After Zoho's Arattai, India's push for digital self-reliance has brought renewed attention to MapmyIndia's Mappls, a homegrown navigation app developed in line with government guidelines. Swadeshi And Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. On October 11, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tested the app during a drive, highlighting key navigation and safety features such as 3D junction views, voice prompts and live traffic updates. Created by New Delhi-based MapmyIndia in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the app aims to provide users across India with a privacy-focused, hyper-local alternative to global mapping services like Google Maps.
What is Mappls?
Mappls is a homegrown digital navigation and mapping application developed by MapmyIndia, designed to help users find accurate addresses, get turn-by-turn directions and stay updated with live traffic and safety information. It integrates India-specific data and provides mapping tools tailored to Indian roads and environments.
How is Mappls linked to ISRO?
In February 2021, MapmyIndia partnered with ISRO to merge its mapping technologies with ISRO's satellite imagery and Earth observation data. This partnership will enable Mappls to deliver detailed, locally relevant and indigenous mapping solutions across India, improving both accuracy and coverage.
How can users download and open the app?
The Mappls app can be downloaded for free from mappls.com, the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. It also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing users to access maps and navigation via smartphones, web browsers or in-car systems.
What are the main features of Mappls?
Intersection view:
Navigating complex overpasses and multi-lane intersections can be confusing, especially in unfamiliar cities. The Mappls app provides a 3D view of intersections, with clearly marked lanes and realistic images of entry and exit points. This helps drivers anticipate turns and reduces the chance of confusion or last-minute maneuvers.
Live traffic information:
Mappls provides real-time traffic data including congestion levels, speed limits, traffic light locations and live signal timers. It also indicates the presence of speed cameras and warns drivers of changing road conditions. This feature allows users to plan smoother and safer trips.
NHAI Toll Savings Calculator:
Through the toll calculator, Mappls allows users to estimate toll costs, identify toll passes that operate along their route and calculate savings in advance. The app also provides information about nearby toll plazas and supports in-app pass purchases for a more convenient travel experience.
Indian languages:
To ensure accessibility across India, Mappls offers navigation, map labels and voice guidance in nine Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam and Gujarati. This feature allows users to comfortably navigate in their preferred language regardless of their region.
Mappls camera:
The app's built-in camera feature allows users to record locations with automatic geotagging. By taking a photo through the Mappls app, users can generate a QR code associated with that spot, making it easier to revisit or share the location later.
Speed cameras and traffic monitoring:
Mappls warns motorists of the presence of speed cameras, traffic lights and other surveillance systems along their route. The feature is based on MapmyIndia's database of traffic checkpoints and helps drivers maintain compliance and avoid violations.
Safety Warnings:
This feature provides real-time notifications about potential road hazards, such as potholes, sharp turns or speeding violations. It allows drivers to take preventive measures, contributing to safer driving and fewer surprises on the road.
DigiPin integration:
By integrating DigiPin, India Post's digital addressing solution, Mappls provides verified, standardized digital addresses across the country. This improves address accuracy, improves last-mile delivery, and simplifies location sharing for individuals and organizations.
Mappls Pin:
Each location on the map can be represented by a six-character alphanumeric code known as a Mappls pin (e.g. mmi000). This simplifies complex addresses and makes sharing and finding locations faster and more reliable.
3D Metaverse and RealView:
Mappls features immersive 3D and 360-degree RealView maps, which display routes and landmarks in lifelike detail. Users can view these in the app, in browsers or via VR headsets. The tool also supports geotagging, metering and visual analysis of assets, providing a practical solution for urban planning and infrastructure monitoring.
How does Mappls handle user data and privacy?
Mappls states that all user information is stored securely on servers in India and no data is transferred outside the country. The company follows strict security measures to protect user privacy, in line with Indian Data Protection Principles and ensure that users maintain control over their information.
Who can use Mappls?
The app is intended for individual users, companies and government agencies. From personal navigation to fleet management and infrastructure analysis, Mappls offers tools suitable for different applications across industries.
