6 Best Google Maps Alternatives for iPhone5/iOS6

It all started with Apple deciding to remove the Google Maps App from their latest iPhone 5 with iOS6. Apple introduced its own Maps app which was at best, half-baked. This app was based on the data collected from several other mapping companies such as Waze, Tom Tom etc but users quickly found out that the maps app was useless with lack of features like public transport directions and several inaccuracies in the directions and addresses given. Some of the pictures of landmarks had ribboning effects or melting effects. Needless to say, many users were unhappy and lost (pun intended!). But this also led many other navigation software companies to beef up their offerings and provide alternatives to the iOS6 users.

If you are looking to use the navigation on the iPhone, you might want to consider one of these case mate iPhone 5 cases to protect your phone from accidental drops and bumps. So, if you are wondering which other mapping apps are available, let us help you out by listing a few-

1. Waze- Waze is a voice enabled GPS system that gives you turn by turn directions. The app is based on crowdsourcing. However , it is not as perfect as the Google Maps app. The app gathers map data and other traffic related data from the users of the app. The app has several features like turn by turn navigation and traffic information. This information is collected from several users and it is sent back to the database to improve the service as a whole. This is a free app and will get better as more and more people use it.

2. Tom Tom 1.8 - The Tom Tom 1.8 is the app from the house of Tom Tom which has been providing GPS navigation devices for vehicles. The app is somewhat similar in interface to the stand alone device. This app also provides turn by turn direction. It also lets you find POI (Point of Interest) very easily. The other features such as the traffic updates, a clear voice and a good POI database work really well.

3. Garmin USA 2.1 - The Garmin App has an interface that is based on the stand alone devices and features. The app is very low cost as compared to other competitors. It also features turn by turn navigation with street names and 3D view of buildings. You can also get a five day weather forecast and Google Local Search Point of Interests.

4. Bing Maps -The Bing App is part of the Microsoft family. It is a free app and a great alternative to the iOS 6 Apple Maps. The Bing Maps is much better than the Apple Maps. However, it does not come up to the standards of Google Maps and the extensive data it provides. The Bing App provides public transport, driving and walking directions. It also provides other features such as turn by turn direction. One slight disadvantage is that the interface behaves slightly like a browser.

5. Google Maps through Safari - Even if you don’t have the Google Maps App, this is a simple way of at least getting some of that functionality back. You can visit maps.google.com and bookmark the webpage for easy access.

6. Nokia Here Maps App-This app features mapping services by Nokia based on the Navteq GPS system. This app is a great improvement when compared with Apple’s iOS 6 Maps. The map has several standard features such as satellite view and live traffic (restricted to major roadways) .However there are several great features like voiced directions for walking commuters and an excellent map for Public Transportation. Some of the disadvantages are that the app is a bit blurry and the data on locations isn’t as thorough as in Google.