Ovi Maps has revolutionised mobile navigation, bringing free maps to users of the latest Nokia mobile phones. There’s loads to know about Ovi Maps, so we’ve been looking at the software in depth. Unlike many satnav devices, there’s a dedicated pedestrian mode, taking you where few people have been before – at least, not if they’re taking directions from a bog standard satnav. Read on to find out more about navigating on foot with Ovi Maps.
See it in action!
What you’ll need
To use the latest version of Ovi Maps, which offers completely free navigation, you’ll need one of Nokia’s smartphones. You can use touchscreen or non-touchscreen handsets. We chose the Nokia X6 and Nokia E72.
The Nokia E72 is one of the latest non-touchscreen smartphones in Nokia’s range and is perfect for mobile navigation. The big benefit it offers over most touchscreen handsets is the ability to use it your gloves on which can come in handy in chillier conditions.
The Nokia X6 is even better at showing the way with Nokia navigation, since it has a huge capacitive touchscreen display. The larger screen means it can genuinely rival dedicated sat-navs and is great for viewing free maps. There are plenty of other devices you can use Ovi Maps with, including the following handsets:
Nokia X6. Nokia N97 Mini. Nokia N97. Nokia N86. Nokia E72. Nokia E71. Nokia E66. Nokia E55. Nokia E52. Nokia C5. Nokia 6730 Classic. Nokia 6720 Classic. Nokia 6710. Nokia 5800. Nokia 5235. Nokia 5230.
Find your way
The first thing you’ll need to do when using free navigation from Ovi Maps is to set up your Nokia’s digital compass. This helps the device know which way you’re facing and makes it easier to navigate. Waving the phone around in a figure of eight calibrates the sensors.
Pick a place
To set up a route using Ovi Maps, either type in the destination or open the map view and click the area where you want to go. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the middle of a pedestrian area, a park or a shopping centre – the free maps inside your Nokia will do their best to get you there, using routes other satnavs can’t, such as tunnels, bridges or walkways.
As the crow flies
Nokia offers a Straight Line mode for Ovi Maps, providing ‘as the crow flies’ navigation which lets you take advantage of tracks and fields. To activate it, go to Settings, select Walk then Straight Line as a preferred route. It’s really useful in the countryside because it doesn’t take buildings, rivers or other physical barriers into account. It’ll also come in handy when you’re navigating sprawling shopping centres too. As long as your Nokia can receive a GPS signal, it’ll always point the way back to your car!
A 3rd dimension
As one of the most advanced satnav products on the market, Ovi Maps is as attractive as it is usable, with stunning 3D landmarks highlighted on the move. Head towards somewhere built-up like London’s Piccadilly Circus and it makes it very clear which route you need to take. 3D landmarks are also available in other countries.
Retrace your steps
Ovi Maps watches your progress, leaving virtual footprints on the map to show where you’ve been. Use them to retrace your steps if you get lost or simply want to go home. Your past steps are highlighted as red dots onscreen. Using Ovi Maps really couldn’t be easier.
More about Ovi Maps for pedestrians:
Ovi Maps: Take a short cut with free walking navigation
More about Ovi Maps for drivers:
Ovi Maps: How to dodge roaming fees with free satnav abroad
Ovi Maps Navigation: Free satnav for your car, forever!
