The CoMaps project, developing a fully open-source community fork of the Organic Maps mobile mapping app, has published the 2026.05.06 release and a year-long progress report. CoMaps' code is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license. The app is available on F-Droid, Google Play, the Apple App Store, Flathub, and directly on Codeberg.
The main new feature in the release is the ability to update maps independently of the app itself, using the new "Check for Updates" button on the map download screen. Historically, map and app versions were tightly coupled—accessing new maps required updating the app first. This simplified compatibility, but required constant app updates and sometimes lengthy waits for each release to be approved by app stores—every day of waiting made the maps less current. Now, new maps are planned to be released weekly, and the current state at release will be only a couple of days old. Currently, maps based on OpenStreetMap data from May 10th are available for download.
In addition, the new version of navigation now displays only traffic lights on the route, but with larger icons. AndroidSearch category versions are now displayed in columns, and an option to enable incognito mode for the system keyboard has been implemented. In the iOS version, a button to start recording a track has been added to the navigation bar.
On May 12, the project celebrated its one-year anniversary, during which time approximately 100 people contributed 2500 commits to the main Codeberg repository. Over 270 translators are working on translations into 80 languages (30 of which are already fully completed). One of the main English-language Matrix/Telegram chats has over 1200 members. There are also chats in Spanish, French, German, Turkish, and Russian. Current operational issues are typically discussed by developers in the CoMaps space on the Zulip platform, which has approximately 50 active members. The project's user base across all platforms is estimated at approximately 250.
Other notable changes over the year include:
- Expanded information about points of interest (POIs): links to Panoramas panoramas, display of the last updated date of the object, availability of organic options in stores and cafes, information on service costs, detailed information about electric vehicle charging stations (type, capacity, number of connectors, etc.), etc.
- Route planning: takes into account additional time for intersections, traffic lights, and stop signs; takes into account temporary/conditional restrictions; options for avoiding steps and paved roads (for the adventurous).
- Around 100 new different types of objects have been added to the map, and a lot of work has been done to generally improve the map's display style, including the "Active Leisure" style.
- Wikipedia articles about map objects are now available in 17 languages (initially there were 5).
- Work has been carried out to ensure confidentiality and modernize the code.
- From December 2025 AndroidThe CoMaps version allows the use of third-party and custom map servers. The "official" network of servers has been expanded, many of which are provided and maintained by community members.
- Various open source improvements from the Organic Maps project have been integrated (some of the new OM features are based on proprietary changes to the map generator code and require rework to be included in CoMaps).
- Work has been done to improve the built-in OpenStreetMap editor in CoMaps. For example, we've added the ability to create objects requiring multiple OSM tags, the ability to mark objects as unused, simplified note-taking, and more. Over the past year, more than 7500 CoMaps users have used the built-in editor, contributing nearly 90,000 changes to OpenStreetMap. This includes a couple of notes with ideas on how to find and edit notes created in CoMaps and how to find and correct errors in OSM data.
- CoMaps has been selected as the default map app for iodéOS and CalyxOS. * The "European & Open Source Alternatives" project gave CoMaps a trust score of 9,6 out of 10—the highest rating among navigation apps. Switching Software recommended CoMaps as an alternative to Google Maps. The "is it really foss?" project confirmed that CoMaps is a completely open source project with no caveats or caveats.
Future plans include integrating up-to-date traffic information, public transport-related improvements, adding user reviews/ratings, and creating specialized map styles for different modes of transport.
The CoMaps project was founded by former volunteer contributors to Organic Maps, who were dissatisfied with Organic Maps' dependence on the shareholders of the for-profit Organic Maps, its closed governance process, the lack of transparency in donation distribution, and its inconsistency with the stated principles of open source software. The fork is developing in accordance with the principles of openness, transparency, and collaboration. The project is focused on operating solely as a non-profit and being accountable to the community. Key principles for the app's development include a simple user interface, offline functionality, lightweight design (including energy consumption), and the absence of advertising, personal identification, and data collection.
Source: opennet.ru
