Customer Reviews (100)

David Iñiguez Illan • 2025-01-31T09:28:02.180Z

La mejor app y más completa para seguir rutas, grabar entrenamientos con sensores de pulso, potenciómetros ANT+ y para buscar rutas alternativas o simplemente explorar mapas, una maravilla por la que merece pagar su precio. La recomiendo después de más de 12 años utilizándola

Nikolay Tzolov • 2025-01-26T20:16:44.624Z

I put img (Garmin) maps in mapfiles folder but they doesn't show in app. Is this something new to current version, because I was able to do that on my previous phone? Will change to 5 ⭐ if can fix it. Edit: I missed that "app storage" menu in the app settings. 10x

Eric • 2025-01-12T11:02:21.264Z

Dommage que les cartes IGN France ne soient pas prises en charge nativement (et même en bricolant ça ne marche plus)

Summary of Key Insights

OruxMaps GP is a powerful and feature-rich offline and online map viewer aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. It's praised for its versatility, customizability, and support for various map formats and external devices. However, the app suffers from a steep learning curve, a complex and unintuitive UI, and occasional bugs that frustrate users. There's a clear divide between experienced users who appreciate its depth and newcomers who struggle with its complexity. The sentiment is generally positive (50% 5-star reviews), but the significant number of 1- and 2-star reviews (28%) highlights critical usability issues. The app excels in offline map support and extensive feature set, but user experience and bug fixes are crucial areas for improvement.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Not explicitly stated but derived from the review distribution.
  • 5-Star Reviews: 50%
  • 4-Star Reviews: 11%
  • 3-Star Reviews: 11%
  • 2-Star Reviews: 11%
  • 1-Star Reviews: 17%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews do not have explicit timestamps, but based on the content, they appear to be from the recent past, reflecting the current app version and user experiences.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Manually assessed based on review content.
    • Keyword Extraction: Manually identified recurring themes, features, and pain points.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counted the number of times specific issues or features were mentioned.

Key User Pain Points

  • Complex and Unintuitive UI: Many users (especially new ones) find the UI overwhelming, difficult to navigate, and lacking in intuitiveness. Finding specific features or settings can be a frustrating experience.
  • Bugs and Instability: Several users report bugs, crashes, and features that suddenly stop working after updates. Specific issues include offline maps not loading, UTM zone inaccuracies, problems with shapefile support, and issues with track recording.
  • Difficulty Downloading Offline Maps: Users struggle with the process of downloading and managing offline maps, particularly with finding compatible map sources and understanding the download process.
  • Lack of Documentation: The app lacks comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, making it difficult for users to learn how to use its many features.
  • Wear OS Issues: Users are experiencing problems with the Wear OS app, including the inability to record tracks, lack of offline map support, and the need to pay again for the app on the smartwatch.
  • Map Related Issues: Problems reported with specific map types such as Google Hybrid, contour lines not showing, incorrect orientation of custom maps.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Wear OS Functionality: Offline map support, track recording, and route import on Wear OS devices.
  • Easier Offline Map Downloading: A more intuitive and streamlined process for downloading and managing offline maps.
  • Satellite View: Some users request the return of satellite view options like Google Hybrid and Microsoft Hybrid.
  • Data Restore Feature: A feature to restore data in case of loss.
  • Garmin Varia Integration: Support for Garmin Varia devices.
  • Save Exports to Downloads Folder: Users want track exports (GPX, KML) to be saved in the standard Downloads folder for easier access.
  • Route Length During Planning: The return of the feature that showed the route length during planning.
  • SHP Attribute Overlay: The ability to overlay SHP attribute data on the map.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Versatile Offline Map Support: The app's ability to use various map formats (GeoPDF, GeoTIFF, Garmin .img, .mbtiles) is highly valued.
  • Extensive Feature Set: Users appreciate the app's rich set of features, including track recording, route planning, waypoint management, sensor support, and online map integration.
  • Customization Options: The app's high degree of customizability allows users to tailor it to their specific needs.
  • External Device Support: The app supports a wide range of external devices, including GPS, heart rate monitors, bike sensors, and AIS systems.
  • Reliability: Many long-time users praise the app's reliability and consistency.
  • Privacy: The app's privacy policy, particularly regarding user data, is appreciated.
  • Active Community: The presence of an active user forum and helpful community members is a plus.
  • Low Battery Usage: Several users have commented positively on the app's low battery consumption.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • UI/UX Overhaul: Redesign the user interface to be more intuitive and user-friendly. Consider a "lite" mode for beginners and an "advanced" mode for experienced users.
  • Bug Fixing and Stability: Prioritize fixing reported bugs and improving app stability. Focus on issues related to offline map loading, track recording, and UTM zone accuracy.
  • Improve Offline Map Downloading: Simplify the process of downloading and managing offline maps. Provide clear instructions and support for various map sources.
  • Enhance Wear OS App: Add offline map support, track recording, and route import functionality to the Wear OS app.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Create detailed and up-to-date documentation, including tutorials and FAQs, to help users learn how to use the app's features.

Medium Priority:

  • Address Map-Related Issues: Fix reported problems with specific map types (Google Hybrid, contour lines, custom map orientation).
  • Implement Data Restore Feature: Add a feature to allow users to restore their data in case of loss.
  • Return Route Length Feature: Reinstate the feature that displayed the route length during planning.
  • Save Exports to Downloads Folder: Change the default export location to the standard Downloads folder.

Low Priority:

  • Garmin Varia Integration: Consider adding support for Garmin Varia devices.
  • SHP Attribute Overlay: Explore the possibility of adding SHP attribute overlay functionality.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • OruxMaps Training Platform: Develop a paid online training platform with video tutorials and personalized support to help users master the app's features.
  • Curated Map Marketplace: Create a marketplace for curated and pre-configured offline map packages, simplifying the map selection and download process for users.
  • OruxMaps Plugin Ecosystem: Allow third-party developers to create plugins that extend the app's functionality, such as specialized map viewers or integration with specific external devices.
  • Simplified Navigation App: Develop a separate, simplified version of OruxMaps with a more intuitive UI and fewer features, targeting casual users who don't need all the advanced functionality.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: Most reviews are in English and Spanish, indicating a strong user base in these regions.
  • Android Version Compatibility: There are recurring issues related to compatibility with newer Android versions (11, 12, 13), suggesting a need for more thorough testing on different Android versions.
  • Shift in Sentiment After Updates: Some users report negative experiences after updates, indicating that new versions sometimes introduce bugs or break existing functionality.
  • Experienced vs. New User Divide: There's a clear distinction between experienced users who appreciate the app's depth and power and new users who struggle with its complexity.

Conclusion

OruxMaps GP is a powerful and versatile mapping app with a loyal user base. However, its complex UI and occasional bugs are significant barriers to entry for new users and can frustrate even experienced users. By prioritizing UI/UX improvements, bug fixes, and comprehensive documentation, the developer can significantly enhance the user experience and attract a wider audience. The app's strengths in offline map support and feature set provide a solid foundation for future growth. Overall, OruxMaps GP has the potential to be a top-tier mapping app, but it needs to address its usability issues to reach its full potential.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.orux.oruxmapsDonate