How I made OsmAnd Maps feel and look extra like Google Maps

OsmAnd Maps is among the hottest open-source alternate options to Google Maps. It has lots going for it, however I can’t deny it’s not the prettiest app to take a look at. Thankfully, we will repair that — it’s very customizable.

I not too long ago determined to offer OsmAnd Maps a attempt, however I knew if I used to be going to offer it a good probability, I’d must cease evaluating it to Google Maps. The finest means to do this was to make it feel and look extra like what I’ve grow to be conversant in.

Change the map colour scheme

OsmAnd helps many various map kinds

First and foremost, I didn’t like OsmAnd’s default map fashion. The vibrant, high-contrast colours are nice for readability, however I want the “friendlier,” extra delicate shades in Google Maps. Thankfully, OsmAnd features a bunch of various map kinds, and other people can create their very own as properly.

I merely did an internet seek for “Google Maps theme for OsmAnd Maps,” and I got here throughout a GitHub repository by FilipBB. They’ve shared over 25 customized OsmAnd map kinds, together with two immediately impressed by Google Maps. “Classic Web Map” is the early Google Maps look, whereas “Modern Web Map” matches the present design.

Download the OSF file from the GitHub web page in your cellphone. Then, to import the kinds into OsmAnd, go to Maps & Resources > Local tab > Rendering fashion > Three-dot menu > Import. Select the OSF file, then verify the field for “Resources” and faucet “Continue.”

To apply the fashion, return to the principle display screen and choose “Configure map” from the menu. Scroll all the best way all the way down to “Map fashion” and choose your required look from the record. Note that you should utilize completely different kinds for various navigation modes.

Configure the map and navigation screens

Make the UI extra acquainted

Changing the map fashion made an enormous distinction, however there’s extra to Google Maps’ look than colours. I’ve come to count on sure issues to be in sure locations on the display screen. Thanks to OsmAnd’s customizable UI, I used to be capable of considerably mimic Google’s structure.

The key menu to know for UI customization is “Configure display screen.” This is the place you possibly can decide and select what seems on the display screen in numerous modes. For my functions, I simply needed to tweak the principle “Browse map” view and “Driving.” You can choose the mode from the icon within the high proper nook of the “Configure display screen” web page.

Here’s what I did. Starting in “Browse map” mode, I eliminated all widgets from the Left, Right, and Top panels. In the Bottom panel, I added solely the “Street title” widget.” In the “Default buttons” record, I disabled “Configure map,” “3D mode,” and the zoom buttons. I created a “Custom button” for “Map supply,” and chosen “Microsoft Earth” because the supply — this permits me to rapidly toggle satellite tv for pc imagery.

Next, tweaking “Driving” mode took a bit extra effort. In the Left panel, I’ve the “Speed restrict” widget. Nothing within the Right panel. The Top panel has three rows with one widget in every: “Next flip,” “Second subsequent flip,” and “Lanes.” The Bottom panel has “Time to vacation spot (Time to go)” within the first two, then “Distance to vacation spot” and “Time to vacation spot (Arrival time)” within the second row. For Default buttons, I turned “3D mode” on, and I created a Custom button to toggle voice prompts.

The little tweaks add up

So many customization choices

The map colours and UI configurations do a lot of the work, however there’s loads of different alternatives to make OsmAnd really feel a bit extra like Google Maps. Here are a couple of different modifications I made.

• For “Browse map” mode, I made the “Compass” button “Visible if the map is rotated.”
• In “Configure map,” activate “POI overlay” for issues like meals, fuel stations, cafes, shops, and so on.
• In “Configure display screen,” be certain to allow the speedometer.
• In “Navigation,” faucet the settings icon and choose “Customize route line.” Use #4c1df6 for Day and #4fe8f2 for Night.

I’m certain there are extra issues I might alter to get the expertise even nearer to Google Maps, however that is far sufficient for me. The level was to not make OsmAnd Maps a 1:1 clone of Google Maps. Getting OsmAnd to a spot that feels extra acquainted removes quite a lot of the friction that comes with switching to a brand new app. If you’ve been all for giving it a attempt, these modifications may assist.