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What are some alternatives to Google Maps? (midwest.social)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by tron@midwest.social to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'm sick of using google maps, they started putting gigantic ads for stores on the map and I'm tired of them tracking me. So I ask you Lemmy, what should I switch to?!

EDIT: Was not expecting so many replies, thank you Lemmy! I am checking out Open Street Maps currently thanks for the recommendations!

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[–] nadiaraven@lemmy.world 4 points 4 months ago (6 children)

There are no street numbers in osm for my city, Bend, OR. It has a population of 100,000+, so I'm guessing this app is really only useable for major cities.

[–] luckystarr@feddit.org 12 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Install StreetComplete and put some of them in. Spread the word, it's really low effort.

[–] Duke_Nukem_1990@feddit.org 6 points 4 months ago

Low effort and just super fun. I don't know why but helping out while walking around activates the happy parts in my lizard brain.

[–] iturnedintoanewt@lemm.ee 3 points 4 months ago

People start contributing usually after they have used it successfully a few times. I understand "make yourself your own map" might not sound as the most appealing solution here.

[–] governorkeagan@lemdro.id 8 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

True to some extent. I know there’s been a big effort to get buildings mapped in the US, but it’s not always possible to get house/street numbers from aerial imagery.

Once buildings are mapped you can either add the remainder of the details with on the ground mapping (e.g using an app like StreetComplete) or if the data (e.g from the government) becomes open and available to use.

[–] als@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It's all dependant on the community, if there's missing data that you can add, please do! StreetComplete is a very acessible way to contribute

[–] nadiaraven@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I've contributed a little, but its a bit discouraging. It's not like can just map the whole city myself

[–] laughterlaughter@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

Thank you for doing your part.

[–] B0rax@feddit.de 3 points 4 months ago

Did you report it? Maybe no one noticed yet.

[–] communism@lemmy.ml 1 points 4 months ago

I've used OSM while staying in a smaller town and the street data was good. It obviously depends on how much the public has contributed to data for your area, which is likely to be a lot for major cities, but there may also be people contributing decent data for less populous areas too.

[–] HootinNHollerin@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

OSMand maps didn’t for my neighborhood but magic earth did so check that out maybe