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CoMaps
Offline, privacy-focused mapping app From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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CoMaps is a community-driven, free and open-source, offline navigation app that uses map data from OpenStreetMap (OSM). The app is designed to function without internet connectivity by downloading maps for offline use.[2] CoMaps emphasizes privacy, transparency, and community collaboration, aiming to provide a navigation solution that is not only easy to use, but also respects user data and fosters open participation.[3][4]
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Features
Privacy
CoMaps prioritizes user privacy by not collecting personal data or tracking user locations.[5][6]
Offline maps
CoMaps functions entirely offline through downloading of maps in advance. Once maps are downloaded, navigation, search, and route planning do not require an internet connection. The app offers offline maps of the world, including cycling routes, hiking trails, walking paths, contour lines, elevation profiles, peaks, and slopes.
Low battery consumption
The app is designed to optimize battery usage during navigation.[7]
Navigation
CoMaps provides navigation for various activities, including hiking, biking, driving, and public transport. It supports turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance and includes search for information on the map and functionality for saving bookmarks.[8]
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OpenStreetMap data
CoMaps integrates with the OpenStreetMap project, utilizing its crowdsourced map data. The app includes an in-app editor where people can contribute updates to the map, such as businesses and landmarks.[9]
Core Principles
The CoMaps[10] team created a set of principles[11] as the foundation of the project:
- Transparency
- Community Decision-making
- Not-for-profit
- Open source[12]
- Privacy-focused
- Collective funding
- Assets for Public Interest
History
The CoMaps project was initiated in response to growing concerns and dissatisfaction within the Organic Maps community. The original Organic Maps project, while initially promoted as an open community effort, faced significant issues related to governance, transparency, and the potential for shareholder profit at the expense of the community.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] These concerns were detailed in an open letter to Organic Maps shareholders.[20] Despite some positive steps, the lack of a substantive resolution led to the decision by the community contributors to start a new independent project.
The first public release of CoMaps was a preview version for Android made available 1 June 2025 on Codeberg.[21][22] On 19 June 2025 the app was made available on F-Droid [23] and on 3 July 2025 CoMaps announced general availability of the app in the Play Store and App Store. [24]
As of May 2025, a fiscal host has been set up on Open Collective.[25] Process is ongoing to form a non-profit or cooperative legal structure for the project.
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See also
References
External links
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