After a series of Indian-made apps launched under the Zoho banner, a new navigation app by the name Mappls navigation application has been developed by MapmyIndia. The application gained national attention as a strong Swadeshi alternative to Google Maps. The app offers features like voice-guided directions and real-time traffic updates.
Indian Alternative to Google Maps?
The Mappls - MapmyIndia app promises a localized, secure, and user-friendly mapping experience. One standout feature is the 3D junction view, which helps users navigate complex structures like flyovers and underpasses-an area where many have found Google Maps lacking.
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The 3D view displays real-world structures to prevent confusion or accidents. This enhancement comes in the wake of several incidents involving misdirection by other navigation systems, including a tragic 2024 incident where individuals lost their lives after being led to an under-construction bridge. Google maps still lacks in this department as it fails to ascertain height and elevation on certain circumstances.
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| Feature / Aspect | Mappls – MapmyIndia App | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Localization | Designed specifically for Indian users and geography | Global focus; may lack certain localized details in India |
| Security | Promotes a more secure and privacy-respecting experience | Criticized for data tracking and privacy concerns |
| User Interface | User-friendly with local context | Intuitive, but more globally generalized |
| 3D Junction View | Available; helps navigate complex flyovers and underpasses | Lacking or less effective in such areas |
| Accuracy in Complex Road Structures | High accuracy with real-world 3D renderings to avoid confusion | Sometimes inaccurate; may cause misdirection |
| Incident Prevention | Aims to reduce confusion and accidents through better visualization | Involved in past incidents (e.g., 2024 tragedy on wrong route) |
| Notable Safety Case Reference | Introduced improvements after real-life incidents | Linked to past misdirections, including fatal ones |
DIGIPIN: India’s First Digital Address System
MapmyIndia has also partnered with India Post to launch DIGIPIN, the country’s first digital address system. Developed with assistance from IIT Hyderabad and ISRO’s NRSC, DIGIPIN assigns a unique digital code to every 3.8-meter square area across India.
Users can generate their digital address by simply dropping a pin on the DIGIPIN platform, allowing them to identify precise locations-even specific floors or house numbers. In rural or remote areas where digital mapping is limited, DIGIPIN uses nearby landmarks for accurate location referencing.
Swadeshi Application On The Rise
Mappls is part of a growing movement of Indian-developed apps, alongside others like Zoho’s Arattai, which are being promoted as local alternatives to global platforms such as WhatsApp. Like Zoho, Mappls also focuses on privacy, data protection, and secure communication, reinforcing India’s shift toward a more self-reliant digital ecosystem.