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November 29, 2021

The Most Useful Map Tools on the Web

When you're looking for the distances between places, or for the nearest dry cleaners, you probably rely on Google Maps. That's fine. It's a fantastic tool (see below). But what about more specialist uses? If you're like most people, you probably rely on Google Maps for them too—and give up when it can't do what you need. This is a pity. Because there are many, many other map tools out there. And most are unparalleled for what they do best. From exploring the backcountry to planning a vacation, here are some of the most useful map tools on the web.

Best All-rounder: Google Maps

Everyone knows Google Maps. It's one of the tech giant's most popular products and it's hands-down the most useful tool out there—for most purposes anyway. Users rely on the app to find the distance in between two places, for real-time traffic information, GPS navigation and reliable local business reviews. You can even zoom in to ground-level and take a virtual stroll around town with Street View—pretty much wherever you are in the world.

Continually pushing the envelope and blazing a trail to the future, Google Maps also enables you to view the planet Earth from space, tour the moon, and even look around the surface of Mars. And, because Google makes money from user data, the app is 100% free to use.

Best for the Wild: BackCountry Navigator

What Google Maps doesn't offer as standard is a detailed topography of the landscape. So if you ever find yourself stranded (however intentionally) in the wilderness, it's unlikely to be of much use. Or rather, it's unlikely to be of as much use as BackCountry Navigator for Android.

Designed for explorers of the great outdoors, this excellent map tool collates topographical data from numerous reliable sources. These include official government sources (like the US Geological Survey's US Topo) and open-source, user-built projects (like OpenCycleMap).

BackCountry Navigator even draws on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Raster Navigational Charts (RNC) to provide nautical topographical information—should you ever find yourself lost at sea in a submarine, say.

Best for Planning Holidays: DecisionData.org

Ever been let down by rain on a long-awaited vacation abroad? If so, DecisionData.org may be the app for you. Whether you know where to go but you're not sure when or you know when to go but you're not sure where, this map tool lets you plan a vacation around the weather.

Simply enter your ideal temperature range and rainfall preferences, along with your preferred week of travel, and the map will highlight everywhere that meets your requirements. Not sure when you want to go? No problem: Just scroll through the weeks one by one until your chosen destination (or anywhere else in the world) fits your meteorological demands.

Best for Drivers: Waze

Google actually acquired Waze in 2013 and integrated its community-driven traffic info into its own map service. But—as testament to its enduring popularity and accessibility—it still exists as a standalone app (for Android, iOS, and desktop browsers).

Users are encouraged to submit traffic warnings; indeed it's the users that make Waze so successful. Thanks to a devoted worldwide community, you can rely on the app to avoid construction sites, accidents, and getting flagged by a hidden speed camera. It'll even direct you to the cheapest local gas stations and nearest police officers. It's not a perfect map tool. Obviously some areas are better covered than others, and it's not without privacy concerns. However, it's free to use and only as thorough as its users.

Best for Public Transport: Citymapper

Not a driver? Or just looking to get around town as a pedestrian for a change? Look no further than Citymapper.

Although Google Maps does include public transport information nowadays, it's not nearly as reliable for Citymapper. Whether you're going by bus, tram, train, subway, or even rented bicycle, Citymapper provides up-to-date routes and alerts in real time. Better yet, it also gives pricing info—something you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, let alone on Google Maps. There is a downside, though: Not every city is supported. But many are. Chances are if you find yourself in a first-world capital, Citymapper will be of some use.

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