Andy Walker / Android Authority
Google Maps was primarily designed for inner-city travel, where roads are well-marked and relatively smooth. I doubt the app’s developers envisioned users navigating gravel roads in the heartland of South Africa. So, it’s unsurprising that the app becomes far less useful once you hit the dirt. However, where Google Maps falls short, OsmAnd excels.
OsmAnd is a free, open-source app on the Play Store and F-Droid. It draws data from various sources, primarily relying on OpenStreetMap, which volunteers with local knowledge worldwide maintain. This gives it broader coverage of lesser-known routes that Google Maps often overlooks, providing OsmAnd a significant advantage when things get dusty.
What navigation app do you prefer when traveling on unpaved roads? 5 votes OsmAnd 60 % Google Maps 0 % Another navigation app (mention which in the comments). 40 %
Can country roads take me home?
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Although I rarely venture beyond paved roads in my higher-clearance, front-wheel-drive car, there have been times when I’ve needed to take an unpaved shortcut. In smaller towns, often the singular paved road in and out is blocked, forcing me to choose the alternative, dustier route. In these situations, I want to know the road surface and conditions throughout its length to know precisely what to expect. For the most part, I’d rather avoid situations where I might have to turn around, potentially running out of fuel or damaging my car.
Google Maps assumes every route is passable, and the UI doesn't suggest otherwise.
Google Maps assumes that every route is passable, at least as far as its UI is concerned. It does a poor job of highlighting gravel routes, which is particularly problematic in my region. Several main thoroughfares are unpaved, while some are generally known as tire-killers. To avoid these, I need more information when faced with a dusty track.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
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