Thinking "outside of the box" on this topic but I wanted to suggest that a standalone GPS is always an option albeit not the cheapest option. You can find Garmin GPS units for decent prices these days and they don't require an account or any personal information to use.

    Yeah, I looked at the TomTom GPS units as a possible alternative.

    I managed to buy a subscription to Sygic on another android device I have that is connected to the playstore (while logged into Sygic via my e-mail) and that seems to be working well. Yes, they may be logging my data but it's not Google. Will try it and see.

    I've had network access restricted on Gmaps for more than 3 weeks now and the map I downloaded is still working so maybe the downloads last longer than 2 weeks that someone else reported?

    As for Waze, I had considered it but won't use it because it doesn't function offline and Google isn't getting my mapping data.

    alex_herrero
    I think Waze is horrible, even just from a navigation standpoint. This opinion based on a decade of cab rides in new york and arguing with countless waxe-using cabbies

    Conjure6589 YES... that is why I got my Garmin DriveSmart 65. I keep it in my car.

    Pros:

    • Doesn't track me
    • does 1 thing only (not 100% true - I also added a BT backup camera - awesome)
    • does a pretty decent job but not as good as gmaps - but 95% as good

    Cons:

    • I use speech and typing for making entries, try to save as many addresses as I can - but data entry just is cumbersome. Doesn't do well for finding businesses, restaurants, etal... (but I don't really use that feature with nav apps either...)
    • Because it is kept in the car - I can't use it to map a route before I leave
    • GPS lock can take a long time - and isn't great in certain areas and under bridges, tunnels, etc...

    All in all though its a good solution.

    Note: I got it because at the time I had a minimal phone (LPII) and it didn't do any nav.

    After exploring all options, Magic Earth is the best alternative. It has a decent options and it has live traffic. Live traffic is definitely needed as you wouldn't like that your Navi guides you in a traffic jam they are not aware of..
    So Osmand and organic maps are not good for driving, Cause it can lead you in a traffic jam.

      dlb Thanks for validating that magic Earth works best for driving!!

      I would add that both organic maps and osmand also are more difficult to use.

      • dlb replied to this.

        lcalamar And the best option by far is speed cameras warning. It is top notch when it comes to privacy when dealing with navigation.

        User2288 You say it gathers locations and wifi data.
        Is this connected to your profile, or just uploaded as part of their map/location database?
        And what if you use Google Maps without a profile? I do delete my Google account, so I'm not logged in Google Maps. Is this mitigating some of the data tracking this way?
        I also tried Organic Maps and OsmAnd, but neither of it comes even close when searching for places. It is actually so bad as to be not usable. If you search for a building name, it doesn't suggest as a search result, but when you zoom in on the address, it is showing that exact building name?!

          Used Osmand for several years, switched to Organic Maps a few month ago.

          Both are nice. Osmand filled with features, Organic just the basics in a very polished app.

          The preceding comment from @User2288 was not accurate information and it's not clear where they obtained that information. It has been removed.

            • [deleted]

            I've been using organic maps since I have GrapheneOS (2 years) and I love this app! Very nice to use when I take the car, very accurate and very fast to calculate a route. I recommend it with my eyes closed

            GrapheneOS

            Fair enough. I should have worded it differently and differentiated between fact and speculation. Next time :).

            5 months later

            Does google maps PWA allow for navigation?

            I installed the pwa and can find my destination but then when I press navigate, it doesn’t do anything. I allowed vanadium location access, but not sure if there may be more steps I need to complete for actual navigation

            4 days later

            Matth In order to enable searching for streets in OSMAnd+~ from F-Droid, use OpenSuperMaps. https://opensupermaps.com/

            I've found OpenSuperMaps to be the best thing to use along with OSMAnd+~ from F-Droid and RHVoice as a TTS provider to simply search an address and enter it in for directions.

            6 months later
            • [deleted]

            • Edited

            Matth And what if you use Google Maps without a profile? I do delete my Google account, so I'm not logged in Google Maps. Is this mitigating some of the data tracking this way?

            What about this? Is "privacy friendly" to use GMaps in a profile with no GPlay Services?

            NewUser I love open source apps, and try to use them when they cover my needs. I tried many map applications but can't replace waze yet. Will gladly do so, but in my country no other app (except maybe Google Maps) are close to waze. And between both, I prefer waze.

              I use the petal map (made by huawei).

              Mainly because OSM is bad in my place, and so I need to find an alternative. Instead of going google everything. I rather let different party hold various parts of my personal information. Under the assumption that huawei won't give the data to google, I could acheive relative privacy by separation of data between parties.

              I don't use other huawei services so what huawei knows is my map search history and only that. It seems like Americans are afraid of anything developed by huawei though.... Or is it mis-information I obtained from my local media? Feel free to tell me the truth.