As India continues its push for digital self-reliance, Mappls, MapmyIndia's homegrown navigation application, is emerging as a strong contender in the mapping and navigation space. Developed by New Delhi-based MapmyIndia in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mappls aims to provide Indian users with a hyperlocal and privacy-focused alternative to global mapping services like Google Maps. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently tested the app, praising its navigation and safety features.

Key Features of Mappls

Mappls offers a range of features designed to enhance the navigation experience, particularly for Indian roads and conditions. Some of the key features include:

• Precise Doorstep Navigation: Mappls offers accurate, house-level address search and navigation.
• 3D Junction Views: The app provides three-dimensional previews of overbridges, underpasses, and complex junctions, making navigation easier in unfamiliar cities. Vaishnaw noted that this feature ensures users are not mistaken at complex junctions.
• Real-time Driving Alerts: Mappls provides real-time alerts for speed limits, accident-prone areas, sharp curves, speed breakers, traffic signals, and CCTV camera locations.
• Trip Cost Calculator: Users can estimate fuel and toll expenses and explore potential savings through options like the NHAI Fastag Annual Pass.
• Live Traffic Updates: The app offers real-time traffic updates and ETA (estimated time of arrival) to help users avoid congestion.
• Mappls ID: A unique feature is a digital address and location identity system, providing a simplified six-character location code for complex addresses.
• Live Traffic Signal Countdown: Currently available in Bengaluru, this feature provides real-time updates on traffic signal changes, showing the remaining time before a light changes.
• Safety Features: Mappls includes safety alerts for potholes and accident-prone areas. Users can also report issues like garbage dumps, faulty street lights, and waterlogging.
• Other Features: Mappls also offers a trip cost estimation tool, real-time traffic updates, weather and AQI information, and the ability to report issues. It supports multiple Indian languages and allows users to share their location with loved ones.

How to Download Mappls

The Mappls app is available for free download on multiple platforms:

• Mappls Website: Users can download the app directly from mappls.com.
• Google Play Store: The app is available for Android devices on the Google Play Store.
• Apple App Store: iPhone users can download Mappls from the Apple App Store.

Mappls also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing users to access maps and navigation through their car's infotainment system.

Top FAQs Explained

• What is Mappls? Mappls is an Indian digital navigation and mapping application developed by MapmyIndia, designed to help users find addresses, get driving directions, and stay updated with traffic and safety information.
• How is Mappls linked with ISRO? MapmyIndia partnered with ISRO in February 2021 to integrate its mapping technologies with ISRO's satellite imagery and earth observation data, enhancing accuracy and coverage.
• Is Mappls free? Yes, the Mappls app is free to download and use.
• What devices are supported? Mappls is compatible with smartphones, web browsers, and in-car systems via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• What makes Mappls different from other map apps? Mappls offers features tailored for Indian roads, such as 3D junction views, real-time driving alerts, and a trip cost calculator. It also prioritizes data privacy by storing user information within India.
• Can users contribute to map updates? Yes, Mappls encourages users to report issues and contribute to map corrections.
• Is voice navigation available? Yes, Mappls offers step-by-step voice-guided directions.

Mappls represents a significant step towards India's self-reliance in digital technology. With its focus on India-specific features, data privacy, and collaboration with ISRO, Mappls is well-positioned to become a leading navigation app for Indian users.