realized this would be useful to know and has stuck to the task of collecting such things.

I had a number of GIS enabled apps on my phone this year, including mapy.cz, OSMAnd+, camino ninja, the Wise Pilgrim CP guide and Google Maps. The Wise Pilgrim CP guide didn`t cover the Caminho do Tejo route from Santarem to Fatima, so I used OSMAnd+ and continued with that for the rest of my pilgrimage. Mapy.cz and OSMAnd+ both use the same GIS data, that built up over many years by the Open Street Map crowdsourcing project. Mapy.cz users can add their own tracks, but don`t appear to contribute to keeping the underlying GIS dataset updated, which OSMAnd+ users can do if they are so inclined. I think it is fantastic that developers like @wisepilgrim can build guidebooks with this information, but credit should be given to Open Street Maps where its GIS info is used. (I'm not suggesting this isn't done, BTW. All the apps I have used do this somewhere, typically in the 'About this App' info.)