HereWeGo
Now called Here , this app was originally developed by Nokia for its first smartphones . It has been around for ages , is fast and bug-free , and available on both Android and iOS . It has some of the best offline maps around , and what I think is the clearest , unfussy interface on your phone .
HereWeGo doesn ’ t offer dedicated twisty route planning , but if you select the bicycle routing this can often pop-up interesting alternatives . Big pluses include built in ( and accurate ) speed limit warnings , a great voice instruction option , 2D / 3D options , and it ’ s utterly free with no aggressive marketing .
HereWeGo is also relatively small is regards to memory use and has an online website where you can try routes before you go to look at all those gnarly backroads other maps don ’ t include . The big minus is you can ’ t export its routing to any other format ( or even its own Android or iOS apps ), so it ’ s an on-the-go option only . It does generate latitude and longitude references though , so you can use those for manually plugging into other apps if inclined . wego . here . com
Calimoto
This app is a little like Kurviger , but with a slicker interface … and extra sign-ups to compensate .
Several options , like all offline maps , work only if you are paid up and logged on . As Google paranoia sets in , I don ’ t log on .
Calimoto ’ s blurb says it uses a “ special Winding Roads Algorithm which helps it plan routes with the most twisty and scenic roads .” And it does – to an extent ! It isn ’ t as adventurous as Kurviger , and often comes up with side road routes off main roads . Its options are also a little more limited unless you ’ re paid up , but again slickness triumphs with better POIs such as service stations , restaurants , food vendors and hotels .
Both desktop and phone apps ( Android and iOS ) are super-easy to use ; type in start , stop , then press go and your route is ready to use or upload into your phone . Spurious statistics like max speed , height gain and lean angle are recorded for geeks , but more usefully your rides can be rated for fun , scenery , and road condition .
Like Scenic , a random round trip generator offers a quick way to enjoy new , impromptu rides . calimoto . com / en
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