If you’re like me, you have essentially no sense of direction, but at the same time are loathe to fork out for an expensive GPS app. After all, this is the iPhone, someone should make a super-cheap version, right? Well, the folks behind NavMii, have produced a free turn-by-turn GPS app, titled NavFree. Right now it’s UK and Republic of Ireland only, but they’re promising that a USA version is in the works. Why is it free? Because it runs off OpenStreetMap, a community gathered mapping system:
HOW CAN YOU OFFER THIS FOR FREE? OpenStreetMap is an open source mapping system that was created by over 250,000+ users and as such the map data is free to use. As the maps are open and rely on users creating and updating them there will be a chance that some of the maps are incorrect or missing all together, especially in more rural areas. The good news is you can add & improve the map yourself by getting involved at OpenStreetMap, using one of the freely available map editors or simply use Navfree’s inbuilt map report tool to send mapping errors!
With your help OpenStreetMap can be the most accurate street map in the world.
I’m betting there are some downsides to this system, at bare minimum the stated requirement of a data connection to search for addresses. Once it arrives on American shores, I’ll be sure to give it a try. Any of our readers from over the pond willing to give this a try, and tell us how good it is?
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Hi.
Was watching this being tested on the Gadget Show last night.
Seems to be quite good.
They did have a few cases of slightly incorrect map data, one way street not being marked as one way.
Will report back if I find any major problems with it.
Alex.