Google Maps (Free)
The Apple maps fiasco started when it threw out Google’s maps application from the iPhone saying iOS users are not getting everything that Android users are getting from Google. Now Google has come up with a new maps app, which goes even further than its Android counterpart. For starters you get to use an almost accurate map that has been painstakingly built over the years. With Google search, you can find local businesses, places and addresses, and if you sign in, you can sync information like your searches, directions and favourite places between all the devices you are signed in on. Depending on where you live you can get turn-by-turn voice guided navigation, transit and traffic directions. With the added Street View feature, you can see 360-degree panoramas, high resolution satellite imagery and even inside places like businesses and museums around the world.
Waze Social GPS (Free)
Typically teams behind any maps application will be a thousand-strong. Waze’s team on the other hand is 30-million strong. That is because Waze Social GPS, as the name suggests, is a community-based traffic and navigation app that depends on feedback from its millions of customers, and aims to be fun to use. As the community is supported by experienced map editors, you will always get perfect live maps while navigating. You can use the same community-generated information about traffic conditions and can be guided by the voice-guided navigation. Waze is also intelligent enough to remember your favourite routes and frequent destinations. And if you wish you can just use it as a social networking tool on the road.
Navfree GPS Live India (Free)
Navfree GPS Live India also depends on user
generated maps data, by using maps produced by OpenStreetMap. Apart from the accuracy of the maps, one of the best features of this free app is that it stores the maps data on your device, which means you don’t need a data connection to use the map, and can use it anywhere in the world without being afraid of data charges. To search for addresses, you can use either the integrated Bing or Google search which gives you more freedom. You can also toggle the display between a 2D,3D or a safety screen mode. If you are driving in the night, you can make use of the night mode. For a mere `270, you can also get voice directions in the voice of Snoop Dogg, Stephen Fry or Wallace & Gromit.
HERE Maps (Free)
Apart from Google, Nokia has some of the best maps data in the world, and it brings that to the iPhone with the HERE maps. Based on the NAVTEQ mapping data generally used in car navigation systems, HERE maps offer good mapping data, live traffic, or satellite view, syncing with Here.net for accessing your favourite places anywhere, and even step-by-step voice-guided walk navigation. You can even download maps to save on data charges.