Wikiloc vs Oruxmaps
The following is a comparison of Wikiloc vs OruxMaps, two powerful technological tools that help mountain sportsmen to obtain more information about existing routes and to generate new routes.
What are the uses of Wikiloc and Oruxmaps?
Wikiloc
For a large number of people, Wikiloc is the database with the largest number of routes currently available. It stores 34 million routes in all countries of the world, which have been uploaded by 10 million users.
To find the routes of your choice In the app you have to log in to their website, search in any country in the world and in more than 75 different activities. However, the app can also be used as a GPS navigation tool for mobile devices.
Through it, you will have the possibility to record your route to share with friends or to keep as an activity log. It is compatible with devices running Android and iOS systems. The route data that can be viewed with Wikiloc are: distance travelled, time duration, average speed and elevation.
It also has a High-precision GPSand can work as an altimeter. It can also carry out live tracking of tracks and download maps in GPX or KML formats without the need to be connected to the Internet.
In the following video that we have prepared for you by the mountaineer and youtuber Pau Calado tells us in detail how we can use the application, which has recently added "Route Planner" and 3D mapping functionality.
OruxMaps
OruxMaps is the most comprehensive (and complex and parameterisable if desired) tool for carrying out the practice of hikingIt is a software that has been around for a few years now and has been continuously updated and improved. It is a software that is already a few years old and has been updated and improved continuously.
In case you can't afford a GPS, but want to go hiking, among the possibilities it offers OruxMaps, is to take advantage of an old mobile phone in order to give it a second use as a GPS.
To do this, you have to install the programme in order to follow the routesand export them. You can buy a support that allows you to withstand trialeras, jumps and water without problems. Then, transport it comfortably, placing it on the stem or on the handlebars.
The only disadvantage you'll have is that the battery generally lasts less time with the screen on if left fixed (although it can be adjusted) compared to a specific device such as Polar or Garmin. If the mobile phone is placed in aeroplane mode or without SIM card it will last longer. It can also be used with 2 batteries.
It is a application available for Androidwhich is free to download and free of advertising.
Relevant features of Wikiloc and Oruxmaps
Wikiloc
To create a route in Wikiloc you should make use of the filters it offers. In this way, you will be able to generate the one that best suits your tastes and interests, such as length, elevation, degree of difficulty or type of activity carried out.
Through this function, you can choose the aspect with the highest priority for you, from the difficulty of the route to the conditions of the terrain and the duration of the activity.
The app features a variety of activities such as hikingclimbing, mountaineering, running, mountain biking, kayaking and many more.
In terms of the countries and cities from which there are recorded routesThe number of routes is extensive. On the official website you can see all the places where you can find a route. In this way, Wikiloc offers to its users access to a large number of routes located all over the world.
The app allows you to find the main routes in the vicinity of the site you are interested in. This option is simple to execute, as you only have to enter the name of the location in the search box and the application will allow you to see all the main routes in the vicinity of the site you are interested in. routes and activities you can do.
Wikiloc requires the download of a file containing the map data. For example, you can download the complete map of Spain or only the map of the community in which you need to locate a route, thus taking up less space on your device.
OruxMaps
OruxMaps allows you to track and share your routes, but what stands out the most is that it works very well in navigation, both in online mode and by downloading the GPX maps on your device and that fixed waypoints can generate their own routes.
In addition, all of the above can be exported into the GPX format and loaded in an external browser. The only drawback is that it is not very easy to use, at least the first few times.
OruxMaps is considered to be one of the best GPS applications to go to the mountains, especially due to the large number of completely free functions that make the mobile phone an ideal technical tool for any adventure.
The map database is continuously updated with a large number of maps. variety of routes around the world and with the ability to observe them online and without the need to be connected. It is possible to save the route, adding points of interest and photographs in real time in order to personalise each mountain experience.
The application has a very intuitive interface, but it is necessary to take some time to understand all the functionalities. Among the aspects that are most appreciated is the fact that it is possible to load new routes and more detailed maps, where necessary.
Advantages of its use
Wikiloc
Among the main advantages of using Wikiloc for sportsmen and sportswomen can be pointed out:
- The application can work with a variety of Garmin devices.
- You can locate the routes according to certain areas through its search engine.
- The guidance service can be configured with sounds so that you can enjoy your journey, without having to continually use your mobile phone to see the location.
The use of this application presents certain issues that may be disadvantageous, such as the following:
- To enjoy the full range of functions, the Premium version must be purchased.
- The app does not add to its functionalities, certain additional options such as the heart rate monitors.
- Apart from the Garmin line, the app is not compatible with any additional devices.
OruxMaps
OruxMaps is an app that offers users many advantages. The most important of these are the following.
- It is possible to continue on any route that is loaded and you will be alerted by a sound when you stray from the route. In this way, it will not be necessary to turn on the screen and have an extra battery cost, if you deviate a few meters, or as you are going to parameterise it. Follow the route with the map rotating according to the orientation that you carry with the purpose of always directing you upwards on the map, or set it for ever. go north.
- You have the possibility to use a wide variety of maps, which can be topographic maps, maps of Google MapsThe software can be used for satellite maps (orthophotos) or offline maps that can be downloaded via the software itself or entered manually, Garmin maps, playing with checkpoints and waypoints, among others.
- Maps can be displayed in 3D if you prefer with elevation.
- Another very useful feature is that if you're walking through a real-time routing you will be able to see where your colleagues are moving on the map, if they also have Oruxmapswhich is perfect in case one of the team goes astray.
- Similar to the other applications, it allows connection to external accessories such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors and many more.
- Allows you to export routes to other applications, such as Strava, via GPX and TCX files.
How much is the price of Wikiloc and Oruxmaps?
Wikiloc
Wikiloc can be downloaded free of charge. However, in order to be able to experience the outdoor navigation and the setting of sound alerts to warn you when you leave your route, plus many more features, you have to pay Wikiloc Premium, whose monthly fee is 9.99 euros per year or 4.99 euros for a quarter.
Acquiring Wikiloc Premium you will be able to receive the following functions:
- Outdoor Navigation.
- Search according to the zones of passage.
- Sending the route to your Garmin device.
- Live monitoring.
- Meteorological data.
- Exploration by photographs.
- Route search by user.
- Advanced filters.
- List of routes.
OruxMaps
OruxMaps can be downloaded completely free of charge and without advertising from its official website: www.oruxmaps.com. In addition, a donation version is available in the Google Play Store to support the support of the application.
Sometimes the donation has been made on a not-for-profit basis to the Spanish PWS Association. Its aim is to collaborate with the protection, assistance, educational provision and social integration of people affected by Prader-Willi syndrome and their families.
Conclusion
After having analysed Wikiloc vs OruxMaps it can be concluded that they are both useful tools in the practice of mountain sports activities. Because they have different functions and particular features, to choose one of them, it is suggested that you test them for a certain period of time and then select the one that best suits your preferences.
