Sat nav reviews wanted

patman99

'MapFactor' also allows for full off-line navigation as it loads all maps to the SD card. It also uses OpenStreetMaps data which comes via various sources including Govt. and proffessional GPS mappers as well as ordinary poeple.

Gloomendoom

I've been using Google maps recently and there are limitations. You can download the maps in advance to save data. There is a time limit on how long the maps can be used for though and the maximum size of a map tile is 50km square, if I remember correctly. You can download multiple tiles. You may also find that you may not be able to save some maps as they are too complex.

As already said, the routing function is not available offline. Unlimited data is no help if there simply isn't a signal as seems often the case where I need mapping.

GabbaGabbaHey

I do a 120 mile commute every week. I know the route by heart (although there is sometimes very heavy traffic on part of it, so the "best" route can change from week to week), and I have been using it to compare different satnav programmes on my Android phone (and comparing them against the Lexus built-in satnav).

I quite liked HERE, but the biggest issues that I had with it were:
1) The routing was sometimes a bit strange.
2) The roundabout symbol is exactly the same, regardless of which exit you will need to take. It does include the exit number, but the (say) 3rd exit may be left, straight or right depending on the roundabout. I want advanced warning so that I know which lane to approach the roundabout in.
3) You cannot import your own POIs. (You can enter them on the HERE website, and they will then sync with the phone version, but it's a bit of a faff).
4) The user interface is not overly intuitive - for example, you can only seem to access the setting for navigation when you're actually in navigation mode.

I gave up on Waze fairly quickly - it tried to send me on some very strange routes, and I have no interest in the social media integration. I wouldn't be surprised if Google decide to kill it off now that they have integrated most of the features into Google Maps.

Google Maps, while not stored-map, is pretty good, especially in terms of its routing and traffic awareness. Two things I don't like:
1) No on-screen display of current speed (solved by downloading Ulysse)
2) You can't have 2D maps with direction-of-travel up. You can only have 2D with North-up, or 3D with direction-of-travel up.

None of the applications that I have tried (and, over the years I have also tried CoPilot, Sygic, Route66 and a host of other) can compare with a dedicated TomTom PND.

forgotmyname

I used to use a Nokia and OVI maps, It was brilliant, worked a treat. But Nokia got left behind when Android and Apple gave phones a big leap forward in features.

I had a N97 mini which at the time was a great phone, when my contract ended i got a Galaxy S2 and it was like going from the stone age to the 21st century.

You can download tiles of your journey on google maps to save data usage.
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Moss5

https://help.here.com/win81/maps/#q5223

I use 'Here' maps because they took over from 'Nokia maps'
You need email and password on PC and phone to access the server for your collection of places.
You plan your journey on your PC and save destinations/routes in 'collections/favourites'
Get the app on your phone and sync to update the new favourites.
Download the maps to your phone when connected to WiFi
Open Here maps and select a favourite to drive to.
Traffic updates will use data, but with data off, the maps still function.
I use the voice instructions to navigate and never look at the screen.
The phone is connected to a charger and laying on a sticky pad on the dash.
In the car, you can type in new destinations, but I seldom do.
I find it helpful to have a trained passenger to handle the phone.

bod1467

Navmii ... you can download maps and run it offline (no data connection). I'm not sure if the search function requires a data connection though.