OsmAnd+

Summary

I sometimes wonder at the logic behind map apps that are contingent on a steady internet / GPS connection. It doesn't make sense to me, because often the situations in which you most need to consult a map are precisely the kinds of circumstances under which internet access is not available.

If you, too, are on the lookout for an app that offers access to maps and navigational features, but don't want to have to rely on being online to use it, check out OsmAnd+. But first, read our review of it, of course!

Test device: Samsung Galaxy Note
Android version: 2.3.6
Root: No

The file is 8 MB in size and the required permissions strike us as being straight-forward and transparent.

So what does OsmAnd+ have to offer? And what, pray, does the app's name actually stand for? It's a compressed version of 'Open Street Maps Android', an open navigations app that comes equipped with vector and tile maps. The maps are based on Openstreetmap data and can be accessed regardless of whether you're on or offline. Here's an overview of OsmAnd+ main features:

• pedestrian, bicycle and car modes
• offline data, configurable folder for the maps and tiles
• compact vector maps for whole world which can be downloaded
• automatic day or night map view
• map regions can be downloaded to the app
• offline search of addresses and places
• custom tile map area download 
• many map layers with customized transparency at a time
• offline routing for short distance (experimental)
• Galaxy Tab supported

OsmAnd+, like Locus Pro, is an extremely dense map application, thus writing an in-depth review of each and every single function would prove to be too long. There are simply too many options to go into, which is why we are opting to present you with a thorough overview of what the app has to offer to help you find your way around better.

After you've started up the app, you may download offline data that will enable you to take full advantage of what the app has to offer. (If you don't feel like downloading the extra data right away, you can do so at a later point).
There are also several language packages to choose from, as well as maps from all over the globe from which you can select whatever it is you require.

The next step is going through the application's introductory process, which I recommend you take the time to do, as this will help you use OsmAnd+ optimally.
The following features are explained int he intro:

• Map rotation and download manager settings; the download manager helps keep maps up to date
• Day and night mode
• Share locations via SMS and email
• Save favourites
• Manage OSM: OsmAnd+ is based on OpenStreetMap.org (OSM) files. Set up new POIs or send error messages to help improve service. Internet connection is required
• Context search within the map: can be accessed via long press
• Search: look for places, addresses, coordinates as POIs or favourites
• Select destination
• User profile
• Map source: vector or tile maps from different sources, including your own maps that you've created on your computer

You've probably guessed it: OsmAnd+ has a plethora of features and settings to choose from, adjust and fine-tune according to your preferences.

The main menu harbours four buttons: Maps, Search, Favourites and Settings.

The settings let users tailor the application to fit their needs and preferences.

With apps as dense as OsmAnd+, simple and intuitive controls are of utmost importance. While learning how to use OsmAnd+ requires a bit of patience at the beginning, I found it to be easy to use once I'd studied all of the core functions and ascertained which ones made the most sense for my personal use. 

The map view is the center piece of the application, which is why it's so important that the graphics and design are right. Map rotation is possible, and by clicking on the globe symbol you can choose new map views (my colleagues and I love the CycleMap, for instance).
Should you require more map views, download them from the menu.
The arrow button allows you to jump back to your location.

The icon on the bottom left indicates which user profile you are currently using. Hit the icon to get back to the main menu. Zoom in and out using the magnifying glass or pinch to zoom.

Hit your phone's menu button to access your position, set the navigation (including means of transportation). To place a navigation point, long press on the map until the menu pops open.

Search for places, POIs and lots of other things using the search function.

Bottom line:

I could go on and on talking about OsmAnd+ settings options and features, but I'll spare you the word vomit, if you'll pardon that horrible expression.
At the end of the day, OsmAnd+ is an impressive tool to help you get around and know where you're going.

OsmAnd+ ran very smoothly throughout our testing rounds, without over crashing or taking too long to load. Impeccable!

If all this has motivated you to give OsmAnd+ a spin, you can always check out the free version to see if it's a good fit—and if that's the case, EUR 2,99 is more than a fair price.

OsmAnd+ is our app of the week and is thus available for a special discounted price of EUR 1,49 for a limited time only.