How to use Petal Maps: Huawei's alternative to Google Maps, with its own features

Petal Maps It has become one of the most powerful and versatile alternatives to traditional map services, especially for Huawei device users and those who seek an option other than Google Maps.

Although it was born as a response to the veto of Google services on mobile phones and tablets of the Chinese brand, Petal Maps has evolved to position itself on its own merits thanks to its Advanced features, ease of use, and commitment to user privacyIn this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this app.

What is Petal Maps and who developed it?

Petal Maps is the maps and navigation application developed by Huawei and available in more than 160 countries and regions. Initially, its main function was to provide the company's smartphones with their own navigation tool in the enforced absence of Google services. However, today, it is a multiplatform app compatible with HarmonyOS, Android and iOS, so it can be used on most smartphones and tablets on the market.

One of the curiosities of Petal Maps is that Its mapping infrastructure is based on data from TomTom and OpenStreetMap instead of Google sources. This ensures a diversity of information and up-to-date maps independent of the Google ecosystem.

As for its launch, Petal Maps debuted in October 2020 via Huawei's AppGallery, then arrived on Google Play in June 2021 for Android devices, and finally landed on iOS via the App Store in March 2022.

 

Main features and functionalities of Petal Maps

Application Petal Maps not only allows point-to-point navigation, but also incorporates a wide variety of options and tools to maximize the user experienceThese are its most notable and useful features:

• Precise navigation with real-time traffic: Thanks to constantly updated data, you can find optimal routes based on traffic, travel time, traffic lights, and personal preferences. The app recommends the fastest, shortest, and least congested option by combining different parameters.
• Lane guidance: It offers lane-level guidance so you can anticipate complex intersections and lane changes, essential in large cities or on unfamiliar routes.
• Reports and notices: You can report and view the location of speed cameras, accidents, police checkpoints, or other events shared by the community in real time.
• Offline Maps: It allows you to download maps of different regions so you can navigate even without an internet connection, which is ideal when traveling abroad or in areas without good coverage.
• Multiple layers and display types: With Petal Maps, you can activate layers for traffic, public transit, weather, video, fires, and even special COVID-19 information, adapting the map to your needs at any given time.
• Voice assistant: You can activate voice commands to receive instructions without looking at the screen, increasing driving safety and comfort when traveling on foot or by bike.
• Dark mode: Modify the interface's appearance for optimal viewing at night or in low-light environments, protecting your eyes and avoiding distractions.
• Smart search and recommendations: It features voice-activated suggestions for places to eat, drink, or visit, and integration with business information, gas stations, parking, and other points of interest that appear intuitively and organized on the map.
• Multi-device synchronization: Sync data and favorites to the cloud using Huawei Mobile Cloud or Dropbox, making it easy to access across devices regardless of the operating system.
• Favorites and customization: Organize favorites into custom lists with their own icons, ideal for users who manage regular routes or trips.
• Collaborative functionality: Allows you to add new sites, correct misinformation, rate and leave comments on places or routes.

 

Compatibility and supported devices

One of the great successes of Petal Maps is its wide compatibility with devices of all types. Not only can you install it on your mobile phone, but it also integrates with its own car system, Huawei HiCar, as well as smart watches such as the Huawei series HUAWEI WATCH GT2, GT3 and WATCH 3Highlights include its independent navigation mode on the watch, which allows you to navigate while walking or cycling without your phone, and its collaborative mode, which synchronizes the route between your phone and the wearable for greater convenience.

The app is officially available on AppGallery, Google Play, and the App Store, although it comes pre-installed by default on some recent Huawei devices.

 

Is Petal Maps free?

Petal Maps is completely free. In addition, one of its advantages over other navigation applications is that It does not contain advertising and does not offer micropayments or subscriptions.All core features are unlocked for all users as standard.

However, some advanced features may be limited to specific countries or regions due to local laws or data availability, but basic access is global.

You don't need to create an account to start using the app. However, If you want to sync your data and bookmarks between different devices, it is recommended to register. with a Huawei account (or Dropbox). This way, you'll never lose your personalized lists or saved routes if you change your phone or tablet.

 

Significant advantages over Google Maps and other browsers

The eternal comparison between Petal Maps and Google Maps It's still present among users, especially in the context of Huawei phones and the availability of apps on Android. These are some of the notable differences and advantages:

• Privacy and Huawei ecosystem: Petal Maps has a stronger focus on user privacy, as it relies less on Google services and allows greater control over personal data.
• Native integration on Huawei: It comes standard on Huawei phones and seamlessly synchronizes with other products and services in the Huawei ecosystem, providing consistency and ease of use.
• Smartwatch Features: Some exclusive features allow you to navigate completely from your smartwatch, something not all browsers offer.
• Simplicity and clean interface: Many users highlight how easy it is to navigate the app, thanks to its minimalist and well-organized design.
• Less information overload: While Google Maps has more data and layers, Petal Maps offers just the right amount of information to avoid overwhelming the user, focusing on the essentials for the trip.

However, Google Maps continues to lead in global coverage, especially in rural areas., level of detail for public transport and advanced features such as Street View or 3D maps, which are still under development or not yet implemented in Petal Maps.

What types of maps and layers are available?

Petal Maps goes far beyond the typical road map. Offers multiple layers and display modes which you can activate or deactivate according to your preferences:

• Real time traffic
• Public transport and stops
• Construction areas and road closures
• Meteorological conditions
• Covid-19 coverage (where available)
• Video viewing and fire zones
• 3D viewing in some areas and satellite view (the latter only available in the mobile app, not yet available in the web version)

By activating each layer, you can adapt the map to your specific needs, anticipating road incidents, finding the best public transportation, or simply checking the physical conditions of the terrain before heading out.

Offline Navigation: How and When to Use Petal Maps Without Internet

One of the features most valued by users is the possibility of download maps and navigate offlineThis allows you to check routes, search for places, and follow directions even when you don't have an internet connection—very useful for international trips, rural areas, or simply to save mobile data.

To use offline maps, you must first download the area or country you're interested in. The download requires an internet connection the first time you set up the feature, but you can view the map at any time afterward. However, to receive real-time traffic alerts, status updates, and new incidents, you will need an active internet connection.

 

Is Petal Maps worth using in Spain?

At present, Petal Maps works optimally for urban navigation in Spain. and in most European countries where its coverage and data are well-updated. It may have certain limitations in rural areas or in terms of real-time information compared to more established applications like Google Maps, but in large cities and frequent journeys, it's a reliable and fluid option, especially for those who want to avoid the Google ecosystem.

Now available for Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS devices, more and more users can enjoy its benefits and discover its constant improvements and new features.

The rapid development of Petal Maps, combined with its commitment to privacy, ease of use and integration into wearables and cars, is making it a a very solid alternative to the classics in the sectorIf you have a Huawei phone, it's the best option out of the box. But even if you use a different brand, you'll probably be surprised at how well it handles your everyday navigation, search, and trip planning needs.