One Tech Tip: Lake America backlash fuels interest in Google Maps alternatives

The controversy over Google and Apple renaming bodies of water on their digital maps has led to increased interest in alternative mapping services. Google Maps dominates the market with about 80% of users, but some consumers are looking for options that don't come from big tech companies due to privacy concerns and dissatisfaction with the company's decisions.

MapQuest, a map service with a 30-year history, saw a surge in downloads after Apple renamed Lake Ontario to Lake America. MapQuest offers real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn navigation, and information about nearby points of interest. However, the app is only available in the U.S. and Canada. Users outside these regions can still access the MapQuest website.

TomTom, which popularized GPS navigation devices in the early 2000s, offers a free map app for Android and iPhone users focused on driving. The app provides live traffic data, road hazard information, and does not include alternative route options like walking or cycling. HERE WeGo, previously Nokia Maps, now owned by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, is considered a strong non-Big Tech alternative to Google Maps.

The app offers map views for various transportation modes, including car, public transit, walking, and bicycle. Users can download country maps for offline use, although areas are limited and expire after a year.

Some European startups are focusing on privacy, developing mapping services that don't collect user data for targeted advertising. Organic Maps, available for free, uses data from the OpenStreetMap database. OSMand offers premium subscription options for additional features. Magic Earth, also based in the Netherlands, claims to never collect personal data or track user movements.

Sygic, from Slovakia, provides free offline maps with the option to purchase a subscription for extra features such as traffic updates and speed camera warnings.

Citymapper, a free journey planning app, is a rival to Google Maps in providing the best public transportation routes. The app covers 430 cities worldwide and includes bus, subway, ferry, taxi, bike, and scooter options. While it has its own app, Waze is owned by Google. Waze is known for its crowd-sourced real-time traffic information, including car accidents and police speed cameras.