Hi folks,
I recently migrated to GrapheneOS and am happy with all the open-source, privacy centric apps except for navigation. In my region, OSM has limited mapping data for places, businesses, and landmarks. I contribute whenever I can, but often I can’t find the place I need and have to rely on someone else using Google Maps for navigation.
I tried using Google Maps in the browser, but live navigation isn’t available. I used to pre-plan routes on Google Maps on my PC, get the coordinates, and input them into OSM. However, that process was very tedious.
Today, I learned that I can use the “Share Place” feature of Google Maps Web. Among the share options - I can use OsmAnd~ to directly open that place in the OsmAnd~ navigation app.
I was about to give in and install the Google Maps app, but then I stumbled upon this feature. Many of you might already know of this feature, but I didn’t, and I’m really happy that such feature exists.
Nevertheless, I’d still request OSM users to keep contributing places. So that we would not even have to rely on the browser based Google Maps.
Not exactly a DeGoogle guide, but I believe it might help transitioning.
I use OsmAnd almost exclusively, but mostly as a navigation aid and not for finding places. I like to know where I’m going before I leave so I can plan the route and timing my departure. If there is a place or address that is not in OSM, there are various address to coordinate searches that I’ll add as a favorite.
I am mapping cities as often as I can with StreetComplete, but most of my quests are about sidewalks rather than places. One day, I would like to learn more advanced skills so I can map a neighborhood or business.