Which App Has Better Maps, Sendero or Nearby Explorer?

By Bellsfurmama, 6 October, 2017

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

I am still trying to decide which GPS app would be best for me. I want ot be able to explore places virtually without leaving home. I want to be able to explore street by street as if I were there. I think Sendero GPS does this and so does Nearby Explorer. Sendero is a lot more expensive so I am most interested in Nearby Explorer.

Anyway, which one has the best maps? Does Nearby use Google Maps? Google has great maps and they’re up-to-date. I would like something that isn’t outdated.

Thanks!

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Comments

By DPinWI on Friday, October 27, 2017 - 02:30

I have never used Sendero, but I use Nearby extensively.

Nearby Explorer initially used only the Navteq commercial maps. These were a major upgrade in quality, in my area, than the Open Street Maps in Blind Square. However, in some cases, the Open Street Maps can be better, and in a recent update, Nearby Explorer has started to add support for these maps.

As for map updates, earlier this year, Nearby pushed a update that was a new release of the Navteq maps. It was an improvement on an already good experience in my area. I do not know how often new maps will be available, but I did appreciate that I got them.

Sorry I can't offer information about Sendero, and hope that someone else can help with that part of your question.

dp

By Bellsfurmama on Friday, October 27, 2017 - 02:30

Thank you for the info. I was hoping they used Google Maps since they are updated so often.

I am just wanting to make sure the maps are accurate and as up-to-date as they can be since it is a lot of money.

By Joe on Friday, October 27, 2017 - 02:30

You can use Google also. You can choose from Apple Google or the onboard Navteq apps. Nearby also now has Nearby Online which doesn't download any maps from Navteq but it's free and you can use google or apple with it.

By Kelly Pierce on Friday, October 27, 2017 - 02:30

Google Maps requires an Internet connection. In areas with no or spotty cell phone service there is no availability of Google Maps. Nearby Explorer works everywhere in North America. Map accuracy is not an issue for me. I live in a northern big city, Chicago, and the streets rarely change. Nearby Explorer works good enough for most people.

By TheBSPress on Friday, October 27, 2017 - 02:30

In reply to by Kelly Pierce

You can download Google Maps for offline use, so their service is still available in areas with no or spotty cell phone service. Map updates are essential in cities with heavy construction or changes. Remember that a GPS application is only as good as the maps and data that come with it.

You can set Google or Apple as the address provider with NE. But the map data, including intersection data, only comes from Navteq or OSM.

Sendero's maps are provided by another paid source. I can't remember the name--I don't think it's Navteq, but it might be. The user guide says:
"available for purchase in the U.S. and Canada and can be used in other countries with supported maps like the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Lithuania. Not all countries have full intersection descriptions.."