It was only a week back when Nokia introduced Here, the company's location cloud based service to deliver maps and location information to various smartphones and tablet users. Now, to further extend its location services, Nokia has launched the Here maps application for iOS which is now available for free download on the Apple app store. 

Based on HTML5, the Nokia maps app includes various features like offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transport directions. Further, Nokia also announced a strategic partnership with Mozilla to bring new location experiences to the Firefox OS. Nokia plans to debut a mobile Web version of HERE Maps for the new Firefox OS next year. 

Well, many experts believe that the Finnish company's new maps app is capable enough to challenge the other mapping applications including Google and of course its a feature-rich alternative to Apple’s own native mapping solution. Let's take a look at the best features of the Here app. 

Five Different Views

Live traffic view, then usual map view, public transport view and Satellite view. In addition to these standard views, the app also supports community maps, which are created from the data given by the users in real-time. The free app gives a live view of traffic around you provided you have mapping data available in the region where you are in. It can give you views on public transportation and also gives satellite imagery (Apple and Google are definitely better in terms of satellite imagery).

Walking directions

This is quite a useful feature for those who are in a foreign land. He can get walking directions to a nearby place through pedestrian routes, alleyways and parks. 

Collections

It is one of the highlights of this App. This feature works like bookmarks, where you can pin and store some of the usually used routes and maps in the app itself. The advantage is that once you have a valid account and store these collections, you can log in from any device having this app installed and see such routes and maps. Collection can even be a group of your frequently used routes like your favourite dining places or hang out places. 

Social mapping

Nokia Here would allow creating personal maps and share with people on the go. Users will be able to share specific points of interest too like restaurants with others via this app. The roadmap also envisions the use of this app cross platform and as per the reports an Android version is also getting ready. 

Voice guided navigation

You can have navigations dictated to you by voice too, quite helpful while you drive. 

Search

You can search for routes and maps in around 200 countries with this. You can also search for historical routes and maps you have used in the past. 

Sign in

You can sign into this App with either your Nokia account or Facebook log in. 

Nokia is not a new entrant to the mapping space. They have a proprietary mapping system NAVTEQwhich is used exclusively for in-vehicle navigation. The version is dubbed 1.8 and total file size is around 3.7 MB. This app would be compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. You need devices running on iOS 4.3 and higher for this app to function. 

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