How to Switch from Google Maps to OsmAnd

Why Switch from Google Maps to OsmAnd?

Google Maps tracks every trip you take, every location you search, and builds a detailed history of your movements. This data is used for advertising and is potentially accessible to law enforcement. OsmAnd stores everything locally with zero data collection.

Step 1: Install OsmAnd

1. Download from your app store:
   • iOS
   • Android
2. Open the app and accept permissions for location

Note: The free version allows 7 map downloads. Consider OsmAnd+ for unlimited downloads.

Step 2: Download Offline Maps

1. Open OsmAnd and tap the menu (≡)
2. Select “Download maps”
3. Choose your country/region
4. Download the Standard map (includes navigation)
5. Consider downloading:
   • Contour lines (for hiking)
   • Wikipedia (for points of interest)
   • Hillshade (for terrain visualization)

Tip: Download maps over WiFi—they can be several hundred MB each.

Step 3: Configure Navigation Settings

1. Go to Menu > Configure profile
2. For driving:
   • Select “Driving” profile
   • Enable voice guidance
   • Set your preferred voice
3. For walking/cycling:
   • Select appropriate profile
   • Enable elevation data if downloaded

Step 4: Export Google Maps Data

Save your Google Maps saved places:

1. Go to Google Takeout
2. Deselect all, then select only “Maps”
3. Export saved places
4. Download the export

Step 5: Import Saved Places to OsmAnd

1. Convert your Google export to GPX format (use an online converter)
2. In OsmAnd, go to My Places > Favorites > Import
3. Select your GPX file
4. Your saved places will appear as favorites

Step 6: Learn the Interface

OsmAnd is more complex than Google Maps. Key features:

Search:

• Tap the search icon
• Search for addresses, places, or coordinates
• Use categories for nearby POIs

Navigation:

• Tap and hold on the map to set destination
• Or use the search and select “Directions”
• Choose your routing profile

Map Layers:

• Tap the layers icon
• Add overlays like satellite, hiking trails, or cycling routes

Step 7: Configure for Daily Use

Optimize OsmAnd for regular use:

1. Quick Actions: Set up quick actions for common tasks
2. Widget: Add OsmAnd widgets to your home screen
3. Auto-record: Enable trip recording if you want to log your routes
4. Plugins: Enable useful plugins like parking position, trip recording, or ski maps

Tips for Transitioning

“Where’s that restaurant?”

• OsmAnd uses OpenStreetMap data—add missing places at openstreetmap.org
• Use Wikipedia integration for information about places

“I miss real-time traffic”

• OsmAnd doesn’t have traffic data—leave earlier or check a traffic app before departing
• The privacy trade-off is worth it

“Navigation seems less accurate”

• OsmAnd routing is based on OpenStreetMap, which may have less current road data
• Report issues at openstreetmap.org to improve it

What’s Next?

• Contribute to OpenStreetMap to improve map data
• Explore hiking and cycling routes with elevation profiles
• Try the Wikipedia integration for travel
• Consider Organic Maps as a simpler alternative