One of the best things about Ovi Maps is the option to download maps you’ll need before you leave, wherever you’re going in the world. Where rival satnav systems need an always-on connection, you don’t even need a SIM card installed to use free Ovi Maps navigation, so you can avoid roaming fees when traveling abroad.
What you’ll need
We’ve been navigating the busy streets of London, and further afield in France using Ovi Maps navigation on the
Nokia X6. It offers lots of features that make it ideal for in-car navigation: the large screen is colourful, bright and easy to read when traveling at speed and the touchscreen interface is a godsend. With 16GB or 32GB of storage space built-in, there’s also plenty of space to download the maps you need.
You can get free maps for plenty of other handsets as well. The following Nokia phones all support Ovi Maps:
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.
Download and go
Nokia’s free mobile navigation has one massive advantage over rival sat-nav products and that’s the ability to download maps for free. Install
Ovi Maps Loader on your PC or Mac and you'll be able to download and sync maps for the relevant countries. You can even pre-load new navigation voices before your roadtrip.
Pick a place
The easiest way to enter your destination into Ovi Maps navigation is via the postcode search, but there are a number of other ways you can get to where you’re going too. You can enter part or all of the address, search for an attraction by name, or pick the location on the map itself.
Seek guidance
Lane guidance is a great inclusion considering Ovi Maps is a completely free navigation system, and really makes it perfect for in-car use. Nokia's free mobile navigation also recognises when you're not in the UK, and directs you accordingly so you'll be sure of obeying the local speed limits, lane directions and other foreign traffic laws.
A point of interest
Ovi Maps doesn't just pack free maps: it also includes local points of interest whatever country you're in. That's especially handy when you're searching for petrol or a hotel for the night and don't speak the lingo.
It’s a Lonely Planet
Offering a premium service completely free, Ovi Maps also packs in a full Lonely Planet guide. With comprehensive tourist attractions, details and information, it’s the sort of detail that’s often lacking in sat-nav products costing hundreds of pounds. With Ovi Maps, everything's free, and bundled without limits.
More about Ovi Maps for drivers:
Ovi Maps Navigation: Free satnav for your car, forever!
More about Ovi Maps for pedestrians:
Ovi Maps: Take a short cut with free walking navigation
Ovi Maps: Reach the locations other satnavs can’t

/0.jpg" width="150" />