What is OSM APK and Why You Should Try It
If you are looking for a map and navigation app that is free, open-source, and uses high-quality data from a community project, you should try OSM APK. In this article, we will explain what OSM APK is, what are its features, what are its pros and cons, how to download and install it, and what are some alternatives to it.
What is OSM APK?
OSM APK is an app that uses data from OpenStreetMap (OSM) for maps and navigation. But what does OSM stand for, and what is an APK file?
osm apk
OSM stands for OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a project that aims to create a free, editable, and accurate map of the world. Anyone can contribute to OSM by adding, editing, or deleting data using various tools. OSM data covers roads, buildings, natural features, points of interest (POIs), public transport, and much more. OSM data is available per country or region, and can be downloaded or accessed online.
APK stands for Android Package Kit
Android Package Kit (APK) is a file format that contains all the necessary files to install an app on an Android device. APK files can be downloaded from official sources like Google Play Store or F-Droid , or from third-party websites. APK files can also be shared between devices or backed up for later use.
OSM APK is an app that uses OSM data for maps and navigation
OSM APK is an app that uses OSM data for maps and navigation. The app is developed by OsmAnd , a team of enthusiasts who support the OSM project. The app is also known as OsmAnd+ , which is the full version of the app that requires a donation to access all the features. The app allows you to enjoy voice and optical navigation, view POIs, create and manage GPX tracks, use contour lines visualization and altitude info, choose between driving, cycling, pedestrian modes, edit and contribute to OSM, and much more.
What are the features of OSM APK?
OSM APK has many features that make it a powerful and versatile app for maps and navigation. Here are some of the main features:
Offline and online maps
OSM APK allows you to download high-quality vector maps from OSM for offline use. You can also view online tiles, satellite view (from Bing), or different overlays like touring/navigation GPX tracks. You can choose between complete region data or just road network data to save storage space. You can also update the maps automatically or manually. You can also use the app without downloading any maps, but you will need an internet connection to view the online maps.
Voice and optical navigation
OSM APK provides voice and optical navigation for driving, cycling, or walking. You can choose between different profiles, such as fastest, shortest, economical, or avoid motorways. You can also customize the routing options, such as avoid toll roads, ferries, unpaved roads, etc. You can also set intermediate waypoints, simulate navigation, or follow a GPX track. The app supports turn-by-turn voice guidance in many languages, and displays lane guidance, speed limit, speed camera warnings, and traffic information (online only). You can also view the route details, such as distance, time, altitude profile, etc.
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POIs and GPX tracks
OSM APK allows you to view and search for various POIs on the map, such as restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions, etc. You can also filter the POIs by category, name, distance, or opening hours. You can also create your own POIs and add them to your favorites or to a GPX track. GPX tracks are files that contain GPS data, such as waypoints, routes, or tracks. You can create and manage GPX tracks in the app, and use them for navigation or recording your trips. You can also import or export GPX tracks from or to other apps or devices.
Contour lines and hill-shading
OSM APK offers contour lines and hill-shading visualization for the maps. Contour lines are lines that connect points of equal elevation on the map. They help you to understand the terrain and plan your routes accordingly. Hill-shading is a technique that simulates the shadows cast by hills and mountains on the map. It enhances the visual appearance of the map and makes it easier to perceive the relief. You can download contour lines and hill-shading data separately from the app settings, and adjust their opacity and color.
OSM editing and contribution
OSM APK allows you to edit and contribute to OSM directly from the app. You can add new POIs, edit existing ones, or delete incorrect ones. You can also add notes or comments to report issues or suggest improvements. You can also upload your GPS traces to OSM to help improve the accuracy of the map. All your edits and contributions will be synced with OSM servers and will be visible to other users after some time.
What are the pros and cons of OSM APK?
OSM APK has many advantages over other map and navigation apps, but it also has some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of OSM APK:
Pros
Free and open-source
OSM APK is a free and open-source app that does not require any registration or subscription. You can use it without any limitations or ads. You can also access the source code of the app and modify it according to your needs.
Up-to-date and diverse data
OSM APK uses data from OSM, which is constantly updated by thousands of volunteers around the world. OSM data covers almost every country and region in the world, and includes many details that are not available in other maps. OSM data also reflects the local knowledge and preferences of the people who live in those areas.
Flexible and permissive license
OSM APK uses data from OSM, which is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL) . This means that you can use, modify, share, and distribute OSM data for any purpose, as long as you attribute OSM and its contributors, share your changes under the same license, and keep OSM data open.
Community-driven and collaborative project
OSM APK is part of the OSM project , which is a community-driven and collaborative project that aims to create a free map of the world. By using OSM APK , you are not only benefiting from OSM data , but also supporting its development and improvement . You can also join the OSM community , learn from other users , share your feedback , or participate in various events .
Cons
Data quality may vary by region
OSM APK uses data from OSM , which is created by volunteers who may have different levels of skills , experience , or accuracy . Therefore , OSM data may vary in quality by region , depending on how active , reliable , or consistent the contributors are. Some areas may have more detailed, accurate, and up-to-date data than others. Some areas may have missing, outdated, or incorrect data. You can check the quality of OSM data in your area by using tools like Osmose , Keepright , or OSM Inspector . You can also improve the quality of OSM data by editing or adding data yourself.
User interface may be complex for some users
OSM APK has a user interface that may be complex for some users, especially beginners. The app has many options, settings, menus, buttons, and features that may be overwhelming or confusing for some users. The app also uses some technical terms and abbreviations that may not be familiar to some users. You can learn more about how to use the app by reading the user guide , watching the video tutorials , or asking for help on the forum .
