ForeverMap by Skobbler is a new mapping app that allows users to download maps before hand and store them locally on your device. With mapping apps like Google Maps, you’re probably wondering why this would even be necessary. Well, if you own a device like an iPad for instance, chances are you own the WiFi only version and Google Maps is pretty much useless on it without a network connection because it pulls all the map images from the “cloud” and not locally. ForeverMap solves that problem by allowing you to download all your maps before hand and store them on your device. That way, even without a network connection, you’ll be able to browse all your maps as if you were connected to a network. This is similar to what you would do with a dedicated navigation device.

ForeverMap pulls its maps from OpenStreetMap, a free, Wikipedia-like source for maps. Unlike other mapping services, OpenStreetMap maps are always free so any updates made to the maps are free as well. Updates however are done by community members on the site so it’s possible that some street data may not exist unless someone actually updates it. An example of this is that where I live, which is a fairly new development (6 years old) still does not have street information on OpenStreetMap, but Google Maps has already updated it on theirs.

Because browsing maps is all done locally, everything feels so fast on it. Zooming in and out is super smooth and so is panning. There is virtually no lag at all with the app when it comes to map viewing. It’s actually quite a sight to see as if you are a regular Google Maps user, you know just how slow it is sometimes to pull up a map, let alone move a map to a new location which also needs to download. ForeverMap does not need to do any of that since all the maps are stored on your device. Just to clarify, I’m testing this app on an WiFi only iPad2 so results may vary on the previous iPad or iPhone.

What I really like about ForeverMap is that I only need to download the maps that I need. You don’t need to download the entire country. This helps save valuable space on your device. What is also neat is that the downloaded maps also include point-of-interest information on them, although I’ve never really found POI very useful on a mapping app considering I can get all that information and more from other apps like Foursquare or Yelp.

ForeverMap is a very handy, offline map viewer. In fact, because of it, I will no longer need to rely on paper maps again for road trips. Navigation systems work great for getting you where you need to go, but often times, they are difficult to use if you just want to browse a map for street information or multiple route options. ForeverMap however isn’t without it’s short comings as some maps are a bit out of date with missing street information and the user interface takes a bit of getting used to. Regardless of that, at only $0.99, ForeverMap by Skobbler is a huge value especially since it’s also a universal app and looks just as good on the iPad as it does on the iPhone.

ForeverMap by Skobbler is available now in the App Store for $0.99. It is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later. ForeverMap is a universal app so one purchase will allow you to use it on all your devices.

Description

ForeverMap by Skobbler brings you the most comprehensive offline mapping solution available on iOS. Fully interactive city and state maps, covering all of North America, with you always, whether you’re online or offline.

Address search, location finder, route calculation and loads of information on places of interest provided by Wikipedia, are just a few of ForeverMap’s key features – all of which are fully functional WITHOUT a data connection!

Offline orientation means you’ll never again be dependant on a data connection to get to where you want to go. No more roaming charges. No more waiting around for maps to load. Just rich, dependable, reliable maps whenever you need them, on any device. In addition to being a complete iPhone mapping solution, ForeverMap also turns iPod touches and Wi-Fi iPads into fully-fledged mapping devices!

To get started, hop on a WiFi network, download as many city or state maps as you’d like, and use them anywhere and everywhere – all without ever worrying about staying connected. Because of advanced map compression technology, you can easily store several state or even country maps on your device for unlimited and unconnected map access!

ForeverMap brings you the world by tapping into OpenStreetMap data (the Wikipedia of maps – http://www.openstreetmap.org) and keeps your maps updated on a regular basis, free of charge!

ForeverMap, the only map you’ll ever need, includes:
– Access to OpenStreetMap maps for all of North America
– Easy-to-use Filters
– Completely installable and uninstallable maps for countries, states and cities
– Routes for pedestrians and cars
– Offline search for locations
– Wikipedia information for thousands of bars, restaurants, theatres, and other points of interest
– IdeaLog for your suggestions on future improvements
– Current position finder
– Compass functionality
– Bookmarks/Favorites
– Retina display for applicable devices and much much more!

[via App Store]