{
  "id": 19963388,
  "title": "Vela Maps is the closest thing to Google Maps without Google — here’s how to install it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/vela-maps-is-the-closest-thing-to-google-maps-without-google-heres",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-14T10:30:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Authority",
    "slug": "android-authority",
    "url": "https://www.androidauthority.com/vela-maps-vs-google-maps-android-3733791/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vela Maps is a remarkable open-source alternative to Google Maps that aims to offer a similar experience without relying on Google Mobile Services. Designed for users of de-Googled Android ROMs, Vela Maps provides a familiar interface and layout, making it a convenient choice for those who value privacy and functionality. While it lacks some features present in Google Maps, such as the bottom flyout menu and Street View, Vela Maps compensates with its own unique features. With a clean and legible design, the app offers offline map downloads, customizable settings, and quick access to favorite locations. Vela Maps also includes a traffic preview bar and a speedometer, enhancing its navigation capabilities. Overall, Vela Maps serves as a valuable alternative for users seeking a Google Maps-like experience without the reliance on Google services, offering a more customizable and privacy-conscious mapping solution.",
  "summary": "This open-source app looks, feels, and acts like Google Maps, but it's more than just a copy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Police",
        "title": "I replaced Google Maps with an ad-free, open source navigation app; I couldn't be happier",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/i-replaced-google-maps-with-an-ad-free-open-source-navigation-app-i",
        "published": "2026-11-13T22:00:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}