"On the one hand, it's undeniably powerful and intuitive. On the other hand, there is a discernible trade-off regarding privacy, openness, and user control that I've never been entirely comfortable with. For this reason, I've experimented with various alternatives, including OpenStreetMap-based apps like Sygic, privacy-first navigation tools like Magic Earth, and even offline-focused mappers like HERE WeGo, but none offered that same comprehensive suite of user information, real-time traffic analysis, and practical navigation features that Google Maps excels at."
"The most compelling reason CoMaps stood out to me is its commitment to being fully open source. Unlike most platforms, where users have to trust that their data is handled responsibly, CoMaps allows anyone to inspect, audit, and improve the code. What this means is that where many navigation apps (not least Google Maps) are optimized for data collection and advertising, CoMaps prioritizes functionality, with a strong focus on accuracy and ethics."
CoMaps is a fully open-source navigation app that emphasizes privacy, openness, and user control. The codebase is inspectable, auditable, and improvable by the community, which supports longevity and rapid fixes. The app offers downloadable functionality so navigation works without constant account sign-ins and without tying location data to advertising ecosystems. CoMaps prioritizes accuracy, ethics, and practical navigation features comparable to Google Maps while avoiding data-collection incentives. Community-driven development enables continuous improvements and transparency, delivering modern usability with privacy-preserving defaults for users who value control and openness.
Read at MUO
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