Set Your Calendars and Contacts Free
Big Tech Maps to Open Street Map
Illustration by Florian Biege
If you use Google or Apple Maps, you are essentially paying with your location data. OpenStreetMap (OSM), on the other hand, is the “Wikipedia of Maps”: collaborative, transparent, and privacy-friendly. This recipe shows you how to make the switch without feeling lost if you decide to use the “Wikipedia of maps.”
Different ways to cook
Our digital switch recipes provide an easy, simple way to give Big Tech the push, but there are other options available. We have tried to make it easy by focusing on a single approach and a small number of options, but there are other alternatives that are just as good. After all, what we mean by ‘good’, ‘not so good’ and ‘bad’ is open to debate: DI.DAY is about easy ways to give Big Tech the push (without getting into purism or being preachy). Our decisions are based on advice from our advisory panel.
An overview of the alternatives is available on the next page:
Ingredients
1 smartphone
Android or iOS
1 OSM app of your choice
For beginners: Organic Maps, CoMaps (fast, user-friendly, completely offline)
For professionals: OsmAnd (wide-ranging functionality, multiple levels)
Your Google account data
… if you want to export saved locations. With Apple, unfortunately, the export process is more complicated.
Preparation
1 Select the right app
Apple/Google Maps are all-in-one solutions. In the OSM world, you choose the app that suits your style. Download CoMaps or Organic Maps, if you simply want to get from A to B with no stress, or OsmAnd, if you are looking for walking routes and the smallest details.
2 Add map material to the recipe (offline first!)
Unlike Google Maps, OSM apps require you to download map data in advance. Open the app and download data, for example for your state or region. The advantage: from now on, you can navigate smoothly without using any data – even in areas with no cell service.
3 Relocate your favorite places (optional)
Do you have a lot of stars on Google Maps? Unfortunately, based on our research, Apple only allows you to copy bookmarks one by one into the new app. With Android, you can do this in bulk:
- On your PC, go to Google Takeout.
- Just select “Maps (your places)” and create the export.
- You will receive a file with the extension .json or .kml.
- You can now email this file to yourself and import it into Organic Maps or OsmAnd as a “bookmark” or “track”.
4 Replace the standard app
Don’t delete Google or Apple Maps right away, but move the app off your home screen. Place your new OSM app exactly where the Google icon used to be. Your habits will automatically lead you there in the first few days.
Dessert
1 Enjoy the new feeling…
… of no longer being tracked with every step you take. You'll notice that the maps are often more detailed when it comes to sidewalks, house numbers, or small POIs (points of interest).
(This recipe was written for us by DI.DAY fan Olaf Zelesnik.)
2 Other alternatives that are less highly recommended…
… in our view: The Dutch company HereWeGo (originally Nokia Maps) is backed by a consortium including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. It uses its own map data, but transmits user data to Facebook, Google, and others. Location and traffic data are collected anonymously. We also do not recommend Waze (part of the Google group) or MapsMe, either, because they track users. Even the outdoor app Komoot connects to Google, Facebook, and other servers and transmits data.
Enjoy your meal! You have just taken a big step towards a more independent digital existence.
Once you #DIDit – share our post about the digital switch and inspire others to take control of their own digital lives!
Topping
The small Berlin-based service lokjo focuses on local retailers and businesses based on OSM – and, according to the company, does so without cookies or tracking.
If you notice that a new bakery on your street is missing, you can even add it to OpenStreetMap yourself. This way, you go from being a consumer to a co-creator of the world map. It’s really fun to use on Android devices with the Street Complete app, where you can help with map information in your area. You can even earn a badge of honor!
