Google Maps vs Mappls: 3 features that make Mappls stand out in India

Google Maps is great, but these three features gives Mappls an edge over the world's most popular navigation service.

Mappls, a made-in-India navigation service has some unique features Google Maps misses out on. (Express Photo)

Driving in India is challenging on its own, but a much bigger struggle for most people is navigating through the jam-packed streets and narrow lanes. Google Maps, the go-to app for millions of people, has dominated the Indian digital navigation market for years now, but amid growing privacy concerns, some users are looking for alternatives.

In the last few years, India’s indigenously developed Mappls app has emerged as a strong competitor to Google Maps. While it may not be as detailed as Google’s navigation service, Mappls does have some unique features that make it stand out in the crowded segment. If you’re wondering whether Mappls can replace Google Maps, here are some unique features that make Mappls stand out from the rest of the competition.

Google Maps wins on navigation, but Mappls has its own tricks

Both Google Maps and Mappls offer real-time traffic updates and directions to places. However, Google Maps’ traffic data may be better thanks to its large user base, which amounts to millions. Another advantage of Google Maps is its extensive database of shops and businesses, an area where Mappls still seems to lag.

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And while both navigation apps show you if the route you are going to take has tolls, Mappls takes it a step further by helping you calculate the estimated trip cost for petrol, diesel, CNG and even electric vehicles.

Mappls’ Pin feature is designed for India

One of the major challenges, apart from traffic, is India’s address system. While it is easy to identify buildings like government offices, businesses and apartments, not many places have a formal address.

This, combined with the various languages and dialects in the country, creates a situation where an individual might mistake addresses differently. Google Maps tries to solve this complexity by introducing support for localised languages, but sometimes you may not be able to find an exact address.

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However, Mappls tackles the problem by introducing what it calls Pins. The company claims that it allows you to convert any address into an easy-to-remember Pin, which is “precise down to the doorstep.” This may not sound useful at first, but you might find it easier than sharing sometimes inaccurate Google Maps addresses.

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Mappls simplifies navigation through tricky routes

Google Maps is undoubtedly better at keeping track of traffic in real-time, but it leaves people unsure whether to take the flyover or the road below. This is where Mappls comes in. The made-in-India app shows a 3D view of complex flyovers, junctions and even marks the exit and entry points, making it easier for the driver to avoid wrong turns and confusion.

Another area where Mappls takes the lead is road alerts. While both Google Maps and Mappls show obstacles like accidents and road closures, Mappls also contains data about speed breakers, potholes and speed cameras, all of which are pretty common on Indian roads.

The India-designed Mappls app stands out for its focus on navigation challenges that are unique to India. It comes with a ‘Pin’ system featuring six-character codes down to the doorstep, offering greater precision. The app also offers a 3D view of complex junctions, flyovers, essentially helping drivers to evade wrong exits. Additionally, the app also flags speed breakers, potholes, and speed cameras. At a time when Google is dominating global traffic data, Mappls strives to carve a niche for itself by focusing on localisation and home-grown mapping techniques.