Some features may require plugins or donations
OSM APK has some features that may require plugins or donations to access. Plugins are additional modules that extend the functionality of the app. You can download and install plugins from the app settings, but some of them may require a donation to unlock all the features. For example, the contour lines plugin requires a donation of 1.99 EUR to access the worldwide contour lines data. Donations are voluntary contributions that support the development and maintenance of the app. You can donate any amount you want from the app settings, but some features may require a minimum donation to access. For example, the full version of the app (OsmAnd+) requires a donation of 6.99 EUR to access all the features.
How to download and install OSM APK?
OSM APK is easy to download and install on your Android device. Here are the steps:
Download from F-Droid or Google Play Store
You can download OSM APK from F-Droid or Google Play Store , which are official sources that provide safe and verified APK files. F-Droid is a repository of free and open-source apps that respect your privacy and freedom. Google Play Store is a platform that offers a variety of apps for different purposes and preferences. You can search for OSM APK or OsmAnd+ on either source, and tap on the download or install button.
Enable unknown sources if needed
If you download OSM APK from a third-party website, you may need to enable unknown sources on your device settings. Unknown sources are sources that are not verified by Google or your device manufacturer. Enabling unknown sources allows you to install APK files from these sources, but it also exposes you to potential risks, such as malware or viruses. To enable unknown sources, go to your device settings, security, and toggle on unknown sources. You may also need to grant permission to your browser or file manager to install APK files.
Install the APK file on your device
Once you have downloaded the APK file, you can install it on your device by tapping on it. You may need to confirm the installation by tapping on install again. The installation process may take a few seconds or minutes, depending on your device and network speed. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the app by tapping on open or by finding it on your app drawer.
Launch the app and enjoy
After launching the app, you can enjoy its features and functions. You can download maps for offline use, adjust the settings according to your preferences, navigate with voice and optical guidance, view POIs and GPX tracks, edit and contribute to OSM, and much more.
What are some alternatives to OSM APK?
OSM APK is not the only map and navigation app that uses OSM data. There are many other alternatives that you can try if you want to compare or explore different options. Here are some of them:
NameDescriptionProsCons
Google Maps
A popular map and navigation app that offers various features and services.- High-quality and comprehensive data- User-friendly and intuitive interface- Integration with other Google products- Real-time traffic information- Street View and 3D view- Not free and open-source- Requires registration and subscription- May collect and use your personal data- May not reflect local knowledge or preferences- May have limited offline functionality
MAPS.ME
A fast and simple map and navigation app that works offline.- Free and open-source- Offline maps and navigation- Lightweight and fast- POIs and bookmarks- Travel guides and tips- Data quality may vary by region- User interface may be simple for some users- Some features may require ads or donations- No voice guidance or traffic information- No contour lines or hill-shading
Organic Maps
A privacy-friendly map and navigation app that works offline.- Free and open-source- Offline maps and navigation- Privacy-friendly and ad-free- POIs and bookmarks- Contour lines and hill-shading- Data quality may vary by region- User interface may be simple for some users- No voice guidance or traffic information- No OSM editing or contribution- No travel guides or tips
Navit
A modular map and navigation app that works offline.- Free and open-source- Offline maps and navigation- Modular and customizable- Voice guidance and traffic information- OSM editing and contribution- Data quality may vary by region- User interface may be complex for some users- Requires manual download of maps- No POIs or bookmarks- No contour lines or hill-shading
Locus Map
A multifunctional map and navigation app that works online and offline.- Offline maps and navigation- POIs and bookmarks- Contour lines and hill-shading- GPX tracks and geocaching- Weather and live tracking- Not free and open-source- Requires registration and subscription- May collect and use your personal data- Data quality may vary by region- User interface may be complex for some users
Conclusion
OSM APK is a map and navigation app that uses data from OpenStreetMap, a free, editable, and accurate map of the world. OSM APK has many features, such as offline and online maps, voice and optical navigation, POIs and GPX tracks, contour lines and hill-shading, OSM editing and contribution, etc. OSM APK also has some pros, such as being free, open-source, up-to-date, diverse, flexible, permissive, community-driven, and collaborative. OSM APK also has some cons, such as data quality may vary by region, user interface may be complex for some users, some features may require plugins or donations, etc. OSM APK is easy to download and install on your Android device from F-Droid or Google Play Store. OSM APK is not the only map and navigation app that uses OSM data. There are many other alternatives that you can try, such as Google Maps, MAPS.ME, Organic Maps, Navit, Locus Map, etc.
We hope this article has helped you to understand what OSM APK is and why you should try it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
What is the difference between OSM APK and OsmAnd+?
OSM APK is the free version of the app that has some limitations on the number of downloads and features. OsmAnd+ is the full version of the app that requires a donation to access all the downloads and features.
How can I update the maps on OSM APK?
You can update the maps on OSM APK by going to the app settings, download maps, local tab, update all. You can also choose to update the maps automatically or manually.
How can I change the language or voice on OSM APK?
You can change the language or voice on OSM APK by going to the app settings, general settings, preferred language or voice guidance language. You can also download additional languages or voices from the app settings.
How can I report a problem or suggest an improvement on OSM APK?
You can report a problem or suggest an improvement on OSM APK by going to the app settings, help & feedback, report a bug or suggest an idea. You can also add a note or comment on the map to report an issue or suggest an improvement on OSM data.
How can I support the development of OSM APK?
You can support the development of OSM APK by donating to the OsmAnd team via PayPal, Patreon, or Bitcoin. You can also buy the OsmAnd+ app from Google Play Store or F-Droid. You can also contribute to OSM by editing or adding data, uploading GPS traces, joining the community, or participating in events.
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