Unlock the Freedom of Offline Travel with CoMaps

In a world where data is collected at every turn, it's easy to forget how much personal information we’re giving away every time we use an app. In the case of most navigation apps, data collection often goes unnoticed as people blindly trust the system guiding them through unfamiliar territory. However, a new player has emerged that promises to offer a welcoming change. Meet CoMaps—an open-source, privacy-respecting navigation app that is gaining traction among travellers, adventurers, and anyone who values their privacy in the digital age.

CoMaps isn’t just another map app. It’s a community focused tool that makes privacy a foundation, while offering seamless, efficient navigation.

The Genesis of CoMaps: A Vision for Transparency and Empowerment

The story of CoMaps began with dissatisfaction - dissatisfaction with governance of the Organic Maps project. A group of developers and privacy supporters who were involved in the project found themselves at odds with the direction the app was heading. As they watched code being hidden and an affiliate link added which opened up data to a travel company, they realised they had to take action.

And so, CoMaps was born, out of a vision for a better future—one that empowers communities and respects your data.

Unlike the commercial navigation apps that are often fuelled by ads, data collection, and profit-driven motives, CoMaps operates on the principles of transparency, collaboration, and privacy. From the very first download, CoMaps stands out as a refreshing alternative: it promises that your data is yours and only yours, a simple but bold idea in a world where personal data is too often exploited.

Privacy by Design: No Tracking, No Data Collection

The cornerstone of CoMaps' appeal lies in its commitment to user privacy. While mainstream navigation apps are notorious for tracking your every move, storing your location history, and building detailed profiles based on your behavior, CoMaps takes a stand: no tracking, no data collection.

This is made possible by CoMaps’ open-source foundation. Because the app’s source code is available to the public, users and developers can easily verify that there is no hidden tracking code or data collection occurring behind the scenes. CoMaps is truly a privacy-first navigation tool—not beholden to advertisers or data brokers.

With CoMaps, you can navigate freely, without worrying that your every move is being analysed for profit by tech companies. Whether you're exploring a new city, hiking a remote trail, or simply driving across town, CoMaps does not collect any data.

Fully Offline

One of CoMaps' standout features is its ability to work entirely offline. When most map apps require constant connectivity to function, CoMaps offers a freedom that’s rare. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, travelling abroad with no local data plan, or exploring a remote corner of the world, CoMaps lets you download maps in advance and use them any time, without worrying about signal loss or roaming charges.

Using the highly detailed and regularly updated data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), CoMaps provides accurate and comprehensive maps for cities, towns, and even the most remote regions. Since OSM is a global community-driven initiative, it offers unique insights that commercial alternatives often overlook. You’ll find walking paths, bike trails, and lesser-known points of interest—information that may not be available on corporate-driven maps.

By working offline, CoMaps ensures that your navigation doesn’t rely on constant data exchanges, making it ideal for areas with patchy coverage.

Designed for Performance: Simplicity Meets Efficiency

CoMaps is not just about privacy—it’s about delivering a practical and reliable solution to modern navigation challenges. The app boasts a minimalist, clean design with core features that include:

• Offline Search and Routing: Plan routes, search for points of interest, and navigate without needing an internet connection.

• Battery-Friendly: Unlike many map apps that drain your device’s battery with constant background updates, CoMaps is designed to be energy-efficient.

• OpenStreetMap-Backed Data: OpenStreetMap data is frequently updated by local volunteers, so CoMaps offers maps that are often more accurate and detailed than corporate-driven alternatives.

• Contour Lines & Elevation Profiles: Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, CoMaps provides terrain details, helping hikers and cyclists understand elevation changes.

• No Roaming Charges: Unlike data-heavy apps that eat up your mobile data or incur roaming fees, CoMaps lets you download maps in advance, ensuring that you can always navigate offline.

• Outdoor Map Style: Switch to an "Outdoors" style for better views of hiking trails, landmarks, and natural features.

These carefully designed features make CoMaps an ideal app for both urban navigation and outdoor adventures, whether you're a city commuter or an avid backpacker.

Built by the Community, for the Community

What makes CoMaps truly special is its community-driven development. Unlike proprietary apps controlled by corporations, CoMaps thrives on collaboration with people who use the app around the world. As an open-source project, CoMaps encourages contributions from developers, designers, testers, translators, and users alike. Decisions about new features, design changes, improvements and governance are made through open discussions.

For instance, a recent community challenge invited people to design a logo for the app. CoMaps is not just a tool—it’s a reflection of the values and needs of people who navigate and travel.

Also published on RebootPrivacy 22 July 2025 | CoMaps, a free and open-source alternative to big tech navigation. Offline, privacy-focused and beautiful!