Nokia Maps 2 sat-nav software

If you have a GPS-capable phone, one of the good points about Nokia Maps is that you don’t have to install it – though if you’re upgrading from an earlier version, it’s very easy to do.

One of the notable things about Maps is the coverage – just about everywhere you’re likely to want to go is included – and it simply downloads map data as it’s needed.

Since that can obviously run up data bills, you can also download maps via an easy-to-use PC application.

You can browse maps and see locations with Maps free, but if you want directions you have to pay. And the pricing is a little complex, with traffic information also an extra.

On the positive side, you can pay for as short a period as a month and guidance for foot navigation will set you back around £4. Safety camera info is lacking – something Nokia tells us it is working on.

We found both pedestrian and driving directions clear and easy to follow, and the display when driving is simple and uncluttered; you can quickly change views on the display, and Maps always makes it easy to access the search facility.

One of the stand-out features is the integration with add-on guides, which show up on the map alongside the standard points of interest, and provide plenty of useful extra information. At around £8 for a city guide, these could be very useful when you’re on holiday. There’s also a satellite view; this gives you aerial photos, a little like Google Earth, which can help you to find your bearings.

Although it lacks some advanced features and the omission of safety camera information is annoying, when it comes to the important stuff – going from A to B – and providing useful information, Nokia Maps is a great application.

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